New speed limit law aims to protect roadside workers

By Ryan Bellingham

Jun 25, 2025

Victorian drivers must slow to 40km/h when passing incident response vehicles from July 1. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

A local tow truck fleet manager has welcomed a new law that requires Victorian drivers to slow down past incident response vehicles, but isn’t confident it will work.

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From Tuesday, July 1, drivers must reduce their speed to 40km/h when passing a non-emergency vehicle displaying lights of any colour.

Salter’s Motors Panel Repairs manager Gianni Ferra said near misses were all too common when responding to towing jobs.

“I personally have had a few — night-time especially is the worst,” he said.

“I was at a car accident on Wednesday or Thursday last week, and I was standing behind a Highway Patrol car and two other marked cop cars, and we still nearly got cleaned up.”

Mr Ferra said staff were careful on roadsides to display their lights and wear high-visibility clothing, but it didn’t always make a difference.

Part of the problem, he said, was a lack of public awareness about the dangers and incoming law change.

“Imagine you’re sitting on the side of the road ... and someone drives past at 100km/h and misses you by a mirror length,” he said.

“Some are closer, some aren’t, but it puts the wind up you a little bit.”

The new law has been welcomed by the RACV and its roadside assistance team, who have campaigned for the change over the past two years.

Since 2017, Victorian drivers have had to slow to 40km/h when passing stationary emergency vehicles displaying red or blue flashing lights.

This rule has been expanded to include accident towing vehicles, breakdown towing services and roadside assistance operators, among others.

RACV general manager of automotive services Makarla Cole has urged drivers to follow the new law to create a safe environment for roadside response workers.

“It’s up to Victorians to do their part and ensure these vital workers can do their jobs without fear of harm and get home to their families safely,” Ms Cole said.