Nation divided on emergency slow down laws

EMERGENCY SLOWDOWN LAWS STATE BY STATE

Come September 1, drivers in five of Australia's eight states and territories will be forced to slow down to school-zone speeds around emergency vehicles.

But depending on the jurisdiction, drivers may have to slow down when passing more than just police, fire, ambulance and SES workers.

NEW SOUTH WALES

* Year-long trial begins September 1

* Like most states, drivers need to slow down to 40km/h

* Fine of $448 and two demerit points.

VICTORIA

* Also applies to taxi commission cars and other government vehicles displaying magenta flashing lights and certain search and rescue vehicles

* Fine of $272 and no demerit points

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

* Slow down to 25km/h

* Fine of $174-$1036, two to nine demerit points and possible loss of licence depending on offending driver's speed

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

* Includes all incident response vehicles with amber flashing lights including tow trucks and roadside assist vehicles

* $300 fine and three demerit points

ACT

* Mimics the NSW laws

* $257 fine and two demerit points

QUEENSLAND

* Palaszczuk government opposed the introduction of the policy in April

* Police want it introduced while RACQ says it should be extended to roadside assistance workers

TASMANIA

* No law

NORTHERN TERRITORY

* No law