Drivers warned major road rule change with $961 fines 'just weeks' away

Drivers are being reminded that a major road rule change is just weeks away, with penalties for breaking the law as high as $961. Millions of Aussies will be impacted by one state's move to protect roadside workers and operators of roadside assistance vehicles.
From July 1, in just three weeks, motorists in Victoria will be required to ensure they are travelling at 40km/h when they pass the incident response vehicles. The rule, known as road rule 79A, is already in place for emergency services on the side of the road like police cars and ambulances. Now it's been extended to include tow trucks, mechanics and roadside assistance vehicles too.
After South Australia recently made a similar change, Victoria was the only state, along with the Northern Territory, that didn't have the rule made official.
Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) General Manager Makarla Cole told Yahoo News that the rule will "ensure that emergency roadside workers and tow truck drivers, regardless of who they work for, are given the same protection as other emergency workers."
Those who ignore the rule will be fined for not complying with the 40km/h mandate. The standard penalty for non-compliance is $346 with a potential maximum of $961. There will be no demerit points attached to the offence, however.
A recent survey by RACV revealed a startling 83 per cent of its roadside workers experience a near miss with another vehicle at least once a week. The road rule change has come after a consistent campaign from the group to bring Victoria in line with other jurisdictions.
Patroller Johnny Dipietro, recently spoke out about the dangerous conditions he contends with while trying to do his job on busy roads.
"I had a vehicle that almost hit me and I'll tell you what, it was really scary," he said.
He's not the only one. Incident responder Steven Bevens said close calls were an "everyday occurrence for our staff" when pulled over on the shoulder of a busy road or highway.
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VACC CEO Peter Jones backed the change. "With just weeks to go before the expanded Road Rule 79A takes effect on July 1, we're pleased to see the Victorian Government's commitment to roadside worker safety becoming a reality," he said.
Jones said the rule change is about creating a "culture of mutual respect" on Victorian roads and encouraged all drivers on Victorian roads to "familiarise themselves" with the expanded rules ahead of July 1.
"When you see those flashing lights – whether it's police, ambulance, or now our towing and roadside assistance vehicles – slow down to 40km/h. It's a simple action that could save lives," he said.
He argued that roadside assistance workers are first responders too, and often the first on the scene, 'working in extremely hazardous conditions," he said, adding: "This rule change finally gives them the protection they deserve.
Jones added that the rule isn't just about compliance but gives workers "vital extra seconds" to react if something goes wrong.
"We urge all motorists to see this as an investment in everyone's safety," he said.
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