Speeding significantly below the speed limit can be dangerous and in fact, in certain Australian jurisdictions, can even land motorists in court. Although most people might have the definition of speed limits as the maximum amounts you should not drive, not many know about the laws of driving too slowly. Recognizing the consequences of driving slowly, exceptions in some cases, and the ways to remain in compliance is the key to safe and stress free travel.
| Jurisdiction | Min. Speed Law? | Safe Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Western Australia | Yes | Bad weather, congestion |
Getting to Know about Slow Driving Laws.
In Australia, not necessarily driving at a pace lower than the speed limit indicated in signs is not necessarily legal. A guideline on roads known as Road Rule 125, which forms the basis of several states, states that a driver must not cause an unreasonable blockage on the road of another driver or a pedestrian. This implies that driving much slower than the speed of the other traffic without any reasonable cause may be termed as unreasonable obstruction.
Job-Specific Maximum Velocity.
The policies may vary across states. In Western Australia, motorists in freeways should not drive at a speed that is less than 20 km/h of the limit set- except in the case of unusual circumstances like congestion, or adverse weather conditions. Leaving this range unnecessarily would invite police action or administrative sanctions.
These are acceptable causes of slow driving.
Slow driving is not necessarily illegal. Weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, hailstorms or lack of visibility permit drivers to change their pace to ensure their safety. In this situation it is usually advisable to use the hazard lights to enable other road users to know what is going on. This exception takes care of the fact that putting the safety first, when the weather or road conditions justify it, will not lead to legal penalties.
Special Cases: Bears and Workers.
There are also vehicles that are legally required to travel at lower speeds namely in steep gradients especially when going uphill or downhill. Bicycle riders, who are not typically supposed to travel fast enough to keep up with traffic, are also permitted to travel at slower speeds in faster areas. These exemptions are there to take into consideration practical and mechanical restrictions.
Insurance and Responsibility.–Its purpose is to guarantee that the contractor adheres to specifications and finishes the job in the most dependable manner.<|human|>Insurance and Responsibility.–The object of it is to assure that the contractor conforms to specifications and completes the work in the most reliable way.
Another less known risk of slow driving is that it can affect the insurance claims of vehicles. In case of an accident due to slow driving, particularly where such is considered unreasonable or obstructive to the performance of other road users, then there is a possibility that insurance companies will refuse payout. Therefore, never slowdown without any clear and defendable reason, when you are driving in the traffic.
FAQs
Do you think that all cases of driving below speed limits are illegal?
No, however, unsafe driving which does not have any justification and is unreasonable can lead to punishment.
Q2: What is the time of day that slow driving is permitted?
Cases of low speed driving are allowed due to bad weather, heavy traffic and vehicle constraints.
Q3: Does that mean my insurance can deny my claims after an accident that is caused by slow driving?
Yes, when the insurer finds out that you were driving too slowly and that you caused the accident, he/she might reject your claim.
