Costly new road rule introduced next month

Drivers will face expensive fines and the loss of three demerit points if they don’t comply with a new road rule being introduced next month.

Drivers in Queensland could lose hundreds of dollars and three demerit points if they fail to slow down and move over when emergency responders are on the road.

The new rule, which will be implemented on September 16, is aimed at protecting essential workers responding to accidents or breakdowns on the state’s busy roads.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the road rule would mandate the well-recognised responsible driving practice.

NSW has a similar rule, which carries a penalty of $464 and three demerit points.

Drivers will be required to slow down and move over when emergency services vehicles have flashing lights. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“Our emergency service and first responders do an incredible job, and they play a critical role in roadside incidents,” Mr Bailey said.

“The rule is simple – if you see flashing lights at the roadside, move over and slow down.”

Drivers will need to slow down and give room to all emergency vehicles, including ambulances, police cars, fire trucks and transport enforcement vehicles.

The Queensland government will also include breakdown assistance providers like tow trucks and Royal Automobile Club of Queensland as emergency vehicles in this new legislation.

Drivers who fail to comply with the new rule will face a hefty $432 fine and lose three demerit points from their licence.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the road rule would keep emergency workers safe. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Mr Bailey announced the legislation change in recognition of Queensland Road Safety Week, being celebrated from August 22 to 26.

“We’re reminding Queenslanders that their behaviour on the road has an impact and that road safety starts with all of us,” he said.

After advocating for the rule for the past five years, RACQ group executive of assistance Glenn Toms said his organisation was “incredibly pleased” the government was taking vital action.

“Emergency responders, including our roadside crews, put their lives on the line each and every day by working in high-risk and often high-speed environments to rescue stranded motorists, but one wrong move by a passing driver could end in tragedy,” he said.

“This new rule will require Queenslanders to change the way they drive around roadside incidents to give responders a safe space to do their job so they can ensure everyone gets home safely.“

Drivers could face hefty penalties for not obeying the new road rule. Picture: Steve Pohlner

To raise awareness of the dangers faced by emergency responders on the road, the state government released a shocking video showing some of the terrifying close calls workers have experienced.

Since the beginning of this year, 193 people have died as a result of crashes on Queensland roads.

The death toll is 35 fatalities higher than the five-year average for the same period, according to the Queensland government.