Safe parking around schools
Safer streets start in school zones School Patrol Program
A safe and caring community is built on strong partnerships, smart investments and a shared commitment to protecting one another. Through collaboration with Calgary Police Service and schools, we’re making school zones safer—one patrol at a time.
Why the School Patrol Program matters
Every school day, thousands of families drive through Calgary’s school zones. These areas are full of energy and movement as parents and caregivers drop off their kids, drivers rush to work and children excitedly head to class. When parking rules aren’t followed, it can quickly lead to traffic congestion, dangerous conditions for children and frustration for everyone.
The School Patrol Program is more than enforcement—it’s a community-first initiative that protects children during busy drop-off and pick-up times and promotes safe driving behaviours.
Every action we take is rooted in a long-term vision: a city where families feel confident sending their children to school, knowing their safety is a priority. By combining education, presence and proactive engagement, we support The City’s long-term vision for safer mobility, community well-being and an inclusive culture of safety around Calgary’s schools.
What we're doing
- Parking Safety & Compliance Officers attend schools during busy drop-off and pick-up times to guide drivers and answer questions.
- Education-first approach: Officers prioritize awareness and voluntary compliance before issuing tickets.
- Photo enforcement vehicles monitor school zones and issue tickets with photo evidence when violations occur.
- Community prioritization: With over 150 elementary schools, we focus on high-risk areas and respond to community requests.
How you can help
School zones are high-traffic areas during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups. During these hours, we encourage you to
- Plan ahead and leave early to avoid rushed, unsafe parking
- Park legally and avoid prohibited zones
- Use active school travel options like walking or biking
- Be kind to officers—they’re here to support safety
- Spread the word in your community
Common parking challenges and fines
Unsafe parking often happens when drivers cut corners for convenience. Our Parking Safety & Compliance Officers observe patterns that compromise visibility, block access, and create confusion during critical drop-off and pick-up windows. Each of these behaviours puts children at risk and may result in fines or towing. These are the most frequent violations we see in school zones:
Parking too close to crosswalks or intersections
This blocks sightlines for children crossing the street and drivers approaching intersections. Our officers educate drivers on the 5-metre rule and issue warnings or tickets when necessary.
To avoid getting a ticket, always leave space—about the length of a car—between your vehicle and any crosswalk or corner.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $68 |
See Calgary Parking Bylaw 41M2002 – Section 3(1)(d), 3(1)(h)
Double parking
This creates congestion and forces children to walk between vehicles into traffic. Our patrol officers actively discourage this behaviour but you may receive a ticket.
To avoid getting a ticket, only park in designated spots, not beside other cars.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $68 |
See Calgary Parking Bylaw 41M2002 – Section 3(1)(l)
Parking in "No Parking" or "No Stopping" zones
These zones are designed to keep traffic moving and protect visibility. You may receive an immediate ticket if you ignore signage, even for a few minutes.
To avoid getting a ticket, always check signs before parking and keep driving if you see any of these signs.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $68 |
See Calgary Traffic Bylaw 26M96 – Section 13(1)
Parking on sidewalks or boulevards
This forces pedestrians into the street and damages public infrastructure. You may receive a ticket if you park on a sidewalk or grassy area meant for walking.
To avoid getting a ticket, stay on the road or in marked parking spots.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $68 |
See Calgary Parking Bylaw 41M2002 – Section 3(1)(a)
Parking in school bus zones
This delays buses and endangers children boarding or exiting. You may receive a ticket or have your vehicle towed if you park in a school bus zone.
To avoid getting a ticket, do not park in school bus zones.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $75 |
See Calgary Traffic Bylaw 26M96 – Section 35(2)
Blocking driveways or garages
This prevents residents from leaving or entering their homes. Our officers respond to complaints and issue fines. You may also get your vehicle towed.
To avoid getting a ticket, leave at least 1.5 metres of space from driveways so vehicles can enter and exit easily.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $75 |
See Calgary Parking Bylaw 41M2002 – Section 3(1)(g)
Angle parking in cul-de-sacs without signage
This limits how other cars can use the cul-de-sac and blocks traffic flow. You may receive a ticket.
To avoid getting a ticket, do not park in a cul-de-sac unless the signage permits it.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $68 |
Parking in fire lanes or emergency access zones
You may receive a ticket or have your vehicle towed if you block a fire lane or emergency routes, which is a serious safety risk.
To avoid getting a ticket, never park near fire hydrants, exits or emergency zones.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $80 | $120 | $150 |
See Calgary Parking Bylaw 41M2002 – Section 3(1)(m)
Abandoning vehicles over 72 hours
This creates clutter in high-traffic zones and goes against the parking bylaw and our officers issue tickets and tow vehicles that haven’t moved for over 72 consecutive hours.
To avoid getting a ticket, do not leave your car parked on city streets for more than 72 consecutive hours, especially near schools.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $160 | $200 | $300 |
See Calgary Parking Bylaw 41M2002 – Section 8(1)(a)
Parking in accessible zones without a placard
This prevents access for those who need it most. Our officers verify placards and issue fines as needed. You may receive a ticket or have your vehicle towed if you park without a valid and visible permit.
To avoid getting a ticket, only park here if you have a visible placard or license plate.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $200 | $250 | $300 |
See Calgary Traffic Bylaw 26M96 – Section 32(3)
Simplifying enforcement with ParkPlus
With over 150 elementary schools in Calgary, we prioritize high-risk areas and respond to community requests. To help cover more schools and respond to complaints efficiently when officers aren't there in person:
- Vehicles equipped with cameras monitor school zones.
- Time-stamped photos are taken of parked vehicles in School zones.
- License plates are checked and tickets are issued to vehicles parked illegally in school zones.
- The tickets are mailed to the registered owner along with photo evidence.
Parking safely in school zones is a responsibility every driver, parent and caregiver must be mindful of to protect kids and support safer streets. It starts with each parking spot and the kids are counting on all of us to keep them safe. We hope you join us in helping to spread the word.
Download the Parking Safety Superstar booklet
The Parking Safety Superstar booklet teaches kids how to spot unsafe parking and helps them remind adults to follow the parking rules — all in a fun and easy way.
Download booklet
Frequently asked questions
Why does The City enforce parking rules in school zones?
Parking rules are enforced to protect children and families. Unsafe parking can block visibility, create traffic hazards and delay emergency response. Our goal is to prevent accidents—not just issue tickets.
What should I do if I’m running late for drop-off or pick-up?
We understand mornings can be hectic. Please plan ahead and leave extra time to find legal parking. Rushing often leads to unsafe choices that put children at risk. Consider walking a short distance or using active travel options.
Why are officers issuing tickets instead of warnings?
Our officers prioritize education and voluntary compliance. However, in high-risk areas or repeat violations, enforcement is necessary to ensure safety.
How does The City decide which schools get patrols?
We prioritize schools based on community requests, historical data and observed safety risks. With over 150 elementary schools in Calgary, we focus on areas with the greatest need and rotate coverage to maximize impact.
What if I feel I was unfairly ticketed?
If you believe you received a parking ticket in error, you can request an administrative review or appeal. If no administrative review is requested and the ticket remains unpaid, it will become a Violation Ticket within 30 to 40 days from the date it was issued.
