Slow down for a breakdown

Wednesday 17 December 2025

Drivers must slow down to 25 km/h when passing a stationary breakdown services vehicle with flashing amber lights.

This road rule came into effect on 19 May 2025. This rule aims to enhance the safety of:

  • roadside breakdown services workers
  • drivers
  • passengers.

This rule is an extension of the existing 25 km/h speed limit that applies when passing stationary:

  • emergency service vehicles with a flashing blue or red light
  • school buses that have stopped to set down or pick up children.

A fire engine driving on the road. A school bus that has set down to pick up school children.

What are breakdown services vehicles?

Breakdown services vehicles are vehicles with flashing amber lights that provide roadside assistance. These vehicles may be tow trucks or vans.

Tow truck with flashing lights loading a car on roadside, warning triangles placed for safety. Breakdown service vehicle with flashing lights assisting a car on roadside, warning triangles placed.Breakdown service van with flashing lights helping a car on suburban street, warning triangles placed.

The following vehicles with flashing amber lights are not considered as breakdown service vehicles:

  • farming equipment vehicles, vegetation-control vehicles, construction vehicles and similar machinery
  • vehicles that are used for planned activities or with approval from the relevant road authority.

When does the 25 km/h speed limit apply?

You must slow down to 25 km/h when you are driving near a stationary breakdown services vehicle with flashing amber lights.

You do not need to slow down when:

  • a stationary breakdown services vehicle displaying flashing amber lights is on the opposite side of the road from you
  • near other vehicles with flashing amber lights that are not breakdown service vehicles.

When should you slow down?

When you first see a vehicle on the roadside with flashing amber lights in the distance, you should:

  • reduce your speed
  • be ready to brake.

If the vehicle is a breakdown services vehicle, you must slow down to 25 km/h when passing.

What should you do when on a multi-lane high speed road?

The Australian Road Rules require you to keep enough space behind the vehicle in front so you can slow to 25 km/h safely when needed. The faster you drive, the more distance you need to stop. Higher speeds mean you must leave a bigger gap to react and slow down or stop safely.

Read more information about the 25 km/h road law.