Essential Traffic Regulations for Motorists, Cyclists, and Pedestrians in Victoria: A Comprehensive Overview of Vital Rules During Emergency Response Scenarios
Victoria Introduces New Rules for Emergency Vehicle Interactions
Victoria has updated its road safety rules to ensure the safety of emergency workers, other roadside workers, and all road users during emergency situations. These new regulations, which will come into effect from 1st July 2024, extend road user responsibilities beyond law enforcement to include all emergency and incident response vehicles with flashing lights.
Key Actions for Road Users
- Drivers: Slow to 40 km/h when passing emergency vehicles with flashing lights on the road, give way if necessary to allow emergency vehicles to pass, and avoid obstructing their path. Drivers should be cautious, maintain a safe distance, and comply with traffic signals and directions from emergency personnel.
- Cyclists: Slow down to 40 km/h where applicable and give way to emergency vehicles. It is important for cyclists to move safely out of the emergency vehicle’s path and avoid sudden movements or stopping unexpectedly.
- Pedestrians: Stay clear of emergency vehicle activity areas, avoid crossing the road near emergency scenes unless it is safe and permitted, and follow directions from emergency personnel or road safety officials.
Interacting with Emergency Vehicles
When approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights (red, blue, magenta, or yellow) stopped roadside with workers present, all road users must slow down to 40 km/h and pass safely. This rule also applies when passing tow trucks, breakdown support, and other incident response vehicles displaying flashing lights. Drivers should check mirrors and reduce speed gradually without braking suddenly when slowing down.
If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the other direction, you must give way to it, regardless of the direction it is coming from. The Victorian Road Safety Road Rules do not allow drivers to drive in an emergency lane to create space for an emergency vehicle. If you cannot move out of the way of an emergency vehicle safely, wait until you can, or until the emergency vehicle moves around you.
Punishments for Non-Compliance
Failing to move out of the way of an emergency vehicle in Victoria may result in a fine of up to 5 penalty units, equivalent to $1,017.55 for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Emergency Vehicles Covered
These rules apply to ambulances, fire service vehicles, police vehicles, state emergency service vehicles, tow trucks for accidents and breakdowns, roadside assistance vehicles, incident response services, and escort vehicles.
Emergency vehicles are exempted from selected road rules when responding to an emergency, have their lights and/or sirens on, are taking reasonable care, and it is reasonable that the rule or provision should not apply.
Supporting Road Safety
These regulations form part of Victoria’s broader road safety strategy aimed at reducing road trauma and ensuring safe interactions with emergency services on the road. The purpose is to protect emergency workers, other roadside workers, and all road users by minimizing speed near incidents and encouraging caution when passing emergency vehicles.
More information on bike riding rules in Victoria and the road rules every pedestrian must know can be found on the RACV website. RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance provides help when you need it most.
[1] Victoria Police. (2024). Emergency vehicle rules. [online] Available at: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/about-us/road-safety/emergency-vehicle-rules
[2] Department of Transport. (2024). Road safety road rules. [online] Available at: https://www.transport.vic.gov.au/home/safety/road-safety/road-rules
[3] RACV. (2024). Bike riding rules in Victoria. [online] Available at: https://www.racv.com.au/travel/bike/bike-riding-rules-in-victoria
[4] Victorian Government. (2024). Road safety strategy. [online] Available at: https://www.transport.vic.gov.au/home/safety/road-safety/road-safety-strategy
