Car speed limits in Western Australia (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: The default limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas and 110 km/h in rural or undeveloped areas. School zones are 40 km/h on school days at the set hours, and the page was written by Main Roads, not taken from the Road Traffic Code.

RuleWhat applies
Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads50 km/h default speed limit in built-up areas [1]
Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads110 km/h default speed limit in rural or undeveloped areas [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 roads40 km/h in school zones and at children's crossing zones, enforced on school days from 7.30 to 9.00am and 2.30 to 4.00pm [2]
Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roadsThe speed limit must be followed at all times, including a reduced limit through roadwork areas. All roadwork signs must be followed even when no road workers can be seen. [3]
Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Main Roads describes default limits as the statutory limits for roads that are not speed zoned. The Road Traffic Code 2000 itself was not read.
  • The same page notes a 100 km/h maximum for a vehicle towing a trailer or other vehicle and for a bus with a GVM over 5 tonnes.
  • The pages read give no separate default for dual carriageways; limits on them are set by speed limit signs.
  • Hours in regional areas may vary. The page describes a Main Roads programme, not the Road Traffic Code.
  • The page is a Main Roads safety page and does not give a figure; the limit is the one on the roadwork signs.

Sources

  1. Main Roads Western Australia: Speed Zones (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Main Roads Western Australia: School Zones and Children's Crossings Improvement Program (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Main Roads Western Australia: Safety (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Western Australia

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 50 km/h · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; 10 g or less may get an intervention notice · Growing at home: Banned
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, Containers for Change · 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: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Specified drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any cannabis detected
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules, 16+ · Minimum age: 16
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Citizen or permanent resident: transfer within 3 months
  • Home educationNature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • MopedsMinimum age to ride: From 15 years 6 months · Licence: Class R-N or other WA 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 not touched
  • 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, on rent or hire
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18

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