Car speed limits in Victoria (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Where no sign is displayed, the limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas and 100 km/h on country roads. School zones are usually 40 km/h at the times shown on the signs, and signed freeways outside built-up areas can be 110 km/h.

RuleWhat applies
Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads50 km/h in built-up areas and neighbourhoods where no speed limit signs are displayed [1]
Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads100 km/h on country roads outside built-up areas where no speed limit signs are displayed [1]
Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads⚠ Not yet verified
MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads; Freeways, motorways and tollways in non-built-up areas110 km/h on signed freeways, motorways and tollways in non-built-up areas that are designed for high speeds and have additional safety features [1]
School zonesPassenger car on public roads40 km/h on arterial roads and local streets next to a school and where children cross the road. 30 km/h applies in active-travel precincts and some local streets, and 60 km/h on certain rural roads where the normal limit is 80 km/h or higher. [2]
Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roadsThe temporary limit shown on a roadworks speed sign applies until a sign shows a different limit, even when no roadworks can be seen [1]
Residential streetsPassenger car on public roadsTypically 50 km/h on local streets in built-up areas where streets are unsigned. Local streets in built-up areas can be signed at 40 km/h, and at 30 km/h where they have high pedestrian numbers. [1]

Notes

  • The pages read give no separate default for dual carriageways; limits on them are set by speed limit signs.
  • This is the limit used on such roads where it is signed. The page gives no separate unsigned default for freeways.
  • Time-based school zones operate on weekdays during Victorian school terms, 8 to 9.30am and 2.30 to 4pm, and not on public holidays. Permanent zones apply at all times. The limit and times are shown on the signs.
  • The page describes typical limits by road environment, not a separate legal default for residential streets. The signed limit applies.

Sources

  1. Transport Victoria: Speed limits (Internet Archive snapshot of 22 July 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Transport Victoria: School zones (Internet Archive snapshot of 5 January 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Victoria

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence; small amounts max 5 penalty units · Growing at home: Banned
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, CDS Vic · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any amount of THC is an offence · THC threshold: Any amount of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licensed only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, if living in Victoria under 6 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Convert if living in Victoria 6+ months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Controlled weapon; excuse needed · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • 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/built-in only; L/P: 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 · Minimum alarms and where: One per level, plus by bedrooms
  • 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% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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