Victoria – Surprise New Road Rules Uncovered By RACV

Victoria’s RACV has trawled through more than 500 pages of road rules to uncover some hidden new or amended laws that came into effect in Victoria from July 1.

At the top of the list is a rule-change that hasn't been hidden - the controversial emergency vehicle speed limit rule, which requires road users to jump on the brakes and slow to 40km/h when passing a stationary or slow-moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights.

“RACV has already expressed concern at the practicality and safety of vehicles having to rapidly slow to 40km/h and we have called for a review to explore safer alternatives,” the RACV said.

“We are in open dialogue with VicRoads (Victoria’s road authority) to ensure we can get the balance right between protecting our emergency service workers and ensuring the safe and practical passage of vehicles travelling on our roads.”

Also on the controversial list is yet another change to mobile phone laws - or at least it would have been, had VicRoads not recognised that the changes were, in fact, a mistake.

Wording surrounding the use of mobile phones in vehicles was unexpectedly watered down for vehicles legally parked, but VicRoads told the RACV that the previous wording would be reinstated.

As a reminder, the original wording stated that phones can be used by the driver in legally-parked vehicles with the keys in the ignition and/or the engine running.

For cyclists, however, fines will now apply for riders caught using their mobile phone while underway. This includes bikes which are “stationary but not parked”.

Mobile Phones