The federal government is considering lowering the default speed limit on unsignposted country roads in Australia, in an effort to reduce fatalities and serious injuries outside urban areas. Under current legislation, roads outside built-up areas without signposts automatically have a 100km/h speed limit – regardless of whether they are sealed or unsealed.
High risk on regional roads
Statistics show drivers are 11 times more likely to die on a regional or remote road than in major cities. Many regional drivers also use older vehicles, with the average vehicle age in Australia rising from 10.6 years in 2021 to 11.4 in 2024. While new passenger vehicles have been required to have electronic stability control (ESC) since 2011, and commercial vehicles since 2017, older cars without this technology remain common in rural areas.
Possible changes under consideration
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport, and the Arts has not detailed specific proposals. However, it is believed that a reduced default speed limit may apply to sealed roads, with an even lower limit for unsealed roads such as gravel or dirt tracks, which can be more hazardous.
Community feedback invited
The department is seeking input from drivers and stakeholders to help shape any potential changes. Submissions are open until October 27, 2025. Those interested in contributing can visit the department’s website to learn more and submit feedback.
The move is part of a broader push to improve road safety in regional and remote areas, where conditions and vehicle standards often increase the risk of serious accidents.
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