Car speed limits in Australian Capital Territory (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: The default speed limit in the ACT is 50 km/h, with major roads signposted at 60 km/h. School zones and town centres are signposted at 40 km/h.

RuleWhat applies
Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads50 km/h is the default speed limit in the ACT. Exceptions are major roads signposted at 60 km/h and school zones and town centres signposted at 40 km/h. [1]
Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads⚠ Not yet verified
Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads⚠ Not yet verified
MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads⚠ Not yet verified
School zonesPassenger car on public roads40 km/h on certain streets in school zones, for the times and days marked on the school zone signs [1]
Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads⚠ Not yet verified
Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The page gives the default for the whole ACT and does not separate built-up areas from other roads.
  • The pages read give no separate default for dual carriageways; limits on them are set by speed limit signs.
  • The times are typically 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, according to the page.

Sources

  1. ACT Government (City Services): Speeding (Internet Archive snapshot of 3 December 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Australian Capital Territory

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, mainly footpaths and shared paths
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 18+ within the limit · Growing at home: Yes, 2 plants per adult, 4 per home
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container deposit scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 years 9 months, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Same rights as bicycles
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence or permit needed)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent visa: ACT licence after 3 months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • MopedsLicence: Motorcycle licence (class R)
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Mounted or untouched; L/P: no voice use
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, compulsory · Minimum alarms and where: On or near the ceiling in bedrooms or in the corridor that leads to bedrooms, installed as per the manufacturer's instructions and the National Construction Code. A multi-level home needs smoke alarms on each level, interconnected.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Towing trailers and caravansTrailer mass allowed with a car licence in any combination: Up to 9,000 kg GVM
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

Compare with the other states and provinces →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.