There are two types of speed limits in Tasmania:
1. Default Speed Limits
These are set by law and apply when there are no speed limit signs.
According to the Road Rules 2019:
- urban roads (in built-up areas): 50 km/h
- sealed rural roads (outside built-up areas): 100 km/h
- unsealed rural roads (outside built-up areas): 80 km/h.
2. Posted Speed Limits
These are used when the default limits aren’t suitable for a road.
Posted speed limits must be approved by the Commissioner for Transport, and this applies to all roads in Tasmania — whether managed by the State Government, local councils, or other organisations.
Want to learn more?
To find out more about speed limits and zones in Tasmania, visit the Tasmanian Road Rules Handbook here.
Signage Standards
Speed limit signs must follow national rules.
The Australian Standard AS 1742, Part 4 explains how signs should be:
- designed
- sized
- positioned to make sure they are clear and consistent across Australia.
Changes to speed limits
To find out more about how speed limits are set or changed, how to request a speed limit review, and view recently changed speed limits, visit our Speed limit setting page.
Why are speed limits important?
Speed is a major factor in serious casualty crashes.
It is not only a cause of these crashes, but it also affects how badly people are hurt in a crash — the faster the vehicle is going, the greater the impact and the more serious the injuries.
Speed limits are set and enforced to protect all road users on Tasmanian roads — whether you're driving, riding, walking, or wheeling.
The Towards Zero Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy 2017-2026 (PDF 8.0 MB) shows that safe vehicle travel speeds are a key part of improving road safety.
Even small changes in speed can make a big difference across the whole road network.
Supporting safer vehicle speeds — especially on high-risk roads — helps reduce serious casualty crashes.
Learn more
Road Safety and Rules: Includes the Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy 2017–2026 and crash statistics.
Visit the Road Safety and Rules page.
Speed Management Strategy
The Road Safety Advisory Council is developing a Speed Management Strategy, supporting the Tasmanian Government’s road safety Towards Zero Action Plan 2020–2024.
The Strategy aims to reduce the number of people being killed and seriously injured on our roads by supporting safe vehicle travel speeds across Tasmania.
Are speed limits on gravel roads different?
In Tasmania, the maximum speed limit on gravel roads is 80 km/h, unless a different speed limit is signposted.
However, gravel roads can be more dangerous than sealed roads as they are more affected by weather and changing conditions, so it’s not always safe to drive at the full 80 km/h.
Drivers should always adjust their speed to suit the road conditions.
If you see a problem on a state road, please call the State Roads Hotline on 1300 139 933. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round.
All reports are logged and sent to the maintenance team.
If the issue is urgent or a safety hazard, a contractor will be sent out immediately to make the area safe.
Why are there reduced speed limits on roadwork sites when I can’t see work happening?
Sometimes, a lower speed limit stays in place at roadwork sites even when it looks like no work is happening.
This is because there may still be risks, such as:
- workers setting up or packing down the site
- changes to the road surface or centre lines
- new, temporary or no line markings
- equipment or workers near the road
- delays due to bad weather, meaning the work isn’t finished yet.
The speed limit before roadworks was set for a road in good condition.
If the road has changed, for example, if it’s rougher or narrower, the old speed limit may no longer be safe.
In some cases, the speed limit may be slightly increased after hours, but not back to the full original speed. For example, 40 km/h during work hours and 60 km/h after hours.
Speed limits at roadwork sites are mandatory.
That means you must follow them by law, and you can be fined if you don’t.
Even if the reason for the lower speed isn’t obvious, it’s there to protect you and the road workers.
What are Variable Speed Limit signs?
Variable speed limit signs are electronic signs that can change the speed limit based on road conditions.
They help keep everyone safe by adjusting the speed when needed, for example, if there is:
- a crash
- something blocking the road
- heavy traffic
- bad weather.
In Tasmania, variable speed limit signs are used on the Tasman Highway, from Liverpool Street in Hobart to the Cambridge Interchange, including the Tasman Bridge.
Tasmania also uses electronic school speed signs. These signs show lower speed limits during school times to keep children safe.
Each school sets its own times, so the speed zone hours may be different at each location.
Understanding Speed Limit Signs in Tasmania
Mandatory speed limit signs:
- are white signs with a red circle around the speed number
- show the maximum legal speed for that section of road
- aren’t target speeds — you can drive slower if needed
- must be obeyed by law. If you go over the limit, you can be fined.
This includes:
- regular road speed signs
- temporary signs for roadworks, lane closures, or special events.
Advisory speed signs:
- are yellow signs with black writing
- suggest a safe speed for certain conditions, like sharp bends or steep descents
- are not enforceable by law but following them helps keep you safe.
Enforcement
Tasmania Police enforce mandatory speed limits. If you don’t follow them, you may receive a fine or other penalties.
Want to learn more?
For more information about speed limits and road rules in Tasmania, visit the
Tasmanian Road Rules Handbook.
Contact us
If you need further information on the setting and management of speed limits on Tasmanian roads, please submit an online query here: https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/contact_us/Contact-State-Roads
Contact us
If you need further information on the setting and management of speed limits on Tasmanian roads, please submit an online enquiry.