Speeding is one of the most hazardous driving offenses, accounting for 40% of all traffic fatalities each year. However, the meaning of speeding may be ambiguous at first. Speeding is merely exceeding the legal speed limit.
A black number inside a red circle is always used as a speed limit sign. Other territories have various speed limits (up to 130 km/h in the Northern Territory) and allowances for going over the limit. If you're driving within Australia's borders, be sure to verify the speed restrictions of the area you're in as the speed limit varies depending on the area and a variety of conditions such as pedestrian activity, traffic restrictions, and hazards.
Even if a speed limit sign is higher, you must not drive faster than the maximum speed allowed by your driver's license. In conclusion, a learner driving in Canberra is permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 90 km/h, P1 (provisional) 90 km/h, P2 (provisional) 100 km/h, and the maximum speed for heavy vehicles is 100 km/h if the truck weighing more than 4.5 tonnes(once you leave the city limits of Canberra, the number will change.)
What do speed limits on Australian roads mean?
In shared zones, such as parking lots and reserves, the speed limit is 10 kilometers per hour.
40 kilometers per hour
These are often heavy-traffic locations with a higher risk of collision due to the high volume of activity, such as pedestrians. Due to a large number of children present, school zones will be the most prevalent region with this speed limit. This speed limit also applies to bus stops and construction zones.
Because of the large volume of activity in this location, it's best to be cautious of potential hazards.
50 kilometers per hour
The most prevalent speed limit is 50 km/h, which is the default speed limit in all Australian states. It's the default speed limit for new learners in Australia that you have to follow, even if there aren't any speed limit signs. Many of the areas with this speed limit are residential areas.
While there is less activity in these regions than in 40 km/h zones, there is still a considerable need to be cautious owing to frequent pedestrian contacts.
This is an important speed for learner drivers because they will most likely be driven to regions where there are no speed limits and are expected to drive safely at 50 km/h.
80 kilometers per hour
This speed zone is also very frequent in urban areas, where it can be found on divided roads with no driveway access, undivided arterial roads on the outskirts of cities, and poor-quality country roads. Despite the fact that there are fewer risks in these regions, it is essential to exercise caution because they are often densely crowded with other vehicles traveling at this pace.
100 kilometers per hour
Except in Western Australia, where the default speed limit is 110km/h, this is the default speed limit in all non-built-up areas. You can maintain this speed limit on most rural roads, however, it is most commonly seen on urban highways.
Although there are fewer hazards and activities in these places, it's still a good idea to be cautious because you'll likely encounter other cars traveling at the same pace as you, and there are chances of collisions as well.
At 100 km/h, the stopping distance is over 90 meters, therefore you should allow plenty of room between you and other vehicles if you're driving on the roads with a 100 km/h speed limit.
110 kilometers per hour
Except for the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, every state has the highest speed restriction. Only high-quality rural split roads and non-urban motorways have these zones.
Note:- Even if a speed limit sign is higher, you must not drive faster than the maximum speed allowed by your driver's license. In conclusion, a learner is permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 90 km/h, P1 (provisional) 90 km/h, P2 (provisional) 100 km/h, and the maximum speed for heavy vehicles is 100 km/h if the truck weighing more than 4.5 tonnes
Allowances for going above the limit
Any speeding offense will result in the suspension of a learner or provisional P1 driver's license if they exceed their demerit point limit.
Fines and demerit points are some of the penalties for speeding (including double demerit points)
Your vehicle or number plates will be taken away,
You can even lose your license.
The penalty will increase when you drive faster than the posted speed limit and in school zones.
Only drive at the posted speed limit as it is safe to do so. You must check the speed limit and exercise vigilance when being on the road.
Whether you are driving on a busy major route or a residential street driving at the optimum speed is always vital for your safety, as well as the safety of other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Safewheelz, offers master driving training on speed management to all drivers so that those who drive too quickly or too slowly can drive smoothly. Our skilled experts instructed drivers on how to properly accelerate, brake, and maintain a consistent pace on the road. By the time they are ready to take the Drive Test, learners will be able to drive at the proper speed in any situation. You can enrol in Safewheelz's driving courses and receive wheel instruction from our experts.
Book your driving lessons with the best Canberra driving school now!