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Speed limits and laws in Australia

Last updated on August 31, 2023

If you’re heading out on an interstate road trip, you’ve probably plotted out the fastest path to your destination. But did you know that speed limits and speeding laws differ depending on the state or territory you are driving through?

While you can simply follow the posted speed limits most of the time, it’s important to know the default limits that might apply in different locations. Different states and territories also have different penalties for speeding, with heavy fines and licence suspensions for those who drive over the speed limit.
Stationery car on side of road in rural setting

Speed limits

When setting maximum speed limits, most states and territories in Australia follow the model national road rules. Under these rules:

  • Posted speed limits are capped at 110km/h
  • Where there is a no speed limit posted, default speed limits are 50km/h in built-up areas, and 100km/h in rural areas

Western Australia and Northern Territory are the only two locations that don’t follow these rules. In the Northern Territory, posted speed limits can be as high as 130km/h, while default speed limits are 60km/hr for built-up areas, and 110km/h in rural areas. In Western Australia, posted speed limits are capped at 110km/h, while default speed limits are 50km/h for built-up areas, and 110km/h in rural areas.

When driving interstate, it’s also important to be aware of school zones. School zones have a speed limit of 40km/h, with the exception of South Australia where the limit is 25km/h. In South Australia, this speed limit is not only enforced in school zones, but also at children’s crossings whenever the lights are flashing.

Cars driving on busy road at sunset

Penalties for speeding

No matter where you are in Australia, it’s illegal to drive above the speed limit. The penalty will depend on how fast you drive over the speed limit. Along with a speeding fine and demerit points, penalties can also include automatic licence suspensions, especially where the speed limit is exceeded by more than 30km/h.

Check the table below to see the minimum and maximum penalties by location. These penalties apply to light vehicles such as cars, and do not apply to large trucks, which have harsher penalty schemes.

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State or Territory Penalty
ACT Fine: $316 to $2,136
Demerits: 1 point to 6 points
NSW Fine: $1,284 to $4,106
Demerits: 1 point to 7 points
Suspension: up to 6 months
NT Fine: $150 to $1,000
Demerits: 1 point to 6 points
QLD Fine: $309 to $1,780
Demerits: 1 point to 8 points
Suspension: up to 6 months
SA Fine: $196 to $1,840
Demerits: 2 points to 9 points
Suspension: up to 6 months
TAS Fine: $97.50 to $1,121.25
Demerits: 2 points to 6 points
Suspension: up to 4 months
VIC Fine: $231 to $925
Demerits: 1 point to 3 points
Suspension: up to 12 months
WA Fine: $100 to $1,200
Demerits: No points to 7 points
Up to date on speeding laws but need a refresher on other driving rules and regulations? Find out the penalties for using your phone at the wheel and how the rules vary by state and territory.

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Disclaimer

This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 (“Allianz”). In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.

Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.

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