Speed zones
Speed zones and signs
Speed limits are set to allow you to safely respond to potential risks on the road. Lower speed limits apply in areas where there are more people and vehicles. This is to reduce the chance of crashes and serious injuries.
10km/h shared zones
Roads with shared zones have high levels of pedestrian activity. The maximum speed limit is always 10km/h to allow vehicles to share the road with pedestrians.
There may not be road lines, kerbs or gutters in shared zones. As the driver, you must always give way to pedestrians.
30km/h zones
We aim to transform Sydney’s streets by promoting walking and cycling. Safer environments allow you to walk, cycle and commute with ease.
The NSW Government set up safer 30km/h speed zones in Manly to support the community and improve safety.
Multiple school zones within the 30km/h zones also have a 30km/h limit. 30km/h orange school zone signs and road markings alert you of the reduced speed.
40km/h zones
The 40km/h urban limit is part of a nationwide strategy to improve safety in high pedestrian activity areas. These areas include several CBD zones and small suburban shopping strips. The 40km/h limits are marked by signs showing local traffic zones and road work zones.
Signs and pavement markings showing the start of 40km/h pedestrian areas include:
- standard 40km/h speed signs
- high pedestrian activity area signs
- 40km/h pavement numerals (roads with painted speed limit numbers).
50km/h zones
50km/h speed limits apply to all built-up areas across NSW, unless other lower limits apply.
Built-up areas can have any of the following:
- Buildings on the land next to the road
- Streetlights along the road with a spacing of 100 metres or less for a total length of at least 500 metres
- Streetlights along the whole length of the road if it is shorter than 500 metres.
The 50km/h default limit applies to all urban roads without a speed sign. Reduced speed limits still apply at school zones, road works, and other special areas.
Advisory speed signs
Advisory speed signs aren't legal speed limits. These signs help you negotiate road features such as curves, bends, humps, and dips.
The signs show a recommended maximum speed in good driving conditions for the average car.
How speed zones are set and reviewed
Speed zones are set to benefit the community and reduce the road toll.
We engage the community in the speed zoning process to ensure their views are considered in speed zone management.
Minimise harm
Speed limits are set to manage the risk of crashes and minimise the force that road users are exposed to.
This lowers the chances of fatal or serious injuries in a crash.
Speed zone setting considers the:
- types of vehicles and road users using the road
- degree to which different road users face potential risks
- nature and standard of the road infrastructure and its surrounding environment.
Latest changes to permanent speed limits
Speed limit changes take effect regularly across NSW. Speed limits are not changed until the new speed limit signs are installed. Please ensure that you always observe the posted speed limit signs on the road.
- Speed limits - West Region - 21 September 2023
- Speed limits - South Region - 21 September 2023
- Speed limits - North Region - 21 September 2023
- Speed limits - Sydney Region - 7 September 2023
- Speed limits - North Region - 7 September 2023
- Speed limits - West Region - 7 September 2023
- Speed limits - North Region - 24 August 2023
- Speed limits - South Region - 24 August 2023
- Speed limits - West Region - 24 August 2023
Previous speed limit updates
- Speed limits - North Region - 10 August 2023
- Speed limits - South Region - 10 August 2023
- Speed limits - West Region - 10 August 2023
- Speed limits - Sydney Region - 27 July 2023
- Speed limits - North Region - 27 July 2023
- Speed limits - South Region - 27 July 2023
- Speed limits - West Region - 27 July 2023
- Speed limits - South Region - 13 July 2023
- Speed limits - North Region - 29 June 2023
- Speed limits - North Region - 15 June 2023
- Speed limits - South Region - 15 June 2023
- Speed limits - West Region - 15 June 2023
Have your say and request email updates
Tell us about issues with speed limits and speed limit signs. Your submission will be reviewed by road safety experts.
Sign up for email updates about changes to speed camera locations and speed limits. You will receive emails about scheduled changes.
Speed zones support liveability
The Movement and Place Framework considers how different parts of the road network perform different functions based on:
- movement of people and goods
- places for people and their activities.
The design of a road should align with its surrounding environment. This can reduce the risk, incidence and severity of crashes. Choosing the appropriate speed limit for a zone improves the liveability and economic success of the community.
When setting speed limits, we consider:
- the physical characteristics of a place, the activities that take place there and how local communities value and identify with a place
- mobility through, within, and to and from a place
- variable speed limits where movement and place functions change at certain times or days of the week.
Environmental impact of road traffic
Appropriate speed zones help manage the environmental impacts of road traffic.
Speed zones can encourage people to choose more sustainable modes of transport for shorter trips. This can reduce congestion and emissions.
Appropriate speed zones reduce the likelihood of crashes. Fewer crashes ease traffic delays and lower emissions.
Speed zones are set to be consistent
The NSW Speed Zoning Standard sets out principles and technical information for reviewing, determining, and implementing speed zones on NSW public roads.
The Standard helps to ensure that speed limits are set to promote the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, facilitate people-centred environments and connect places.
Many factors are considered when setting speed limits. These include crash history, crash risk, road characteristics (alignment, lane width and access points), road function, roadside development, traffic characteristics, at-risk locations and the presence of vulnerable road users.
More information
Visit the Movement and Place Framework website
Our driver’s aid app helps manage your speed.
The types of enforcement cameras used across NSW.
Drivers must obey the school zone speed limit of 40km/h during the times on the school zone signs. The lower speed limit improves safety.