THE Victorian state government has cemented protection for roadside workers and emergency services with changes to the road rules regarding motorists passing stationary emergency services vehicles.

From July 1, 2025, Road Rule 79A (RR79A) will be extended to include accident towing, breakdown towing, roadside assistance, and all incident response service vehicles. This brings it into alignment with other Australian states.

Currently, RR79A – implemented in 2017 – only applies to police vehicles, emergency vehicles, enforcement vehicles, and VicRoads Incident Response Service vehicles. The change was welcomed by the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) following years of persistent advocacy by the organisation. It has also been endorsed by the RACV.

The expanded rule will require motorists to slow down to 40 km/h when passing stationary or slow-moving towing and roadside assistance vehicles displaying flashing lights with workers present on the roadside.

VACC CEO Peter Jones said the rule change represents a significant victory for road safety and VACC members who perform crucial roadside services.

“After years of determined advocacy, we are delighted to see this commonsense measure finally being implemented,” he said.

VACC CEO Peter Jones

“Our towing operators and roadside assistance personnel face serious dangers every day working mere centimetres from passing traffic.

“This rule will provide them with the same protections already afforded to emergency services personnel.”

The expanded Road Rule 79A will now cover:

• Accident towing vehicles
• Breakdown towing services
• Roadside assistance vehicles
• Incident response services

Previously, the 40 km/h rule only applied when passing emergency and law enforcement vehicles.

These changes come following a review into the road rule which considered the scope of the rule, compliance rates, penalties, and safety benefits. 

The review found that there was a strong case for expanding the scope of vehicles covered by RR79A to increase safety for those who respond to road accidents, and the experiences of people in the industry. 

The colour of the flashing lights included in the road rule will not change. 

Victorian minister for roads and road safety, Melissa Horne, said 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.”

“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,” she said.

Mr Jones said that “fundamentally it is about ensuring that everyone gets home safely at the end of their workday.”

“For too long, our members have been put at unnecessary risk while performing their essential work on Victorian roads. 

“We’ve been fighting for this change for a number of years, and it’s gratifying to see our persistence pay off in this win for member safety on the roads.”The reduced speed requirement will apply on all road types, including freeways, bringing consistency with existing speed restrictions in school zones and roadwork areas.

The VACC towing operator’s division executive committee has been instrumental in achieving this regulatory change, with ongoing consultation with the Department of Transport and Planning. 

“We extend our sincere thanks to our towing division executive committee for their leadership in securing this vital safety measure,” Mr Jones said. 

“This change demonstrates what can be achieved when industry and government work collaboratively to improve safety standards for all road users.”

The RACV has also welcomed the Victorian government’s announcement, with its general manager of Automotive Services, Makarla Cole, saying the amendment “addresses a safety issue in the Victorian road rules and aligns Victoria with other Australian states.”“Since 2017, drivers on Victorian roads have had to slow down to 40km/h when passing emergency services vehicles at the side of the road,” said Ms Cole.

“For the past two years, RACV has called on the Victorian government to include roadside assistance vans, such as RACV patrol vans, and tow trucks in this rule.

“From July 1, 2025, Road Rule 79A will be extended to include accident towing, breakdown towing, roadside assistance, Peninsula Link Incident Response, Eastlink Incident Response and Transurban Incident Response vehicles.

“RACV is pleased with Minister Melissa Horne’s announcement that Victorians will soon slow down when passing any incident response vehicle, including RACV patrol vans.

“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.”