Car speed limits in South Australia (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: The default maximum is 50 km/h in built-up areas and 100 km/h outside them, and some roads are signed at 110 km/h. In a school zone, 25 km/h applies whenever a child is present.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 50 km/h is the maximum default speed limit in a built-up area [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 100 km/h is the maximum default speed limit outside a built-up area. Some roads are signed at 110 km/h. [1] |
| 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 roads | 25 km/h in a school zone (between the school zone sign and the end school zone sign) whenever a child is present on the road, footpath, median strip or a bicycle, including outside school hours [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | 25 km/h where the limit is shown with a 25 km/h speed sign, such as at roadworks [1] |
| Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Some roads in built-up areas are signed higher (for example 60 or 80 km/h) or lower (for example 40 km/h).
- Learner and provisional drivers must not travel at the 110 km/h limit. Vehicles over 12 tonnes GVM and buses over 5 tonnes GVM are limited to 100 km/h.
- The pages read give no separate default for dual carriageways; limits on them are set by speed limit signs.
- A child is a person under 18 or a student of any age in school uniform. The Handbook also describes 25 km/h at flashing children's crossing lights and past a stopped school bus.
Sources
- Service SA (My Licence): My Licence - The Driver's Handbook - Speed limits (Internet Archive snapshot of 18 July 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
More rules in South Australia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; usually an expiation notice (fine) · Growing at home: Banned; small numbers expiable
- Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, since 1977 · Deposit per container: 10c refund
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
- Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC detected
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (general use only)
- Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes for short-term visitors · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: SA licence within 90 days
- Home educationLegal status of home education: Approval (exemption) needed · Nature of the parental duty: School attendance
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence under s 21E (details not read)
- MopedsLicence: Any SA licence
- 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 used without touching; L/P1: none
- 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, all homes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
- 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%
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.