Motorists are no longer required to slow down to 40 km/h on highways and motorways when passing flashing emergency vehicles.
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The government implemented a 12-month trial of the controversial slow down rule in 2018.
But now under the new rule, effective from Thursday, motorists will be required to slow down to a speed that is "safe and reasonable for the circumstances" on roads with a speed limit of 90km/h or more.
The change is in an effort to avoid unsafe practices such as "hard-braking" on high speed roads.
Drivers must also provide sufficient space between their vehicle and the emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights and are required to change lanes on a multi-lane road if it is safe to do so.
The rule also has been expanded to apply to motorists when passing stationary tow trucks and breakdown assistance vehicles displaying flashing yellow lights.
On lower speed roads, with a speed limit of 80km/h or less, motorists will continue to be required to slow to 40km/h when passing stationary tow trucks, breakdown assistance or emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights.
Under the slow down road rule, motorists must not increase their speed until they are a sufficient distance past all the vehicles and people involved.
The rule does not apply when a stationary tow truck, breakdown assistance or emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights is on the opposite side of a divided road separated by a median strip.
NSW Police also adjusted its practices so officers are stopping in safer locations which are more visible to approaching drivers.
New advance warning signs are being designed for use by emergency services.
Assistant Commisioner Michael Corboy said the new rule is about ensuring the safety of not only police, but also other road users.
Changes to 40km/h rule
- Drivers will no longer need to slow down to 40km/h on roads with speed limits of 90km/h or over;
- Drivers will continue to be required to slow down to 40km/h on roads with speed limits of 80km/h or under; and
- The rule will be expanded to include tow trucks and breakdown assistance vehicles, which are displaying yellow flashing lights while stopped on the road.
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