Do you know the speed limit around emergency services vehicles?

ACT Policing is reminding drivers that they are required to slow down to 40km/h when passing emergency services vehicles displaying a blue or red flashing light.  

Recently, ACT Policing officers charged a 40-year-old man with offences, including drug driving, driving with a suspended licence and driving in excess of 40km/h when passing an emergency service vehicle.   

The officers were conducting a routine traffic stop when this driver passed them at speed.    

Recently, a magistrate found the man guilty of all charges and the penalty for not slowing down when passing police was a fine of $500. If the man fails to pay this fine, he will be imprisoned for two days.   

While this law was introduced in 2018, ACT Policing officers still find that people are unsure of the 40km/h requirement. Sticking to this speed limit is an important safety measure for emergency service workers' as they go about their work on Canberra’s roads.  

Acting Superintendent Road Policing, Stephen Booth, has said that while the majority of Canberrans comply with these road rules, there are some who do not.  

“We all have a role to play in providing a safe working environment for our emergency service workers on the road or roadside.”    

The infringement notice penalty for failing to slow near emergency vehicles is $257 and two demerit points.  

Media enquiries  

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au