Speed Limits   – Caravan & Camping SA

Speed Limits

When towing your RV, driving slightly below the designated speed limit is safer and more economical. 

Operating your RV on the open road is different to how you drive your regular vehicle, and you will likely experience: 

  • decreased acceleration and braking performance 
  • reduced vehicle control and manoeuvrability 
  • increased fuel consumption. 

Speed influences your vehicle stability. If you are overloaded or your load is unevenly distributed your sway can increase especially as your speed increases. This can increase your risk of severe road incidents.  

 Consuming more fuel comes with driving larger, heavier vehicles and if you increase speed fuel inevitably increases. Driving to your conditions is always recommended and sitting at a comfortable speed, allowing you to feel in control is recommended. A speed range to keep in mind is 80-90km/h.   

NSW 

If your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or Gross Combination Mass (GCM) is under 4.5t then you can travel at the sign posted limit. However, if your GVM or GCM is over 4.5t, the speed limit is capped at 100km/h. 

WA 

Maximum speed limit when towing a trailer or caravan is 100km/h.  

The maximum speed for a heavy vehicle (with a GCM of over 22.5t) is 100km/h. 

VIC 

If your vehicle GVM is over 4.5t your speed limit is capped at 100km/h otherwise the posted speed limit applies. 

TAS 

Posted speed limit if towing. 

Maximum speed limit on gravel roads is 80km/h. 

If you are driving a bus with a GVM over 5t or another vehicle with a GVM over 12t, the maximum speed limit is 100km/h. 

SA 

Posted speed limit if towing. 

The maximum speed limit for a vehicle with a GVM over 12t or a bus GVM over 5t is 100km/h. 

ACT 

There are no speed restrictions applying to caravans and trailers other than the signed maximum speed limit.  The highest speed limit zone in ACT is 100 km/h. 

NT 

Drivers of heavy vehicles such as buses of more than 5t gross vehicle mass (GVM) or other heavy vehicles of more than 12 tonnes GVM must not exceed 100km/h. 

QLD 

Posted speed limit. 

Nationally, certain heavy vehicles require speed limiters, however; these vehicles are typically heavier than most RVs. 

Manufacturers may also place speed restrictions so be sure to check your owners’ manual.