RACQ roadside officers and Queensland’s emergency service personnel are frequently involved in near misses or even struck by passing motorists while trying to do their job.

From 16 September 2022 motorists who fail to move over and slow down when passing emergency roadside workers will face significant penalties.

RACQ Group Executive - Assistance, Glenn Toms said the Club congratulated the State Government on the vital road safety rule.

“We have been advocating for this change since 2017, with 90 percent of our members in favour of making this lifesaving road rule a reality, so we are incredibly pleased the Government is taking action,” Mr Toms said.

“Emergency responders, including our roadside crews, put their lives on the line every day by working in high-risk and often high-speed environments to rescue stranded motorists, but one wrong move by a passing driver could end in tragedy.

“This new rule will require motorists to change the way they drive around roadside incidents to give responders a safe space to do their job - so they can continue to help the people they’re there to protect, and ensure everyone gets home safely."

Drivers will need to move over and slow down to a safe speed as they pass an emergency response vehicle and any workers or pedestrians in the immediate vicinity.

Emergency vehicles include roadside assistance vehicles, tow trucks, police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and transport enforcement vehicles.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the likelihood of a serious injury or fatality increases significantly as vehicle speeds increase so the new law aims to reduce that risk as much as possible.

“Our emergency service and first responders do an incredible job, and they play a critical role in roadside incidents,” Mr Bailey said. 

“The rule is simple – if you see flashing lights at the roadside, move over and slow down. 

“We know many people already do it, but this change makes it clear that you must do it to keep the people helping in an incident safe from harm.” 

The penalty for those who ignore the new law will be $432 and 3 demerit points, or a maximum court-imposed penalty of $4,312.