Is speeding driving legal?

Yes and no - driving just below the posted speed limit is not illegal, but if you're driving abnormally slowly, you could be committing an offence.

While you'll likely draw the ire of the drivers behind you, sometimes you may want to go over the speed limit when you're having trouble navigating in a new area or waiting for parking to miraculously appear during rush hour. Whatever your reasoning, remember that driving slightly over the speed limit is legal, but driving too slowly can actually get you into trouble.

According to the Royal Automobile Association, if you drive too slowly, you could be violating Australian Highway Code 125, which says drivers must not unreasonably obstruct another vehicle.

This is not directly related to slow driving, but the rule applies to driving so slowly that you disturb others. There is some wiggle room in how this law is applied, but a clear example for all Australian states given by the RAA (and supported by the New South Wales Roads and Maritime Services website) is driving at 20 km/h in 80 km/h zone km/h. To go so slowly would be clearly abnormal.

While the Australian Highway Code is nationwide, there tends to be some variation between states in the nuances of certain road rules, their application and associated penalties, and context is often key as well. For example, the Western Australian Police state that there is a minimum speed limit on freeways, among others; You must drive no slower than 20 km/h below the posted speed limit on motorways or you risk being stopped.

In general, however, in all states and territories of Australia, you're better off just using common sense, as that's what the police will use when they see you driving down the road. Asked about speeding in Tasmania Daily Mercury A few years ago, Sergeant Lindsay Judson was quite clear: “If I am driving and approaching you from behind, and you are driving well below the speed limit and other vehicles are stuck behind you, then you can expect to be stopped and talked to. ."

And finally, always remember that if you are driving in violation of the law, you are likely also violating any insurance agreement you may have. While you should always check the details of your particular agreement, be aware that if you have an accident while driving so slowly that you interfere with other drivers, your insurance may be voided.

This article is not intended as legal advice. You should check with your local road authorities to make sure the information written here is appropriate for your situation before driving this way.