#41 Slow to 40 for Incident Response Vehicles
- Duc Phan
- Sep 29
- 2 min read
Since July 2025, vehicles in Victoria are required to slow down to 40km/h when passing stationary or slow-moving emergency and incident response vehicles with flashing red, blue, magenta or yellow lights[1]. The rule is intended to protect incident responders and other workers who work on roads and roadsides in vulnerable positions. This rule brings Victoria in line with other Australian States and Territories, including New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and the ACT. South Australia applies a similar rule but with a lower speed limit of 25km/h.
The rule applies to the full range of vehicles with flashing lights that might attend a road-related emergency or incident, including:
Emergency and enforcement vehicles
Accident and breakdown towing services
Roadside assistance and incident response services
Escort vehicles
Generally, the rule is expected to be observed at all times on all roads with a speed limit of 80km/h. On 100-110km/h freeways and motorways, it is recognised that rapid deceleration and sudden braking at high speed may introduce risks associated with surrounding traffic. Details for higher speed zones vary slightly by jurisdiction, but drivers are advised to check their rear-vision mirrors before slowing down gradually. On divided roads, the rule applies to the direction of travel as well as dividing strips and service lanes, while on undivided roads, the rule applies to both directions of travel.
Heavy penalties potentially apply for failing to comply with the rule, and these also vary by jurisdiction:
Victoria: Up to $961, no demerit points
NSW: $544, 3 demerit points
QLD, $500, 3 demerit points
WA: $300, 3 demerit points
SA (25km/h): Up to $2500, variable demerit points
Tasmania: Up to $2800/20 penalty units
