From Monday, 19 May 2025, all drivers in South Australia must reduce their speed to 25 km/h when passing a stationary breakdown service vehicle displaying flashing amber lights. This change extends existing emergency service speed zone laws to better protect roadside workers.
Dylan Anderson
When the 25 km/h Rule Applies
Drivers must slow to 25 km/h in the following scenarios:
- Passing a stationary emergency services vehicle with red or blue flashing lights.
- Passing a breakdown service vehicle with amber flashing lights.
- Driving through school zones when children are present or passing a stationary school bus.
- Entering designated roadwork zones where 25 km/h signs are in place.
Specific Situations and Clarifications
Emergency Service Vehicles
- Applies when the vehicle is stopped on the road with flashing red or blue lights.
- Includes the area between two sets of flashing lights if set up to mark an incident area.
Breakdown Service Vehicles
- Applies near a stopped vehicle with flashing amber lights.
- Also includes the area where cones or bollards are used by breakdown workers.
Exemptions:
- You are not required to slow down if a median strip separates your vehicle from the incident.
- The 25 km/h rule only applies if the incident is on your side of the road.
Dylan Anderson
What Vehicles Are Covered?
Emergency Services:
- Ambulance
- Fire vehicles (CFS, MFS, Federal Aviation Rescue)
- State Emergency Services (SES)
- Police
Breakdown Services:
- Tow trucks
- Roadside assistance vans and vehicles with flashing amber lights
Other Amber Lights on the Road
Not all vehicles with amber lights are considered breakdown services. Examples include:
- Farming vehicles
- Construction machinery
- Vegetation control units
While you are not legally required to slow to 25 km/h for these vehicles, drivers are urged to exercise caution, reduce speed, and be ready to stop if necessary.
Why the Change?
The extension of the 25 km/h rule to include breakdown vehicles aims to:
- Improve safety for roadside workers and emergency responders
- Reduce the risk for passengers and drivers pulled over at the roadside
- Ensure consistent behaviour among drivers in potentially dangerous roadside situations
By slowing down, drivers give frontline workers the space and safety to perform critical duties and reduce the risk of collisions.
This new regulation is part of South Australia's continued effort to improve road safety and protect those working in high-risk roadside environments.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
