RAC milestones

1905

The Club encourages local authorities to improve road surfaces and advocate for more rights for motorists.

1909

RAC had erected warning and directional signs across our State.

1911

The first road map detailing WA’s South West is created by the Club.

1914

Outbreak of World War 1. The Club fundraises to purchase ambulances for the Western Front and assisted in transferring wounded returning soldiers from Fremantle port.

1918

The Club lobbies government for uniform traffic regulations, such as drivers needing a licence, drivers to keep to the left and that all vehicles have brakes.

1919

The new Traffic Act becomes law. The Club pushes for a Main Roads Board to oversee and maintain major carriageways and a plan for new roads.

1920

The giant karri trees of southern WA are guaranteed preservation after the Club successfully campaigns to have an area each side of the Nannup-Warren road declared a national park.

1922

The Automobile Club of WA is given permission to use the word Royal, becoming the Royal Automobile Club of WA, or RAC.

1926

Our best-known service, the RAC Roadside Assistance Patrol, begins in Perth.

1928

RAC’s Touring Department is formed. 

1929

RAC forms a technical department to assist members looking to buy a second-hand car.

1932

RAC campaigns to make stealing or unlawful use of a motor car a criminal offence.

1940

• Australia sends the second AIF to support the British war effort in Europe and the Middle East.
• RAC becomes a depot for the distribution of petrol ration tickets.

1942

RAC sponsors the fit out of an operating theatre at Hollywood Military Hospital.

1944

After years of RAC lobbying the WA government introduces compulsory third-party insurance to bring WA in to line with the other states.

1945

RAC initiates the National Safety Council of WA to promote safety on and around roads.

1947

RAC Insurance Pty Ltd commences operations.

1955

The RAC celebrates its 50th birthday.

1957

Road Service is extended to 24 hours, and all patrol vehicles are fitted with two-way radios.

1960

RAC introduces its first travel agency to supplement its touring department.

1967

Emergency phones are installed on the Kwinana Freeway, with a direct line to RAC’s patrol service. In 1972 this service was extended to the Mitchell Freeway.

1970

• RAC advocates for the compulsory installation of Motor Vehicle Standards approved seatbelts.
• RAC introduces home and contents insurance.

1973

With seatbelts in new cars now compulsory, RAC seeks legislation banning the sale of non-approved seatbelts and child restraints.

1975

The end of an era: RAC hands over the maintenance of its directional signposting program to local authorities.

1978

Begins the push for drink-driving reform by releasing RAC research linking many fatal automobile accidents to drinking.

1979

RAC's Road Patrol magazine declares the need for $1.2 billion for roads nationally.

1980

RAC pushes for $400 million of taxes from the crude oil levy to be spent on roads.

1988

• The WA Government introduces random breath testing in line with other states after RAC lobbying.
• RAC Finance begins operation.

1993

Along with other Australian automobile clubs, RAC creates the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), which tests and rates the safety of new vehicles.

1998

RAC home security is launched.

1999

RAC launches the Attractions program, giving members exclusive discounts and benefits at a number of retail partners.

2000

Mobile vehicle inspection services are expanded.

2001

The Federal Government reduces the fuel excise and ends automatic indexation after significant campaigning by RAC.

2002

RAC and WA Police join forces to establish the Neighbourhood Watch program.

2003

RAC’s sponsorship of the first RAC Rescue helicopter commences, providing WA with its only 24/7 emergency rescue helicopter service.

2004

RAC secures a commitment of $100 million from the State Government to improve road safety, including $20 million for black spots and $80 million for safer roads.

2005

RAC celebrates its centenary.

2006

• Partnering with other motoring clubs, RAC develops a star rating system for the safety levels of Australia’s road network.
• RAC creates the Risky Roads survey, which asks WA road users to nominate dangerous roads and intersections to share with the government.

2011

RAC installs its first electric-vehicle charging station.

2012

• After 10 years of lobbying by RAC, the State Government directs 100% of red light and speed camera fines to the Road Trauma Trust Account for road safety projects.
• The first RAC bstreetsmart event is held, an annual crash re-enactment teaching students about road safety.

2013

• RAC launches the world’s first attention-powered car to raise awareness about inattention on our roads.
• RAC purchase its first Holiday Park, RAC Cervantes Holiday Park to encourage more West Australians to holiday at home.

2014

As a symbol of the silence on road safety in the WA Wheatbelt, RAC unveils The Elephant in the Wheatbelt, a life-sized African elephant sculpture made out of crashed cars. It highlights the significantly higher fatality rate in the Wheatbelt and our need to start a conversation.

2015

• RAC Electric Highway® opens, the first of its kind in Australia, running from Perth to Augusta.
• Following RAC lobbying, the State Government appoints a Road Safety Commissioner.
• RAC purchased a further three more holiday parks, RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and Ningaloo Reef Resort.
• RAC furthers its commitment to having a positive impact on Road Safety awareness with children and youth and launches RAC Little Legends Club®, a free road safety program for primary school aged children followed by Road Ready®, its high school equivalent in 2016.

2016

• A second RAC Rescue helicopter, based in Bunbury, flies into action. Together with the Perth based helicopter they have flown more than 7,000 missions saving countless lives.
• RAC begins trialling the RAC Intellibus®, Australia's first driverless and fully electric shuttle bus.
• RAC Purchased its fifth Holiday Park, RAC Busselton Holiday Park (previously named Peppermint Park Eco Village).

2017

RAC purchased its sixth Holiday Park, RAC Karri Valley Resort. The resort underwent a full refurbishment and looks better than ever.

2018

• RAC reaches 1 million members.
• RAC becomes the naming rights sponsor of RAC Arena, WA’s premier entertainment venue.
• RAC purchased its seventh holiday park, RAC Margaret River Nature Park previously called Wharncliffe Mill Bush Retreat, followed by its eighth holiday park, RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park, previously called Palm Grove Holiday Resort.

2019

• In Busselton, RAC Intellibus® becomes the first driverless vehicle trial to operate on public roads in regional WA.
• RAC Project Road Smart is launched, a free road safety event for senior schools in regional WA.
• RAC purchased its ninth holiday park, RAC Esperance Holiday Park (previously called Esperance Seafront Caravan Park).
• RAC's Connecting Communities Fund launches to support community-based groups, or Town Teams, delivering projects that enhance local spaces and engage communities.

Launched Reconnect WA, where we made $1 million available annually to partner with local governments for projects to reimagine and reinvigorate streets and public spaces.