A built-up area is usually where you see regular street lighting or closely spaced buildings (think towns, suburbs, shopping strips).
Roads outside built-up areas include highways and rural roads between towns. If there’s no speed sign, the default rules for that state or territory apply.
Always remember: posted signs override any default.
Standard Default Speed Limit Outside Built-Up Areas
Across most of Australia, the **standard (default) speed limit outside built-up areas is 100 km/h.
Two major exceptions are:
- Western Australia (WA): default 110 km/h on open/rural roads.
- Northern Territory (NT): default 110 km/h on open roads, with 130 km/h allowed only where signed on selected high-standard highways.
In Tasmania (TAS), road surface matters: 100 km/h on sealed rural roads and 80 km/h on unsealed rural roads (unless signed otherwise).
State-By-State Snapshot (General Licence Holders)
| State/Territory | Default In Built-Up Areas | Default Outside Built-Up Areas | Highest Signed Limit | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | 50 km/h | 100 km/h | 100 km/h | Rural/open roads default 100 unless signed. |
| NSW | 50 km/h | 100 km/h | 110 km/h | Built-up typically indicated by lighting/buildings. |
| NT | 60 km/h (many towns 50) | 110 km/h | 130 km/h (signed sections only) | 130 km/h on parts of Stuart/Barkly/Victoria/Arnhem Highways when signed. |
| QLD | 50 km/h | 100 km/h | 110 km/h | Some high-standard roads signed to 110. |
| SA | 50 km/h | 100 km/h | 110 km/h | Statewide rural default 100 unless signed. |
| TAS | 50 km/h | 100 km/h (sealed) / 80 km/h (unsealed) | 110 km/h | Surface type affects default. |
| VIC | 50 km/h | 100 km/h | 110 km/h | 110 on selected freeways when signed. |
| WA | 50 km/h | 110 km/h | 110 km/h | Open/undeveloped areas default 110. |
Tip: Signs beat defaults. If you see 80, 90, 100, 110 or 130 posted, follow the posted limit.
Important Exceptions And Practical Details
- NT’s 130 km/h applies only on clearly signed sections of a few major highways; everywhere else, follow the posted or 110 km/h default.
- Tasmania’s surface rule: sealed = 100 km/h, unsealed = 80 km/h unless signed.
- Roadworks, school zones, town approaches, tourist drives and dangerous curves often have lower temporary or permanent limits—slow down as required.
- Licence class & vehicle type: Learner/Provisional drivers or heavy vehicles may face additional restrictions—always follow the rules on your licence and any vehicle-specific signs.
Safe Speed Isn’t Always The Maximum
The speed limit is the legal maximum, not a target. Adjust for rain, fog, gravel, wildlife, night driving, poor visibility, or traffic.
On narrow or winding rural roads, driving at 80–90 km/h may be safer than the 100 km/h default. Use common sense and defensive driving to protect yourself and others.
Quick Checklist Before You Set Off
- Scan for signs at town exits/entries and before highway merges.
- Watch for surface changes (sealed ↔ unsealed) in regional areas.
- Look ahead for roadworks and temporary electronic signs.
- Know your state’s default: 100 km/h in most places; 110 km/h default in WA and NT; TAS varies by surface.
- When unsure, ease off—it’s safer and legal.
If you’re outside a built-up area and no sign is present, assume 100 km/h in most of Australia.
he key exceptions are WA and the NT where the default is 110 km/h, and TAS where sealed rural roads default to 100 km/h and unsealed to 80 km/h.
The sign on the day is the final authority, and conditions should guide your actual speed.
By knowing these default limits and staying alert to posted signs, you’ll drive legally, safely, and with confidence across Australia’s open roads.
FAQs
What if there’s no speed sign on a country highway?
If there’s no sign, the default outside built-up areas applies: 100 km/h in most states/territories; 110 km/h in WA and the NT.
Always slow down for conditions.
Can I legally drive at 130 km/h in Australia?
Only in the Northern Territory and only where it’s clearly signed to 130 km/h. Elsewhere, the highest limits are typically 110 km/h where posted.
Does the road surface change the limit?
Yes, in Tasmania: 100 km/h on sealed rural roads and 80 km/h on unsealed rural roads unless a sign says otherwise.
In other states, follow posted signs.
