Speed Limits in Australia 2026: Default Limits by State for Visitors

Default limits by state

A default limit applies on a road with no speed sign, or after an end speed limit sign. In New South Wales, a built-up area is one with street lights and buildings beside the road less than 100 m apart; most states use the same idea. The table sets out each default, with the limits that apply to learner and provisional drivers where a state publishes them.

Visitors on a full overseas licence follow the same limits as local drivers. The lower learner and provisional limits apply to drivers on local L or P plates.

Where 130 km/h is legal, and where it isn't

The Northern Territory is the only place in Australia with 130 km/h limits. The NT Government says some sections of the Barkly, Stuart, Victoria and Arnhem highways have a 130 km/h maximum, shown on signs, while heavy vehicles are held to 100 km/h. Everywhere else the highest posted limit is 110 km/h.

A 130 sign is a maximum for good conditions, not a target. In a hire campervan, at dusk, or with kangaroos and cattle beside the road, 130 km/h leaves no time to stop. Hire agreements can add their own rules for remote roads, so read yours before a long Territory leg.

School zones and other low limits

Every state cuts speed around schools on school days, with the hours on the sign. New South Wales uses 40 km/h, marks zones with flashing lights and zigzag lines painted on the road, and fines speeding in a school zone more heavily. Victoria uses 30, 40 or 60 km/h depending on the road, with time-based zones from 8 to 9.30 am and 2.30 to 4 pm on weekdays in term time, but not on public holidays.

South Australia is the exception to remember: drivers must slow to 25 km/h in a school zone whenever children are present, and when passing a school bus that has stopped to pick up or set down children. The Northern Territory uses 40 km/h at the times shown. Shared zones are 10 km/h in New South Wales, and you give way to people walking in them.

Speed cameras, including average speed cameras

Expect fixed cameras, mobile cameras in parked cars and vans, and cameras at traffic lights that also check speed. Transport for NSW says every mainland state and the ACT except New South Wales uses average speed cameras for both cars and heavy vehicles, timing you between two points on a highway. New South Wales has used them on trucks since 2010, and after a trial on two regional highways it is keeping them switched on for cars at those sites.

A camera does not stop you, so the first you hear of it is the notice. New South Wales says learner and P1 drivers lose their licence for any speeding offence, and most states add demerit points as well as a fine. Several states, New South Wales among them, apply double demerit points over holiday periods.

Fines in a hire car or campervan

A camera fine goes to the registered owner of the vehicle. In a hire car or campervan that is the hire company, which nominates you as the driver. Tourism Australia says the fine is sent to your car hire company, and that if you do not pay it, it can come off your credit card or security bond.

Most companies add an administration fee for handling each notice, so one camera can cost more than the fine. Keep the hire agreement until the bond is back, and check the card statement for a few weeks after you return the vehicle.

Driving below the limit

Queensland's rule of thumb holds everywhere: a posted limit is the maximum in good conditions, and rain, darkness or a hazard call for less. The same goes for gravel, which Tasmania limits to 80 km/h by default, and for a tall campervan in a crosswind.

If you are towing a caravan, lower vehicle limits can apply on top of the posted one, and they differ by state. Slow down for roadworks, emergency vehicles with flashing lights and stock on the road, and pull over to let traffic past when a queue builds behind you.

Plan shorter legs in AussieCamps

Speed limits matter less when the day is short. Add your stops to a trip in AussieCamps and it shows the driving distance and time for each leg and the whole journey, so you can see where a day runs long and add a rest area or campground between.

AussieCamps lists 5,552 rest areas and 1,838 campgrounds from road authorities and park agencies. Place details stay readable with no signal; the map, directions and weather need a connection. AussieCamps runs on iPhone.

Places along the way