NSW ROAD RULE UPDATE

40KMPH SPEED LIMIT WHEN PASSING EMERGENCY SERVICES VEHICLES

A new road rule is now in effect which requires all road users to slow down to 40kmph when passing emergency service vehicles displaying flashing red and blue lights. This applies to traffic in both directions, unless the road is divided by a medium strip. This new rule is to protect emergency service workers who are often called upon to perform duties on busy roads in heavy traffic. You must also give way to any person on foot in the immediate area of the emergency service vehicle. Your speed should not increase your speed until you are a safe distance passed the vehicles.

This rule is similar in nature to an already existing road rule concerning buses and their passengers. When a bus is displaying flashing yellow lights either side of the large “40” speed limit sign on the top back portion of the bus, motorists must slow down to 40kmph and not increase their speed until safely passed the bus.

It’s worth keeping an eye out for emergency vehicles on the side of the road with their lights flashing (and buses too for that matter), as heavy fines apply if you are caught disobeying this new road rule.

A link to the new rule is included below for further reading.

Slow down for emergency vehicles rule