Victorian drivers are facing significant changes to road rules in 2025, with the most important update already in effect since July 1. Whether you’re navigating Melbourne’s busy freeways or cruising through regional Victoria, understanding these new regulations is crucial for staying safe and avoiding hefty fines.
The Big One: Expanded 40km/h Slow-Down Rule (Effective July 1, 2025)
The most significant change to Victorian road rules in 2025 is the expansion of Road Rule 79A, which now requires drivers to slow down to 40km/h when passing stationary or slow-moving roadside assistance vehicles, tow trucks, and incident response vehicles displaying flashing lights.
This isn’t entirely new. The original Road Rule 79A was introduced on July 1, 2017, requiring drivers to slow to 40km/h when approaching emergency services vehicles like police, ambulances, fire services, and SES vehicles with flashing lights. What’s changed is who the rule now covers.
Who Does the Expanded Rule Cover?
From July 1, 2025, the rule extends to tow trucks, mechanics, and roadside assist vehicles as well. Specifically, it applies to vehicles displaying flashing red, blue, magenta (purple), or yellow lights or sounding an alarm.
The expanded list includes:
- Accident towing operators
- Breakdown towing services
- RACV and other roadside assistance providers
- Peninsula Link Incident Response vehicles
- EastLink Incident Response vehicles
- Transurban Incident Response vehicles
- All emergency services (police, ambulance, fire, SES)
Why the Change?
An RACV survey found that 83 per cent of roadside workers experience a near miss with another motorist at least once a week. These workers face the same dangers as police and paramedics when attending to broken-down vehicles or crashes on busy roads, especially on Melbourne’s high-speed freeways like the Monash, Eastern, and West Gate.
The change brings Victoria in line with other Australian states that already extend similar protections to roadside workers.
What You Need to Do
When you see flashing red, blue, magenta, or yellow lights ahead:
- Check your mirrors immediately, especially on high-speed roads
- Begin safely slowing down to 40km/h
- Maintain that reduced speed while passing the scene
- Be prepared to stop if directed by emergency personnel
- Return to normal speed only after you’ve completely passed all vehicles and workers
This applies everywhere: freeways, highways, suburban streets, and country roads. There are no exceptions based on location or time of day.
The Penalties
The standard penalty for non-compliance is $346, with a potential maximum fine of $961. However, there’s some good news: no demerit points are attached to this offence at this stage, though that could change in future legislative updates.
While $346 might seem manageable, the maximum $961 fine is no joke. More importantly, the real cost of not slowing down could be someone’s life.
Common Questions About the Rule
Do I need to slow down on freeways? Yes. The rule applies to all roads, including the Monash Freeway, Eastern Freeway, Ring Road, and every other high-speed road in Victoria.
What if I’m in the opposite direction? Generally, the rule only applies if you’re approaching or passing on the same side of the road. However, use common sense and drive cautiously regardless.
What if there are multiple vehicles with flashing lights? You must maintain 40km/h until you’ve completely passed all applicable vehicles displaying flashing lights or sounding alarms.
Does this apply to motorcycles and cyclists? Yes. All road users must comply with Road Rule 79A.
Other Victorian Road Rule Developments in 2025
Potential P-Plate Age Changes
State Nationals MP Gaelle Broad is championing a bill to lower the minimum age for obtaining a provisional license in Victoria from 18 to 17. If passed, this would align Victoria with other states and provide young drivers, particularly those in rural and regional areas, with earlier access to independent transport.
This change hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it’s worth watching if you have teenagers approaching driving age.
New Driver Education Programs
Victorian schools are set to introduce a comprehensive driver’s safety skills and basic vehicle maintenance course for students in Years 10 to 12. This initiative aims to equip the next generation with practical knowledge before they get behind the wheel, potentially reducing accident rates among new drivers.
National Emissions Standards
While not strictly a “road rule,” 2025 marks Australia’s phase-in of Euro 6d Vehicle Emissions Standards. This primarily affects new vehicle imports and manufacturing, with stricter limits on pollutants. For most Victorian drivers, this means newer vehicles on the road will be cleaner and more fuel-efficient, though it doesn’t change how you drive.
