Victorian drivers face $960 fine for not slowing to pass tow trucks

New rules have come in for motorists as they go past tow trucks and roadside crews.

Drivers will need to slow down when passing tow trucks, roadside mechanics and emergency traffic management workers under expanded laws in Victoria.

The 40km/h slow down rules previously only applied when emergency services and VicRoads incident response vehicles were stopped on the side of the road, but the extended rules were announced by the state government on Wednesday.

“Incident response, roadside assistance and breakdown towing vehicles are there for us when we are in need – this change acknowledges the risks they take and our commitment to keeping them safe,” Roads Minister Melissa Horne said.

The new rules are designed to protect roadside workers. Picture: Newswire

“It is the responsibility of all drivers to familiarise themselves with this road rule and to always slow to 40km/h past responding vehicles – for the safety of workers and all road users.”

The rule applies when motorists see any vehicle with flashing red, blue, magenta or yellow lights stopped on the side of the road.

Drivers can be fined up to $961 for breaking the rule.

RACV executive, Makarla Cole, said the change brought Victoria up to the national standard.

Road Safety Minister, Melissa Horne, says drivers are responsible for adhering to the new rules. Picture: NewsWire / Ian Currie

“Victoria’s emergency roadside workers and tow truck drivers are often the first and only responders to an incident or breakdown and are exposed to the same risks to other responders, such as police and paramedics,” Ms Cole said.

“I am sure every driver who has needed the help of an emergency roadside assistance worker or tow truck driver will be pleased to know that the Victorian Government is now protecting these essential responders in their workplace, and their customers.”

The expanded rules take effect July 1.

Workers from accident towing companies, breakdown towing, roadside assistance, Peninsula Link Incident Response, Eastlink Incident Response and Transurban Incident Response will be covered by the change.

Originally published as Victorian drivers face $960 fine for not slowing to pass tow trucks