Vital safety win for roadside workers with Road Rule 79A expansion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

30 April 2025

The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has today welcomed the Department of Transport and Planning's (DTP) announcement of the expansion to Road Rule 79A, effective 1 July 2025, following years of persistent advocacy by the organisation.

The expanded rule will require motorists to slow down to 40 km/h when passing stationary or slow-moving towing and roadside assistance vehicles displaying flashing lights with workers present on the roadside.

VACC Chief Executive Officer, Peter Jones, said the rule change represents a significant victory for road safety and VACC members who perform crucial roadside services.

"After years of determined advocacy, we are delighted to see this commonsense measure finally being implemented," Mr Jones said. "Our towing operators and roadside assistance personnel face serious dangers every day working mere centimetres from passing traffic. This rule will provide them with the same protections already afforded to emergency services personnel."

The expanded Road Rule 79A will now cover:

Accident towing vehicles
Breakdown towing services
Roadside assistance vehicles
Incident response services

Previously, the 40 km/h rule only applied when passing emergency and law enforcement vehicles.

"This is fundamentally about ensuring that everyone gets home safely at the end of their workday," Mr Jones continued. "For too long, our members have been put at unnecessary risk while performing their essential work on Victorian roads. We've been fighting for this change for a number of years, and it's gratifying to see our persistence pay off in this win for member safety on the roads."

The reduced speed requirement will apply on all road types, including freeways, bringing consistency with existing speed restrictions in school zones and roadwork areas.

The VACC Towing Operator's Division Executive Committee has been instrumental in achieving this regulatory change, with ongoing consultation with the Department of Transport and Planning.

"We extend our sincere thanks to our Towing Division Executive Committee for their leadership in securing this vital safety measure," Mr Jones said. "This change demonstrates what can be achieved when industry and government work collaboratively to improve safety standards for all road users."

The new rule comes into effect from 1 July 2025.

ENDS

Media contact:

Andrew Molloy

Manager Marketing, Media, Communications & Publications

03 9829 1248 | 0457 188 375 | [email protected] | vacc.com.au