Slow and steady can win the proverbial race, but if you’re driving also gradually in some Australian jurisdictions you may be able to win yourself a day in court.
- Driving too slowly can be dangerous to other road users
- If you are found obstructing the flow of traffic, you may be fined
- Some states have minimum as well as maximum speed limits for highways
That may seem extreme, but there are rules in Australia that basically imply that you shouldn’t drive too slowly to obstruct the flow of traffic. In some states, there are even minimum speed limits for highways.
For example, the Australian Roads Code – a document of model laws with no legal effect, but the basis of laws that can be applied across the country – has an obstacle-specific notation traffic.
Law line 125 – Unreasonably obstructing a driver or pedestrian – urges drivers to ensure that they do not “unreasonably obstruct the passage of other drivers or pedestrians”. As such, drivers are not allowed to stop while in traffic without a valid reason, nor can they drive “slower than other vehicles”.
The rule book even gives an example: “A motorist drives at 20 km/h on a section of road with a speed limit of 80 km/h when there is no reason for the driver to drive. at that speed over the length of the road.”
In other words, if you are driving so slowly that other road users get in your way, you may be in a conflict.
Western Australia – the nation’s largest state with some of the longest roads in the country – says it’s important for motorists to pay attention to the speed limit and stick to it if possible.
“If you are traveling on the Freeway, you must not go more than 20km/h below the speed limit unless there is traffic congestion or road conditions,” the WA Police FAQ page states.
However, there are cases where driving slowly may not get you in trouble.
For example, in inclement weather, if you decide to drive slower than the speed limit, that’s your right. We’ve all experienced a sudden downpour, recent hail and thunderstorms, or even heavy fog and snow; where the road seems to disappear from view right before our eyes.
In this case, you can drive at a speed that you feel is safe based on the visibility available to you.
Just be aware that if you step on the brake in this situation, other road users may not be able to see you. Most jurisdictions state that it’s legal to have hazard lights on if you’re in this situation to help other road users see you.
Other examples of slow-moving vehicles that may be exempt from the inspection include heavy vehicles, especially downhill vehicles. And, because cyclists are considered road users even though they don’t need a license or registration, they may not be able to keep up with traffic in the 60s – and that’s also legal.
An interesting point to check if you are a slow runner – if you cause an accident by driving too slowly, your insurance may not pay.
Not intended as legal advice. Check with the relevant road authority in your state or territory.
