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Motorists are now required to slow down to 25km/h when passing roadside service and recovery vehicles displaying flashing amber lights – as a new South Australian road law takes effect.
The new law expands the existing 25 km/h speed limit for emergency services vehicles to also cover RAA patrols, tow trucks and other road service vehicles when their amber lights are flashing.
From today, anyone caught exceeding 25km/h when passing a stationary breakdown vehicle with amber flashing lights could receive a fine ranging from $202 and two demerit points (if exceeding by less than 10km/h) – up to $1,684 and seven demerit points (if exceeding by more than 30km/h).
The speed limit applies on all roads and to cars in all lanes on multi-lane roads – however it does not apply to drivers on the other side of the road travelling in the opposite direction.
RAA attends approximately 950 callouts per day on SA roads.
The new laws follow RAA’s ‘Slow Down for Yellow Too’ campaign, which called for the extension of the laws to protect roadside recovery workers and members of the community at the roadside.
Similar laws already exist in other states such as New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia.
RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain welcomed the new speed limit – and said the roadside can be dangerous for breakdown service workers simply doing their job.
“This is a new era of safety for frontline workers and the hundreds of stranded drivers who need their help every day,” Mr Mountain said.
“No one chooses when or where they break down, and our patrols and tow truck drivers are often helping members just metres from fast-moving traffic.
“This new measure will help keep our patrols, members and the vulnerable community members we assist – safe.
“From today, drivers passing a breakdown vehicle with flashing amber lights must slow down to 25km/h and, if it’s safe to do so, we recommend moving over to allow more space when passing.
“RAA Road Service recorded 23 reportable safety incidents or near misses between 2019 – February 2025 involving vehicles failing to slow down near breakdowns.
“This included eight incidents where patrol vehicles were struck, and five where traffic cones were hit or dragged down the road.
“Slowing down to 25km/h while passing a roadside service and recovery vehicles displaying flashing amber lights could save a life.”
Breakdown service vehicles must be displaying flashing amber lights – like rotating ‘beacon’ lights, light bars or similar.
Vehicles like garbage trucks, council equipment, construction vehicles and others may use amber lights, but these are not governed by the rule. These workers may have temporary lowered speed limits as signposted.
