Road Rules

What is the most basic rule of the road?

In Australia, you must drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you’re used to driving on the right, keep in mind that the driver should always be close to the centre of the road. Follow the signs, traffic lights and road markings, and check the local rules for the state or territory you're driving in.

What is different in Australia?

• Don’t flash your lights to signal someone to go.
• If you’re driving in central Melbourne, learn how the hook turn works before you go. At signed intersections, you turn right from the far-left lane. Transport Victoria's hook turn guide explains the steps. It can be hard on a busy street, so if you're not confident, plan a route that avoids these intersections.
• Watch out for wildlife on the road, such as kangaroos, emus, wombats and koalas. Livestock such as cattle may also graze beside unfenced roads.
• U-turn (a “uey” in Australian slang) rules differ between states and territories, particularly at traffic lights. Only make a U-turn where the signs and local rules allow it.

Driving rules in Australia

This is a general guide to Australia's road rules. Each state and territory sets its own rules and penalties, so check the rules for wherever you're driving.

• Everyone must wear a seat belt. Children must travel in an approved child restraint suited to their age and size. Child restraint rules are set by each state and territory, so check the rules for your child before you travel. Our child seat hire guide explains how to request a seat.
• Carry your driver’s licence. If it isn't in English, also carry an International Driving Permit or an accredited English translation. Our driver’s licence guide explains what rental companies ask for at pick-up.
• Follow the posted speed limits and drive to the conditions. Check with your rental company whether any additional speed restrictions apply to your vehicle. Speed limits are set by each state and territory and change from road to road, so watch the signs.
• Don’t drink and drive. Fully licensed drivers generally must keep their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) under 0.05. Learner and provisional drivers generally must have a BAC of zero. Drivers of some vehicles, such as certain heavy vehicles, must keep their BAC at zero or below a limit lower than 0.05. The exact limits depend on your licence, your vehicle and the state or territory, so the safest choice is not to drink at all before you drive.
• Rest regularly. Long drives, particularly at night, may cause fatigue. If you feel even slightly drowsy, stop at a truck stop or revival point (these often serve coffee), or pull over to take a nap.
• Go clockwise around roundabouts. A vehicle already on a roundabout has right of way over any vehicles entering.
• Stop at stop signs. Under Australian law, failing to stop at a stop sign is an offence.
• When overtaking, make sure you can see enough of the road to finish overtaking and move back to the left-hand side of the road, even on overtaking lanes. Never overtake on corners, blind rises or double white lines. When overtaking heavy vehicles in wet weather, watch for wind turbulence and wheel spray, which reduce visibility. After passing a truck, leave plenty of space behind you before pulling back in. Trucks can't stop as quickly as cars, especially when carrying heavy loads.
• Watch for wildlife, particularly at night, as many Australian native animals are nocturnal. Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, emus and some birds are more active early in the morning and in the evening when the temperature cools.

For more detail, see the National Transport Commission’s Australian Road Rules. These are national model rules, not law in themselves. Each state and territory adopts them with its own differences, and the page links to each state and territory's road rules. Check the rules for wherever you're driving.

Parking and road signs

Read parking signs carefully. Green “P” signs show how long you can park, for example 1P for one hour. Red signs such as No Stopping and No Parking restrict where you can stop. Sign details and time limits can vary between states and councils.

Our guide to parking signs and overnight parking explains the common signs and where you can legally leave your campervan overnight, which varies between states and council areas.

Possible consequences of breaking the rules

Penalties and rules can vary between states and territories, so get to know the local road rules before you drive. Possible consequences include:

• Fines
• Demerit points
• Licence suspension or disqualification
• Court appearances
• Increased insurance premiums
• Criminal record
• Imprisonment

Next steps

• Safety tips for campervan travel: driving a larger vehicle safely
• Wildlife on the road: avoiding animal collisions
• Toll roads and charges: how tolls work in a rental campervan
• Road restrictions: where your campervan can and can't go

Part of During Your Trip in the Campervan Hire Handbook.