Saskatchewan speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the speed limit where no sign is posted.
• You can apply the 60 km/h slow-down rule correctly.
• You can explain how work zone and school zone limits work.
• You can stop correctly for a school bus.
• You can recognize stunting behaviour that leads to impoundment.

What you need to know and understand

• Where no speed limit is posted, the limit is 80 km/h.
• A town or city's entrance speed sign applies everywhere inside it unless another limit is posted.
• Slow to 60 km/h when passing stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks or highway equipment with lights flashing.
• Speeding fines triple when passing highway workers in a work zone.
• School zone limits are set by local bylaws, so watch for signs.
• Stop no closer than 5 metres to a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm out. The minimum fine for passing is $360.
• Stunting, racing and going 50 km/h or more over the limit lead to a 30-day vehicle impoundment.

Limits you must know

The posted limit is the fastest you may go in ideal conditions. Slow down for weather, traffic and animals near the road. Driving so slowly that you block traffic is also an offence.

• Unposted roads: 80 km/h.
• Communities: the limit posted at the entrance applies throughout unless signs say otherwise.
• School zones: set by each city or town's bylaw. If there are no signs, still slow down near schools.
• Work zones: obey the posted speed through the zone, and go no faster than 60 km/h when passing a worker, flag person or equipment occupied by a worker.
• Photo radar is used in some work zones, school zones and high-risk locations. The ticket goes to the vehicle's registered owner.

The 60 km/h slow-down rule

Saskatchewan drivers must slow to 60 km/h when passing stopped emergency vehicles with lights flashing, roadside service and escort vehicles stopped with warning lights flashing, tow trucks or assistance vehicles stopped with amber or amber and blue lights flashing, and Ministry of Highways equipment with lights flashing, whether moving or not. The rule applies to traffic in both directions on an undivided highway, but not to traffic going the other way on a divided highway. Snow plows that are moving may be passed when safe without the 60 km/h limit.

School buses

You do not have to stop if you are going the opposite way on a divided highway. Some communities have bylaws that ban school bus stop lights, and buses using only four-way hazard lights do not require you to stop, but always go slowly and watch for children.

1. Amber lights flashing: slow down and be ready to stop.
2. Red lights flashing and stop arm out: stop no closer than 5 metres from the front or back of the bus. On an undivided road, traffic from both directions must stop.
3. Stay stopped until the driver turns off the red lights and pulls in the stop arm.
4. Check that all children have crossed before moving.

Stunting, racing and big speeds

Racing, chasing another vehicle, weaving through lanes, spinning or lifting tires, blocking someone from passing, and driving 50 km/h or more over the limit or double the posted limit can each lead to a ticket, licence suspension and a 30-day impoundment of the vehicle you are driving, even if you do not own it. Our guide to Saskatchewan speeding, stunting and distracted driving penalties has the full details.

Common mistakes

• Assuming the highway limit applies inside a town. Look for the entrance sign.
• Forgetting the 60 km/h rule when going the other way on an undivided highway.
• Stopping too close to a school bus. Keep at least 5 metres back.
• Driving at the limit in snow or fog. The limit is a maximum, not a target.

Test yourself: Saskatchewan speed limits and key traffic laws

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Saskatchewan Traffic Lights
• How to Get a Driver’s Licence in Saskatchewan
• Saskatchewan Novice 1 and Novice 2 Rules