This has happened to almost anyone who’s ever walked down a road in Australia: you’re stuck behind someone walking. below the speed limit suddenly decides – when there is an overtaking lane – that it is time to sit at the limit, or right above it!
- It’s very dangerous to speed through recklessly
- It’s also bad form and can increase road rage
- Most states can fine you or hit you with a demerit for this offence
Nothing unpleasant, not to mention very dangerous.
After all, the road is for sharing and drivers who don’t want to speed are okay too – but speeding to avoid overtaking is an offense in some jurisdictions across Australia, as it is allowed. so it should be.
It can be a source of undue frustration and lead to road rage, not to mention dangerous driving if you need to overtake a slower moving vehicle.
So what are the rules? And where is it a penalty offense? Here is a summary:
Victoria & NSW
IN Melbourne it’s a driving offense that can result in fines and point deductions. The specific rule is road rule 145, which states: “Speed up when overtaken,” with a fine of $330 and two license points deducted.
The same rules and terms apply in Sydney, but with a slightly higher penalty. “Increasing speed when overtaking” can result in a $349 fine and three demerit points.
Queensland
Brisbane has similar regulations to the other states above, but with a milder penalty: “Speeding when overtaking” can result in a two license point penalty and a $86 fine.
tasmania & ACTION
Hobart takes a slightly different approach to wording and penalties: “Increase your speed when overtaken and before the overtaken vehicle comes back to safety” is an offence, and the fine is $181 – no demerit any.
There is also no consideration for demerit in Canberra, which follows the same ARR 145 rule “speed up when overtaken”. But the Territory has a sizable $307 fine for the offence.
South Australia
Adelaide appears to have the same legislative background when using the Section 145 framework of the Road Rules, including double-minus penalties, but in the Driver’s Handbook we could find no mention of the regulation. that switch.
Northern Territory
Darwin appears to have no indication of this specific Australian Road Rule, although it could be argued that a driver not allowing a vehicle to pass could be in breach of the (general) rule. , and was fined 70 dollars .
Western Australia
Likewise, Perth does not appear to follow the same pattern as other Australian jurisdictions. The only wording around overtaking and speed published on the state Road Safety Commission document is: “When passing, make sure you clearly see oncoming traffic and use your traffic lights. signal their intentions to other drivers. You must not exceed the speed limit.”
Not intended as legal advice. Check with the relevant road authority in your state or territory.
