A new road rule starts this weekend – here's what you need to know
A new road rule will come into effect in NSW this weekend and you could be fined hundreds of dollars if you don’t comply.
Here’s everything you need to know before the change comes into force on Saturday.
What is the new rule?
Transport NSW says motorists will now be required to slow down to 40km/h when driving past a stationary emergency vehicle with blue and red flashing lights.
Motorists travelling in both directions will have to follow the rule, unless the road is divided by a median strip.
As part of the new rule drivers will also have to give way to people walking in the vicinity of the emergency vehicle.
Drivers will have to maintain the slow speed until they are a safe distance past the vehicle or emergency workers who are on foot.
When does the rule apply?
The rule comes into effect on September 1 and Transport NSW says it will “improve the safety of emergency workers when they are stopped on the road”.
It will start as a 12-month trial in NSW and its success will be monitored by the government as well as NSW Police and emergency service organisations.
What is an emergency vehicle?
Emergency vehicles that may display the flashing lights include NSW Police, Ambulance Service NSW and Fire and Rescue NSW.
Drivers must also slow down if they see State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service, Volunteer Rescue Association and Traffic Emergency Response vehicles.
Transport NSW says the rule will improve the safety of emergency workers on our roads.
How much can you be fined?
Those who do not abide by the new road rule could be fined $448 and lose three demerit points. Transport NSW says a maximum court penalty of $2,200 will also apply.
In South Australia drivers must slow down to 25km/h when passing emergency services with flashing lights and Victorians must slow down to 40km/h.
In Western Australia drivers are also required to reduce their speed to 40km/h and Tasmanians will also soon be required to follow the new law.
The rule forcing drivers to slow down to 40km/h is yet to be introduced in Queensland.
