From 1 July 2025, Victorian drivers will face tougher penalties if they fail to slow down near emergency, support, or roadside response vehicles.
This is part of an expansion to Road Rule 79A, aimed at making roads safer not just for emergency workers, but for all those who work on or near live traffic lanes.
The change applies to all road types in Melbourne, including freeways, and introduces heavy fines for noncompliance. What was once a rule only covering police and emergency services will now include tow trucks, incident response units, and other support vehicles.
Contents
- 1 What is Road Rule 79A?
- 2 How is the Road Rule 79A changing from July 1?
- 3 Which types of vehicles now trigger the 40km/h requirement?
- 4 Where does the new slow-down law apply across Victoria?
- 5 What are the penalties for breaking Road Rule 79A?
- 6 Why is this rule important for Melbourne drivers?
- 7 How should Melbourne drivers respond to this rule?
- 8 What else should you know before July 1?
- 9 FAQs
What is Road Rule 79A?
Road Rule 79A requires Victorian drivers to slow down to 40km/h when passing any stationary or slow-moving vehicle displaying flashing red, blue, yellow, or magenta lights, or sounding an alarm.
How is the Road Rule 79A changing from July 1?
From July 1, Road Rule 79A in Victoria will expand to include tow trucks, incident response units, and escort vehicles displaying flashing lights or sounding alarms—not just emergency or police vehicles.
Which types of vehicles now trigger the 40km/h requirement?
The 40km/h rule now applies to more than just police and emergency services.
You must slow to 40km/h if you’re passing any of the following:
- Police cars or highway patrol
- Ambulances and fire trucks
- Tow trucks
- Incident response units
- Escort and support vehicles with flashing lights or an alarm
Even on a freeway, the presence of flashing lights or an alarm activates your legal obligation to slow down.
Where does the new slow-down law apply across Victoria?
This rule applies on all Victorian roads, including freeways, highways, and suburban streets.
Whether you’re on the Monash Freeway, Eastern Freeway, or local roads in the Melbourne metro area, the rule is the same: slow to 40km/h when approaching or overtaking a qualifying vehicle.
There are no exceptions for location or time, this is a statewide change.
What are the penalties for breaking Road Rule 79A?
Drivers who fail to comply with the new 79A rule risk fines of up to $961.
If caught, you may receive:
- An on-the-spot fine of $346
- A maximum court-imposed penalty of $961
- No demerit points will be lost—at least for now
However, this could change in future legislative updates, so compliance is essential.
Why is this rule important for Melbourne drivers?
The updated rule protects roadside workers and emergency responders from injury or death.
Every year, workers attending breakdowns or crashes are placed at risk by speeding drivers. By forcing traffic to slow to 40km/h, the Victorian Government aims to:
- Improve worker safety
- Reduce crash risks in emergency zones
- Make drivers more alert when approaching flashing lights
This is especially critical on Melbourne’s high-speed arterials, where passing vehicles can be a deadly threat.
How should Melbourne drivers respond to this rule?
You should immediately slow to 40km/h when you see flashing lights or hear an alarm.
Steps to stay compliant:
- Check for flashing red, blue, yellow, or magenta lights on the road shoulder or lane ahead
- If the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly, slow to 40km/h before reaching it
- Do not speed up again until you’ve fully passed the vehicle and it is safely behind you
Always keep an eye out on freeways—especially near breakdowns or construction.
What else should you know before July 1?
Victorian drivers should prepare by understanding how the rule works and sharing it with others.
The change applies from 1 July 2025, so:
- Share this with family and friends who drive
- Keep an eye out for public signage or digital road signs about this law
- Check VicRoads or the VIC Road Safety Rules site for official details
FAQs
Do I need to slow down for tow trucks on freeways?
Yes. From July 1, 2025, you must slow to 40km/h even on freeways if a tow truck is flashing lights or sounding an alarm.
Does the rule apply if I’m driving in the opposite direction?
No. The rule only applies if you’re approaching or passing on the same side of the road unless otherwise signed.
What if there are multiple flashing vehicles?
You must maintain 40km/h until you’ve completely passed all applicable vehicles displaying flashing lights or alarms.
Will I lose demerit points for breaking this rule?
No demerit points apply for now, but you could be fined up to $961.
Do bikes or scooters need to follow this rule?
Yes. All road users, including motorcycles, bicycles, and e-scooters, must comply.
When you don’t need to slow down on VIC roads
Not every flashing light means you have to hit the brakes.
While Road Rule 79A outlines when to slow down, there are also situations where you’re not legally required to reduce speed, and knowing the difference can prevent confusion, traffic delays, and even fines.
👉 Learn when you’re not required to slow down under VIC road rules
