Law Information - Driving - Dangerous Driving Offences - SA

Excessive speed

Date: 01/09/2009

The Law -

A speed limit sign often indicates the speed limit [ Australian Road Rules 20] or if there are no signs, the default speed limit applies. In a built-up area the default speed limit is 50 kph or outside of built-up areas, 100 kph [Australian Road Rules 25].  

Speed limits applying to classes of vehicles  
There are also some special speed limits applying to certain classes of vehicles, for example buses exceeding 5 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) and vehicles exceeding 12 tonne GVM must not exceed 100 kph.
Speed limit when passing emergency services vehicles  
Drivers must also slow down and drive at a safe speed, and in any case no greater than 40 km/h when passing an emergency services vehicle that is stationary and displaying a flashing blue or red light [Road Traffic Act 1961 s 83].

The Maximum Penalty for Excessive speed

The maximum penalty for any of the speeding offences described above is a fine of up to $1250 [Road Traffic Act 1961 s 164A].
Further offence of dangerous driving  
Drivers who excessively speed may also be charged with an offence of dangerous driving [Road Traffic Act 1961 s 46], see Dangerous driving.

What the prosecution must prove - Excessive speed

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Possible Defences - Excessive speed

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The Court process - Excessive speed

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