Changes to 'slow down' rule will come into force in NSW tomorrow

Changes to the rule requiring motorists to slow down when passing stationary emergency vehicles will come into force in NSW tomorrow.

A $457 fine and three demerit points will apply for motorists who do not comply with the new road rule - a maximum court penalty of $2,200 could also apply.

The so-called "slow down" rule will now require drivers to reduce their speed to 40km/h on roads with speed limits up to 80km/h when emergency vehicles, tow trucks or breakdown assistance vehicles are displaying flashing lights while stopped on the road.

Drivers will no longer need to slow down to 40km/h on roads with speed limits over 90km/h, with motorists only required to drive at speed "safe and reasonable for the circumstances".

Motorists must also give sufficient space between any emergency vehicle, tow truck or breakdown assistance vehicle, as well as any people on the road.

On multi-lane roads, drivers must keep the lane next to the stationary vehicle vacant if safe to do so.

Motorists must also not increase their speed until they are a sufficient distance past all the vehicles and people involved.

The rule does not apply when a stationary tow truck, breakdown assistance or emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights is on the opposite side of a divided road separated by a median strip.

Executive director of the Centre for Road Safety Bernard Carlon said the changes come after feedback from the public and stakeholders during the initial 12-month trail of the laws.

"These changes enhance safety on higher speed roads where greater time and distance is needed to safely reduce speed," he said.

"We want every road user to feel safe on NSW roads – including those working on the roadside, the people they are helping and those who are slowing down as they pass these stopped vehicles."