A new strict road rule that comes into effect on October 2025 in Victoria is that drivers will be required to slow down to 40 km/h when overtaking stationary or slow-moving emergency, roadside assistance, tow trucks, and incident response vehicles, which have flashing lights or alarms. Violating this rule may lead to a fine of up to AUD -961 and 3 points of detention.
Highlights of the New Victoria Road Rule
– The rule covers all roads including highways and the urban roads.
– When passing, slows down to 40km/h or less:
- Ambulance, flashing lights, police, fire trucks.
- Towing cars of breakdown and accidents.
- Maintenance and roadside assistance cars.
– Toll roads like the Peninsula link and Eastlink which have incident response vehicles.
– It also applies to vehicles that are travelling at a speed of 10 km/h or below and with flashing lights.
– The speed reduction rule might not be practiced on the other side of a divided road (in between the median).
Purpose of the Rule
This bill will enhance the safety of the emergency responders, roadside employees and tow operators who face a lot of risk when operating around traffic. Statistics indicate that there are numerous severe injuries and deaths due to the fact that the drivers do not slow down or notice the blinking lights.
Table: Victoria New Slow Down Rule Penalties and Applicability
| Offense | Fine Amount (AUD) | Demerit Points | Applies To | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to slow near emergency or roadside vehicles | $961 | 3 | All motorists | October 2025 |
| Ignoring flashing lights on emergency vehicles | $740 | 2 | General drivers | October 2025 |
| Reckless driving near roadside workers | $1,100 | 4 | All vehicle drivers | October 2025 |
| Failure to obey traffic officers | $850 | 3 | Car and truck drivers | October 2025 |
| Repeat offenses within 12 months | $1,500 | 5 | Repeat offenders | October 2025 |
What Drivers Need to Know
– The provision is strictly followed with more roadside check-ups and camera surveillance.
– Lack of knowledge of the rule cannot serve as a defense; drivers should take all care always to avoid roadside workers.
– The punishments are harsh to stress on the need to drive safely at a slower pace.
– This is one of the laws that are a trend in the whole nation as every state in Australia embraces the same protection measures.
FAQs
Q1: What is the penalty in failing to slow down in the presence of emergency vehicles in Victoria?
Fine of up to 961 and 3 demerit points as of October 2025.
Q2: Is this rule applicable in highways and freeways?
Yes, it can be used in all roads including highways of more than one lane.
Q3: Do I have to pull over upon being signaled by an emergency worker?
Yes, the drivers are required to reduce the speed to 40 km/h and be ready to halt when commanded.
Q4: What would happen to me, when living on the other side of a divided road?
No slowing down might be necessary in case there is a strong medium, which signifies the separation.
