New $1,600 fine hits drivers—are you ready for the road rule shake-up? 

A sweeping new road rule has just come into effect, and it’s one that every driver needs to know about—especially if you want to avoid a hefty fine that could leave your wallet feeling a little lighter (to the tune of $1,600, no less). 

More importantly, this change is about keeping people safe on our roads—people who are often overlooked but play a vital role in helping us when things go wrong.

South Australian drivers are now legally required to slow down to 25km/h when passing any stationary vehicle displaying flashing amber lights. 

This is a significant expansion of the previous law, which only applied to emergency vehicles like police, fire, and ambulances. 

Now, the rule covers a much broader range of roadside workers, including Royal Automobile Association (RAA) patrols, tow trucks, and other breakdown and roadside assistance vehicles.

The RAA has campaigned for this change for years through its ‘Slow Down for Yellow Too’ initiative and has welcomed the new law. 

‘This will make it safer for drivers when their vehicle breaks down, as well as RAA Patrols and Tow Truck drivers doing their job,’ a spokesperson said. 

And with the RAA attending to around 950 callouts daily on South Australian roads, the risk to both stranded motorists and the people helping them is very real.

The push for this new rule isn’t just about inconvenience or minor scrapes. Between 2019 and early 2025, there were 23 serious safety incidents or near misses involving drivers who failed to slow down near roadside breakdowns. 

In some cases, patrol vehicles were hit, and warning equipment was destroyed—incidents that could have ended in tragedy.

Charles Mountain, senior manager of safety at the RAA, called the reforms ‘a new era of safety for frontline workers and the hundreds of stranded drivers who rely on their help each day.’ 

Here’s what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law—and keep everyone safe:

• Slow to 25km/h: If you see a stationary vehicle with flashing amber lights (think RAA patrols, tow trucks, or other roadside assistance), you must slow down to 25km/h as you pass.
• All lanes apply: This rule applies across all lanes on multi-lane roads. However, if you’re travelling in the opposite direction on a divided road, you’re not required to slow down.
• When does it apply: The rule is only triggered when amber lights are actively flashing, usually from rotating beacons or roof-mounted light bars.
• Who’s not covered: This law doesn’t apply to vehicles like garbage trucks, council utility vehicles, or construction equipment that use amber lights unless temporary reduced-speed signage is in place.

The penalties for failing to comply are steep and tiered:

• Under 10km/h over the limit: Fines start at $202 and two demerit points.
• Over 30km/h above the limit: Fines can reach a whopping $1,684 and seven demerit points.

That’s not just a slap on the wrist—it’s a serious hit to your driving record and bank account.

With this change, South Australia joins New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia, all of which have already introduced similar protections for roadside recovery and service personnel. 

It’s a move that’s as much about changing attitudes as it is about changing laws. Authorities hope it will reinforce the idea that slowing down and staying alert could be the difference between life and death.

By making it mandatory to slow down, the government is sending a clear message: the safety of everyone on our roads matters, whether they’re in uniform or overalls.

Have you ever had a close call with a roadside worker or been helped by the RAA or a tow truck? Do you think this new law will make a difference? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your stories in the comments below!

Also read: The surprising road rule catching drivers off guard—and how to avoid a $6,000 fine