As of 2025, Victoria has introduced tough new road safety legislation affecting all drivers throughout the state. Under the new law, drivers face a fine of $963 for failing to slow down when passing roadside emergencies or stopped vehicles. This new law seeks to protect emergency service workers, roadside assistance, and other regular motorists who may be stranded on a highway or street. The authorities say the efforts aim to minimize the risk and create safer environments by reducing speed around the road users who are most vulnerable.
Rationale Behind This New Rule
The Victorian Government has cited the numerous incidents and near misses when motorists speed past emergency vehicles and stalled cars. Emergency service workers have to perform their duties just inches away from the moving vehicles, which puts them at great risk. By requiring motorists to slow down, the state aims to reduce the tragedy of high speed passing and close proximity incidents. Studies have also shown that speeding and other high risk road behaviors are correlated and the small amount of speed reduction around halted vehicles significantly improves visibility and reaction time. This translates to a safer margin for the driver and roadside emergency workers.
What Drivers Need to Know
The rule states that when passing any stationary emergency service vehicle, tow truck, or roadside assistance vehicle displaying flashing lights, you must slow down to a safer speed—commonly 40 km/h in defined areas, unless signage directs otherwise. This adjustment must be made regardless of the time of day, location, or level of traffic. The key point is not just reducing speed but also being alert and prepared to stop if required. Ignoring this law will trigger one of the steepest on-the-spot fines introduced: $963, along with demerit points.
Overview of Penalties
Drivers caught breaking this rule face financial penalties as well as potential license consequences. Repeat offenders could also risk harsher actions, including suspension. Authorities emphasize that these rules apply equally to city drivers as well as those on rural highways. The Crackdown is not limited to emergency vehicles—if any flashing light vehicle is operating, whether a tow truck or roadside repair service, slowing down becomes mandatory.
| Fine (2025) | Demerit Points | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| $963 | 3–4 points | Emergency vehicles, roadside assistance, tow trucks |
What Drivers Should Do
For compliance, drivers need to begin slowing down as soon as they see the warning lights. Being aware is the most important—seeing the lights early will give time to change lanes as needed or slow down safely without coming to a sudden stop. On multilane roads, drivers should change to a different lane away from the one in the open range. In wet weather and low visibility, the authorities remind that “common sense and courtesy” and courtesy are especially needed. It is also important that this law is in place to protect against the extreme consequences that can come from rushing or ignoring this requirement.
What the Public Thinks
Public sentiment is somewhat divided. While a large number of people in Victoria appreciate increased protection for emergency service workers, there are also some drivers who think that the new penalties for not complying to the slow down laws are unfair and disproportionate. Road safety advocates on the other hand, agree with the new penalties arguing that this is the only way to get people to comply with the slow down laws. Evidence from other states that also introduced similar penalties, suggested that roadside casualties significantly drop after these laws come into effect. Victoria is likely to see an improvement in road safety if drivers continue to comply with the slow down laws.
Conclusion
The 2025 Victorian road safety rule makes a statement. The value of lives on the road will always outweigh the inconvenience of slow driving. The careless driving fines of $963 near emergencies makes those fines more of a reality. The best path for all drivers to take is to stay aware, slow down, and drive safely when any warning lights start to flash.
FAQs
Q1. What is the exact fine for not slowing down?
In Victoria, the fine for not slowing down near a roadside emergency is $963 and you will receive demerits.
Q2. Does the rule apply to stalled cars without lights?
The law does apply to the vehicles without flashing lights. It is aimed at police cars, ambulances, fire service vehicles, and roadside help cars, not at civilian vehicles without warning lights.
Q3. How much should I slow down by?
Drivers should slow down to 40 km/h in the specified areas, or in compliance with the road signs, to provide for the safety of those stopped vehicles with flashing lights.
