Victoria is on the cusp of a major shift in road safety regulations that will affect millions of drivers across the state. Starting July 1, 2025, all motorists must slow down to 40 km/h when passing stationary or slow-moving incident response vehicles with flashing lights—including tow trucks, roadside assistance vans, and mechanics. This expanded rule, known as Road Rule 79A, aims to protect roadside workers and ensure everyone gets home safely. The change follows years of advocacy by industry groups and reflects a growing recognition that roadside workers face significant dangers every day1
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Why the Change Matters Victoria’s New Road Safety Rule: What You Need to Know Before July 1
Roadside workers are often the first responders to accidents and breakdowns, yet they have historically lacked the same legal protections as police, fire, and ambulance crews. According to a recent survey by the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), a staggering 83% of roadside workers experience near misses with passing vehicles at least once a week16. These close calls are not just statistics—they are real-life experiences that put lives at risk.
Patroller Johnny Dipietro, who works on some of Victoria’s busiest roads, shared his experience: “I had a vehicle almost hit me, and I can tell you, it was truly frightening.” His sentiment is echoed by incident responder Steven Bevens, who notes that close calls are a daily occurrence for staff stationed on the shoulders of congested roads and highways.
The expanded Road Rule 79A is designed to address this gap in protection, ensuring that all roadside responders—regardless of their employer—receive the same level of safety as other emergency personnel. Makarla Cole, General Manager of RACV, emphasizes that this regulation is about fairness and safety: “It ensures emergency roadside and tow drivers, regardless of their employer, receive the same level of protection as other emergency personnel.
What the New Rule Covers
From July 1, 2025, Road Rule 79A will apply to:
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Emergency vehicles: Police, ambulance, fire services, State Emergency Services (SES)
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Enforcement vehicles: Victoria Police and other enforcement agencies
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Accident towing and breakdown towing vehicles
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Roadside assistance vehicles
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Incident response service vehicles
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Escort vehicles
You are required to slow down to 40 km/h when passing any of these vehicles if they are stationary or moving slower than 10 km/h and have flashing lights (red, blue, magenta, or yellow) or an alarm sounding.
How to Comply with the New Rule
To stay safe and avoid hefty fines, follow these steps when you see flashing lights on the roadside:
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Check your rear-view mirror: Especially on high-speed roads, ensure you can slow down safely without causing a hazard.
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Reduce speed to 40 km/h: Slow down to this speed as you approach the scene.
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Pass the scene at 40 km/h: Maintain this speed until you are a safe distance past all workers and vehicles.
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Return to the legal speed limit: Only increase your speed once you are clear of the incident zone.
The rule applies on all roads, including freeways, and in both directions—even if the vehicle is in the service lane or on a dividing strip. However, you do not need to slow down if you are on the opposite side of a road separated by a median strip (such as grass, a wire rope, concrete barrier, or painted island)
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to slow down to 40 km/h when required can result in significant fines:
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Standard fine: $346
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Maximum fine: $961
Notably, there are no demerit points associated with this offense, but the financial penalty is designed to encourage compliance and protect vulnerable workers16.
National Comparison: How Victoria Stacks Up
Victoria’s new rule brings the state in line with other Australian jurisdictions, most of which already require drivers to slow down for roadside workers. Here’s how the rules compare:
| State/Territory | Speed Limit When Passing | Vehicles Covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 40 km/h | All incident response, roadside assistance, and emergency vehicles | Applies in zones up to 110 km/h |
| NSW, QLD, WA, TAS, ACT | 40 km/h | All roadside and emergency vehicles | ACT/NSW: up to 90 km/h zones only |
| South Australia | 25 km/h | All roadside and emergency vehicles | — |
This harmonization ensures that roadside workers across Australia are protected by similar safety standards.
The Human Impact: Stories from the Roadside
Roadside workers are not just service providers—they are first responders who often arrive before emergency services. Peter Jones, CEO of VACC, highlights the importance of the new rule: “With only weeks remaining before the expanded Road Rule 79A is implemented on July 1, we’re glad to see the Victorian Government’s dedication to roadside worker safety becoming a reality.” He adds, “When you notice those flashing lights—whether from police, ambulances or now towing and assistance vehicles—reduce your speed to 40 km/h. It’s a straightforward action that could save lives.
Jones also emphasizes that the rule is not just about compliance, but about fostering a culture of respect on the roads. “This rule change finally grants them the protection they rightfully deserve,” he says, noting that roadside assistance workers are often the first on the scene, working in extremely dangerous conditions
FAQs
What should I do if I see flashing lights on the roadside?
Slow down to 40 km/h and pass the scene carefully.
Does the rule apply to all roads?
Yes, it applies to all roads, including freeways, unless you are on the opposite side of a median strip.
Will I lose demerit points if I break this rule?
No, there are no demerit points, but fines can be up to $961.
Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rule Name | Road Rule 79A (Expanded) |
| Effective Date | July 1, 2025 |
| Required Speed | 40 km/h |
| Vehicles Covered | Police, ambulance, fire, SES, tow trucks, roadside assistance, incident response, escort vehicles |
| Fines for Non-Compliance | Standard: $346; Maximum: $961 |
| Demerit Points | None |
| Applies To | All roads (including freeways), both directions unless separated by median strip |
| Trigger | Stationary or slow-moving (<10 km/h) vehicle with flashing lights |
Simple Step to Save Lives
Victoria’s expanded Road Rule 79A is a significant step forward for road safety, bringing the state in line with the rest of Australia and providing much-needed protection for roadside workers. By slowing down to 40 km/h when passing incident response vehicles, you are not just following the law—you are helping to save lives and foster a safer, more respectful driving culture.
As the July 1 deadline approaches, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the new rules and share this information with friends and family. Together, we can make Victoria’s roads safer for everyone.
