How fast are you allowed to drive your RV?

Do you know how fast you're allowed to drive your RV in Australia? Here's the lowdown on the rules in each state according to rvSafe.


April 3, 2023

Do you know the correct speed limits for RV, caravan, and trailers in Australia?

At what speed should you be driving your RV, caravan or camper? It’s a timeless question posed by new and old drivers alike when calculating drive times or trying to make better time on the way to the campsite.

An RV or car towing a caravan is completely different from simply driving a passenger vehicle, so it’s vitally important to consider your speed for your safety… and for that of others on the road. Because we all know that speeding is dangerous. But can or should you just drive the speed limit in your RV or are there special rules for these types of vehicles?

Well, it all depends on a few things, such as what you’re driving, its weight, and where in particular you happen to be driving. Here’s an overview.

Image via Sunliner RV

RV Driving Laws and Speed Limits for Aussies

Here’s an overview of the RV and camper/caravan driving rules for different regions.

Australian Capital Territory

For this area, all you need to do is follow the maximum speed limit posted on road signs like any other normal vehicle. Speed limits in ACT usually don’t exceed 100km/h anyway.

New South Wales

Your vehicle’s weight factors into speed limits in this region. You’re permitted to travel at the posted speed limit if your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or Gross Combination Mass (GCM) is under 4.5t. However, if you are over the 4.5t weight, then you will have to cap your speed at 100km/h. 

Northern Territory

Weight will again be a factor driving in the Northern Territory. If you are in an RV or vehicle that’s between 5t gross vehicle mass, then you will also be capped at 100 km/h.

Queensland

Smooth sailing when you follow the posted speed limit in Queensland. 

South Australia

If you are a car towing a caravan, then you just have to follow the speed limit in South Australia. However, if your RV or bus has a gross vehicle weight of over 5t is capped at 100km/h.

Tasmania

In good old Tasmania, you have to follow the posted speed limit if you are towing. If the vehicle is a bus with a gross vehicle weight over 5t or any other vehicle over 12t, the maximum speed for you is 100km/h. Also keep in mind that in Tasmania the maximum speed limit on gravel roads is 80km/h. 

Victoria

Smaller vehicles will just have to follow the speed limit in Victoria, however if your RV or caravan weighs more than 4.5t then unfortunately your speed is capped at 100km/h.

Western Australia

It seems like no matter what, 100km/h is your cap in Western Australia. The maximum speed when towing a caravan or trailer is 100km/h, and the maximum speed for a heavy vehicle (GCM over 22.5t) is also 100 km/h. 

Make sure to also check your owner’s manual in case they have restrictions on your particular vehicle. And, as always, drive to the weather and road conditions, not the speed limit. 

Image via Sunliner RV

Drive Safe, Arrive Safe

In the end, it’s always safer to drive a little bit slower than the posted speed limit anyway… especially with an RV or when you’re towing something. Why? Well, because compared to a simple passenger vehicle, an RV or trailer has inferior acceleration and braking performance, as well as reduced manoeuverability and vehicle control. Bigger, boxier vehicles also tend to be a bit more… tippy… so you have to watch your speed around things like corners or you may end up in trouble. 

Fuel economy is also a factor. Your big RV sucks up a lot petrol. If you put the pedal to the metal it’s just going to guzzle it up even faster. More often than not, that comfy and in-control speed that’s just under the limit (say in the 80-90km/h range) will also be the sweet spot for fuel economy.

Looking for more info on keeping safe in your RV? Make sure to visit rvSafe.com.au, your go-to site for all things RV and safety. 

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Steven Hill
Steven Hill

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