If you’re used to driving within the UK – or any country that drives on the left – chances are high that you won’t have any problems driving in Australia. But like anywhere, it pays to know about the local rules and road signs before you drag the wheel. An overview of the traffic rules and regulations are detailed as follows.
Don’t drink and drive.
Random breath testing is common and penalties for driving over the limit are harsh, so it’s best to avoid alcohol completely if you’re driving. The legal limit is 0.05 of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but in New South Wales, the limit for car rental is simply 0.02.
Driving License
- The minimum age requirement to get a driver's license in Australia is 16 years. After passing the test one is qualified for a Learner’s Permit on which he is permitted to drive for 2 years.
- On completion of driving for a minimum of 12 months on a Learner’s Permit, he's eligible to use for Provisional License – P1.
- A driver qualifies for the Provisional License – P2 when he is 18 years and above and has held a P1 license for a minimum period of 1 year.
- Anyone who is 20 years or older is eligible for the complete driver's license provided he has completed 2 years of driving on his P2 License
Drive on the left.
If there is more than one lane to choose from, stick to the leftmost lane, unless you’re overtaking.
Speed Limits
- The maximum speed limit outside built-up areas is 100 km/h and within built-up areas is 50 km/h.
- Speed limits of 25 km/h are imposed at school crossings and koala crossings. This speed limit is applicable when passing school buses that have stopped for picking or dropping students or passing emergency vehicles with their lights flashing. In some residential areas, speed limits are fixed at 40 km/h.
It is illegal to use a mobile while driving.
You can only make or receive a call, or use the MP3 function on the phone if the phone is in a mobile phone holder.
Australian road signs and markings
- Remember that Australian road speeds and distances are measured in kilometers, albeit you drive on the left – easy to forget if you're used to driving within the UK.
- You must come to an entire stop at a stop sign, and if cars are coming, you want to subside to them. However, you don’t need to come to an entire stop at a subside sign, provided you've got bogged down, checked for oncoming traffic and located the way clear.
- Regulatory – Signs that must be obeyed: Stop; Give way, Speed Limit, No Right/ Left turn.
Traffic Lanes
- A continuous white lane line shouldn't be crossed unless to overtake a cyclist or to avoid the other obstruction.
- Bus lanes are denoted by signs. this is often for buses, bicycles, taxis and emergency vehicles during the days mentioned on the signs. ‘Bus Only’ lanes are painted with a red box with ‘Bus Only’ written in white. The lanes are marked by endless lines alongside the white lane markings.
- Bicycle lanes are colored green and are designated for the exclusive use of bicycle riders.
Safety Rules
- Seat belts are to be worn by the driving force and every one passenger while the vehicle is in motion.
- Children between the ages of 6 months to 7 years are to be seated on rear passenger seats. An infant restraint or a toddler safety seat with harness has got to be used.
- For Bikers, Helmet is necessary to wear otherwise they have to pay fine for not wearing a helmet. It will be more good for you if you wear some motorcycle protective clothing with good abrasion rating.
Road toll payments and permits in Australia
There are toll motorways, bridges and tunnels near Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, a number of which may only be paid electronically with a transponder fitted inside the car. you'll purchase these in advance for a small cost.
Parking Rules
- Parking signs are displayed showing the time duration that a vehicle is often parked on specific days.
- Parking for more than 2 minutes during a No parking lot isn't allowed. the driver has to remain in or within 3 m of the vehicle if he does stop during this zone.
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