School areaPanama
Traffic rules
Panama
1. School area
A school area is a road or group of roads near a school where large numbers of children may walk, cycle, cross the road or enter and leave vehicles. It may be identified by warning signs, zone signs, road markings, traffic-calming measures or flashing lights.
Special speed limits, parking restrictions or access rules may apply permanently or only during school arrival and departure times. Drivers should reduce speed, watch carefully for children and be prepared to stop.
What speed rules apply around schools in Panama?
Panama’s traffic regulations provide a precautionary maximum of 30 km/h near schools during operating hours, subject to any lower indicated limit.
🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 181(h), 184
Does a school warning sign in Panama automatically set the speed limit?
A children or school warning alerts you to a potential hazard; the enforceable numerical speed limit depends on the applicable law, regulatory signs and any time or variable display. Slow further if children are near the road.
🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 181(h), 184
Warning for children.
English • Traffic sign P-33 • School zone. Pupils may be present. Reduce speed and take extra care.
Español • P-33 • Zona escolar. Advierte una zona escolar y la posible presencia de escolares. Reduzca la velocidad y extreme la precaución.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Ena.com.pa • ENA Norte: detalle de señalización vertical, enero 2026, hoja 44
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2014-04-15. Wikimedia original unmodified.
How should you pass a school entrance in Panama?
Watch for children stepping out from between parked vehicles, obey crossings and any school patrol, and follow stopping or parking restrictions. Do not obstruct visibility near a crossing or school entrance; approach at a speed that permits a safe stop.
🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 181(h), 184
