Australian authorities considering reduced speed limits on country roads

The default speed limit of 100km/h on unsignposted country roads in Australia could soon be lowered.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is currently considering reducing the default speed limit of 100km/h in an effort to curb the road toll in regional areas.

According to federal legislation, roads outside of built-up areas without signposts are automatically set at 100km/h – regardless of whether they are sealed or not.

While unsealed roads may be loose gravel or dirt, even those that are sealed may be in poor condition.

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Statistics show drivers are 11 times more likely to be killed on a regional or remote road compared to those in a major city.

Previously released data also showed those in regional and remote areas typically drive older vehicles – with Australia’s average vehicle fleet age increasing from 10.6 years in 2021 to 11.4 in 2024.

Electronic stability control (ESC) was mandated for all new passenger vehicles in November 2011, while new commercial vehicles required the life-saving technology to be fitted from November 2017.

It’s believed cost-of-living pressures, coupled with increasing used-car prices, may be forcing households to hold onto their older cars for longer.

The Department of Infrastructure has not put forward what changes it is considering, but the language suggests it may implement a reduced default speed limit for sealed country roads, and an even lower default speed limit for unsealed roads.

Community consultation is open until October 27, 2025, with submissions invited from drivers and stakeholders to help inform the government’s recommendations.

Those wanting to learn more or put forward their own submission can visit the infrastructure department’s website by clicking here.

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