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.

Previous speed limit updates

Have your say and request email updates

Have your say on speed limits

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

Movement and Place Framework

Visit the Movement and Place Framework website

Speed Adviser

Our driver’s aid app helps manage your speed.

Enforcement cameras

The types of enforcement cameras used across NSW.

School zones

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.