Suburban speed limits
Speed limits in local streets and built-up areas
The speed limit in built-up areas in Queensland is 50km/h unless otherwise indicated by signs.
A ‘local street’ or ‘built-up area’ has access to private property and/or limited neighbourhood traffic movement. Some industrial and commercial areas also have local streets.
Roads that carry traffic through suburbs and across towns have a speed limit of 60km/h or higher. The speed limit on these roads is clearly signed.
Find out more about what Queensland’s traffic signs mean.
How speed limits are set
The Department of Transport and Main Roads and local governments set speed limits in Queensland within strict guidelines to ensure limits are consistent and credible.
These factors are considered when determining speed limits:
- the number and configuration of traffic lanes
- housing density and type of development
- the amount of on-road parking
- access to property arrangements
- traffic signals
- patterns of crashes that have occurred.
A speed limit may be lowered on a hazardous section of road if it is believed it will help reduce the number of crashes.
Speeding fines and demerit points
Speeding is defined as driving at a speed higher than the posted speed limit or at a speed that is inappropriate to the driving conditions (such as rain, fog, traffic volume, traffic flow).
Speeding consequences include:
- receiving a fine
- receiving demerit points
- losing your licence
- killing or injuring yourself, loved ones or other road users.