Australia’s Speed Limits Are Changing on July 1: Australia’s speed limits are changing on July 1, 2025, with a host of new reductions being rolled out across multiple states and territories. These adjustments, designed to improve road safety and reduce fatalities, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas, are part of a broader national push to create safer, more livable streets.
Whether you’re a city commuter, long-distance driver, or parent of a child walking to school, these changes could affect your daily travel. New signage, expanded enforcement, and adjusted local council guidelines mean it’s more important than ever to stay informed.
This guide provides a full breakdown of what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can stay compliant and safe on the road. We’ll also explore the broader strategy behind the changes and offer tips to help you adapt without stress.
Australia’s Speed Limits Are Changing on July 1
| State/Territory | Key Changes | New Speed Zones | Enforcement Begins |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Average speed cameras expanded to light vehicles on highways | Variable per location | July 1, 2025 |
| Victoria | Reductions to 30 km/h in high-pedestrian areas and school zones | Melbourne CBD, suburban school zones | July 1, 2025 |
| South Australia | 40 km/h limits across inner-city councils, 10 km/h in shared pedestrian areas | Adelaide metro areas | From July 1, 2025 |
| Western Australia | Reduction from 80 to 70 km/h on select roads; 40 km/h at pedestrian crossings | City of Wanneroo, school zones | June 2025 onward |
| Queensland | 50 to 40 km/h in select tourist and residential zones | Hervey Bay Esplanade, urban neighborhoods | July 2025 (TBC by council) |
| ACT & Tasmania | Assessments for speed reviews in urban and regional areas | Under consultation | Late 2025 (TBC) |
As Australia’s speed limits evolve from July 1, 2025, drivers across the country must pay attention to new signs, updated road rules, and enforcement strategies. From bustling CBDs to scenic esplanades, these changes are designed to make streets safer, more walkable, and more family-friendly.
With road fatalities still a major concern nationwide, even small speed adjustments can have a massive impact on lives saved. Be proactive: learn the rules, adjust your driving habits, and help create safer communities one kilometer per hour at a time.
Why Are Speed Limits Changing in 2025?
Across Australia, road safety authorities have raised concerns about the relationship between vehicle speed and the severity of pedestrian injuries. Research by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) shows that a pedestrian hit at 50 km/h is five times more likely to die than one hit at 30 km/h.
Reducing speed limits in key zones is a proven strategy to:
- Lower road death and injury rates
- Encourage walking and cycling
- Create more liveable, sustainable communities
- Meet local and federal Vision Zero targets aimed at eliminating road deaths
This move is supported by data from international road safety studies and trials within Australia. In Victoria’s City of Yarra, for example, implementing a 30 km/h speed zone resulted in a 47% reduction in crashes involving injuries. In Adelaide, streets with reduced limits reported not only fewer incidents but also higher levels of community satisfaction regarding safety and quality of life.
These changes follow similar trends seen in Europe, where reduced urban speed limits have been successful. Australian cities are now moving in that direction to ensure community safety and global alignment with traffic calming best practices.
A State-by-State Guide to New Speed Limits
New South Wales (NSW)
Key Change: Expansion of average speed cameras for light vehicles, especially on major highways and expressways.
Previously used only for heavy freight, these cameras will now track private vehicles over long distances, calculating average speed rather than catching single-point infractions.
- Affected Routes: Pacific Motorway (M1), Hume Highway, Princes Highway
- Impact: Drivers must maintain consistent speeds; short bursts of speeding followed by braking won’t go unnoticed
- Transition Period: Informational campaigns began in May, enforcement starts July 1
Victoria
Key Change: Extensive rollout of 30 km/h zones in city centers, school precincts, and near hospitals and aged care facilities.
- Melbourne CBD: Zones near Flinders Street Station, the State Library, and Bourke Street Mall
- Suburbs: Fitzroy, Brunswick, Carlton, and Richmond areas surrounding schools
These changes are permanent and part of a broader strategy to reduce pedestrian fatalities and promote active transport like walking and cycling. Victoria’s Department of Transport expects an increase in walking and micro-mobility usage by up to 20% in some districts following implementation.
South Australia
Key Change: Reduced limits in Adelaide metropolitan councils and new 10 km/h shared spaces.
Councils such as Norwood, Payneham & St Peters, and the City of Unley are rolling out area-wide reductions from 50 to 40 km/h. New 10 km/h limits in shared pedestrian streets are also being enforced.
- Focus Areas: Rundle Street, Jetty Road Glenelg, North Adelaide
- Enforcement Tools: Fixed cameras and increased police patrols
These efforts are expected to contribute to a 15-30% reduction in crash risk, especially in mixed-use areas with retail, cafes, and outdoor activities.
Western Australia
Key Change: City of Wanneroo leading the charge with limits dropping from 80 to 70 km/h on several arterial roads.
Also rolling out 40 km/h signs at school crossings, including:
- Joondalup Drive, Ocean Reef Road, Marmion Avenue
- Over 140 pedestrian zones updated
WA’s Department of Transport is also testing AI-assisted speed monitoring devices and consulting with stakeholders on extending changes to the Perth CBD.
Queensland
Key Change: Speed reduction from 50 km/h to 40 km/h along tourist zones like Hervey Bay Esplanade and in suburban neighborhoods.
- Zones Covered: Scarness to Urangan piers; consultation ongoing for Cairns, Townsville, and Brisbane’s South Bank
- Why? Tourism-heavy areas with families, elderly pedestrians, and shared spaces require lower risk thresholds
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is preparing a statewide urban mobility review that could expand these changes to more municipalities by early 2026.
ACT & Tasmania
Status: Both territories are conducting public consultations and speed audits. While no reductions are confirmed yet, likely areas include Hobart city center and Canberra’s Woden and Civic districts. Final plans will be announced late 2025.
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How You Can Prepare for Speed Limit Changes
Weekly Monitoring
Stay updated by subscribing to your state or local council’s traffic newsletters or alert systems. Many councils also offer mobile apps with real-time updates.
Observe New Signage
New reflective signs are being installed near school zones, pedestrian crossings, and high-traffic intersections. Some councils are painting road surfaces with speed markings.
Use Technology
Apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze provide audio alerts and visual speed indicators. Enable the feature before traveling.
Adjust Your Routine
Leave early to accommodate potential delays. Use this time buffer especially when traveling through city centers or unfamiliar suburbs.
Talk to Teens and Learner Drivers
Make sure younger or less experienced drivers are aware of new zones. Print out local maps or download traffic planning apps to review together.
FAQs On Australia’s Speed Limits Are Changing on July 1
Q1: Are these changes permanent?
Most are permanent, especially those that follow safety trials. Some trial zones will be reviewed after 6 or 12 months.
Q2: What happens if I exceed the new limits by just a few km/h?
Fines can still apply. In shared zones like 10 km/h areas, even small speed overages are heavily penalized.
Q3: Will rental car drivers be informed?
Yes. Rental companies are being briefed by state transport departments and required to update vehicle guides and GPS systems.
Q4: How are speed camera updates handled?
Each transport authority updates camera programming ahead of enforcement. Mobile camera units are also being expanded.
Q5: What about heavy vehicle routes?
Most changes currently focus on light vehicles. However, some truck routes are under review, especially in mixed-use zones.
