Highestspeedlimit inAustralia

The summaries RACV provide on Victorian road rules are based on the Victorian Road Safety Road Rules 2017. We make sure to reference the exact rule where possible. When reading, keep in mind that we’re providing general information, not legal advice. If you’re looking for specific questions on any legal matter, consult with a lawyer for help.

The rule applies despite any other road rule and applies regardless of whether the incident is deemed an emergency or not.

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Speed signs reflect the maximum speed allowed, so you must travel at or below the speed shown.  Some drivers may be subject to lower speed limits, including some heavy vehicles which are restricted to 100km/h and some learner drivers from outside Victoria.

“A driver driving at a speed of 20 kilometres per hour on a length of road to which a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour applies when there is no reason for the driver to drive at that speed on the length of road”.

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The rule doesn't provide a definition of 'slow-moving'. The example given by VicRoads of a vehicle that is moving slowly is "less than 10km/h", for example "a fire truck extinguishing roadside spot fires is an example of a slow-moving emergency vehicle".

Highestspeedlimit in Victoria

The key reason to this example is “when there is no reason” for the slower speed. Under adverse conditions, such as rain, at night, or areas with high pedestrian activity, it is often necessary to drive at a speed that is slower than the posted speed limit.

When driving near a Victorian school, lower speed limits apply for the safety of children crossing the roads. The school speed limit and type of sign you see will depend on the usual speed limit of the road adjacent to the school.

On divided roads with a median strip, the rule only applies to lanes of traffic on the same side of the road as the emergency/enforcement vehicle.

Victoria is currently experiencing a construction boom, so it’s likely you’ll come across a lot of speed signs on your daily commute.

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The rules about driving below the speed limit relate to unreasonably obstructing the path of other road users, rather than stating a minimum speed.

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Speed limits indicate the maximum speed allowed, not the speed you should necessarily travel at. You should always drive for the conditions, such as in extreme weather conditions or in areas of reduced visibility.

A driver is not considered to be unreasonably obstructing another road user if the driver is stopped in traffic; or if the driver is driving more slowly than the other vehicles (unless the driver is driving abnormally slow in the circumstances).

When you see a speed limit sign, that limit applies for the entire length of road following that sign until you reach a sign with another speed limit, an ‘end speed limit’ sign, or the end of a road if the road ends at a T-intersection or dead end. Speed limits apply in a 'road related area' which includes car parks and any area that is open to the public for driving, riding or parking, or is for use by cyclists or animals.

When emergency or enforcement vehicles are displaying red, blue or magenta lights, or sounding their alarm, drivers must:

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School term dates and holidays are publishd by the Victorian Department of Education and Training. Within these blocks of dates, 'school day' speed limits apply every day except Saturdays, Sundays and local public holidays, unless signs indicate otherwise.

The rule requires you to safely approach and depart the scene at a speed that allows you to stop if required. VicRoads advise that this is necessary to avoid sudden speed changes and ensure drivers could reasonably comply with a 40km/h limit safely, especially on high-speed roads. The 40km/h limit only applies at the point of passing the emergency/enforcement vehicle.

Examples include: Police, Ambulance, Fire Services, State Emergency Service and heavy vehicle enforcement vehicles which have magenta flashing lights, such as a VicRoads Transport Safety Service vehicle