The Federal Government is seeking public feedback on a proposal to reduce the default speed limit on roads outside built-up areas. This aims to curb the high rate of road deaths and serious injuries in regional and remote Australia.
The proposed change, outlined in a new Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA), could see lower speed limits introduced on both sealed and unsealed rural roads where no signposted limits exist. The consultation is part of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2023–25, developed to address the disproportionate number of fatalities occurring outside major cities.
Reducing Risk on Regional Roads
According to the Department of Infrastructure, the risk of being killed on a regional or remote road is 11 times higher than in a major city. In 2024, 1,294 people were killed and more than 30,000 seriously injured on Australian roads, with speed identified as a leading factor in severe crashes.
The current default speed limit outside built-up areas is 100 km/h, which applies to many lesser-used rural roads that may be narrow, unsealed, or poorly maintained. The RIA proposes reducing this limit and introducing a separate default for unsealed roads, where driving conditions can be especially hazardous.
“Travelling at up to 100 km/h on some unsealed or narrow regional roads can increase the risk of serious crashes,” the consultation paper states. “Reducing travel speed on these roads can help prevent deaths and injuries by setting limits appropriate for their condition.”
Implications for Fleet and Road Safety
If adopted, the changes would form part of the Australian Road Rules, providing a national framework for states and territories to align their speed regulations.
The proposal could have direct implications for fleet managers and transport operators, particularly those with vehicles operating across regional and remote areas. Lower default limits may influence journey planning, scheduling, and fatigue management policies, as well as the use of telematics to monitor compliance.
Have Your Say
The Department is inviting feedback from industry stakeholders, fleet professionals, and the public on:
- Options for lowering the current default speed limit outside built-up areas
- The introduction of a default limit for unsealed roads
- The potential safety and economic impacts of reduced limits
Submissions are open until 5:00 pm AEDT on 27 October 2025 and can be lodged through the ‘Have your say’ portal or by emailing officeofroadsafety@infrastructure.gov.au.
More information and related documents, including the Consultation Regulatory Impact Analysis – Reducing the Default Speed Limit Outside of Built-Up Areas, are available on the Office of Road Safety website.
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