Slow down for emergency and roadside assistance vehicles
Since December 2019, the Tasmanian road rules have required motorists to slow down to 40km/h when approaching stationary or slow-moving emergency service vehicles with flashing red, blue or magenta lights or a siren. This applies whatever direction you are travelling in unless there is a dividing barrier between you and the emergency service vehicle.
From 1 August 2022, there will be two major changes to this rule.
The first change is that this road rule will also apply when you see yellow lights in front of you. Motorists will also be required to safely slow down to 40km/h when passing a stationary or slow-moving roadside assistance vehicle with flashing yellow lights.
The second change is to make sure everyone can comply safely on high-speed roads (over 80km/h). On roads over 80km/h, you must slow down to pass a stationary or slow-moving emergency service or roadside assistance vehicle with flashing lights (red, blue, magenta or yellow) or a siren unless it is not safe to do so. If it is unsafe to slow to 40km/h, drivers must slow down as safely as they can.
Take care when slowing and avoid braking suddenly. Click on the headings below to find out more.
1Why is this rule being changed?
Roadside assistance workers are extremely vulnerable while working on the road. There is a high risk that they will be struck by vehicles passing at high speed.
Since the rule was first introduced in 2019 for emergency services, reports of near misses among emergency service personnel are down. However, roadside assistance personnel continue to report near misses and feeling unsafe when attending roadside incidents.
The changes to this rule will improve safety for roadside assistance workers by reducing their exposure to fast-moving passing vehicles and ensure their safety while they assist at roadside incidents.
The rule is also being changed to make sure people can comply safely on high-speed roads (over 80 km/h). Heavy vehicles take longer to slow down and on high-speed roads, it may not be possible for a heavy vehicle to safely slow from 110km/h to 40 km/h. It may also be unsafe for motorists to brake suddenly to slow to 40km/h when travelling at high speeds if a heavy vehicle is behind or in front of them.
2When will the changes start?
The changes will start on 1 August 2022.
3How can I comply safely?
Everyone should take care when slowing to 40km/h and avoid braking suddenly.
On a road above 80km/h, if it is unsafe for you to slow down to 40km/h you must slow down as safely as you can. If a heavy vehicle is behind you or in front of you, take care by braking gradually and make sure there is plenty of time for the heavy vehicle to slow down as well.
Remember to focus on the task of driving while slowing down and avoid being distracted by the incident on the side of the road.
4Do the changes apply on all road types?
Yes, the changes apply on all road types unless there is a median dividing barrier between you and the emergency service or roadside assistance vehicle.
The changes apply differently depending on the speed zones:
On roads with a speed limit up to and including 80km/h
On roads with a speed limit up to and including 80km/h, you must always slow down to 40km/h when passing a stationary or slow-moving emergency service or roadside assistance vehicle with flashing lights or a siren.
On roads with a speed limit over 80km/h
On roads with a speed limit over 80km/h, you must slow down to 40km/h when passing a stationary or slow-moving emergency service or roadside assistance vehicle with flashing lights or a siren if it is safe to do so. If it is unsafe to slow down to 40km/h, you must simply slow down as safely as possible.
5Do I need to slow down if I am on the other side of the road?
Yes, you must slow down if you are approaching from either direction, unless there is a dividing median barrier between you and the emergency service or roadside assistance vehicle. If there is a dividing median barrier, you can continue to travel at the posted speed limit if it is safe to do so.
6What are roadside assistance vehicles?
Roadside assistance vehicles are vehicles fitted with a yellow flashing light that provide roadside assistance to drivers and riders of other vehicles, such as towing, tyre replacement, battery replacement, locksmith services and mechanical repairs.
Roadside assistance vehicles include tow trucks.
7Can I be fined for not obeying the rule?
Yes, it will be an offence not to comply.