Road Rules

During Your Trip

For first time campervanners and drivers new to Australia's roads, this guide lists some general rules and tips to keep you safe while out exploring our vast country

What is the Most Basic Rule of the Road?

The main thing to remember when driving in Australia is that you must drive on the left-hand side. If you’re used to driving on the right, just remember that the driver should always be close to the centre of the road. Also remember that in Australia, we give way to the right.

What is Different in Australia?

Traffic lights have red for stop, green for go, amber for prepare to stop.
Don’t flash your lights to signal someone to go.
If you’re driving in Melbourne, familiarise yourself with the hook turn – where you turn right from the furthest left lane. It can be difficult to master on a busy street so is best to be avoided unless you’re extremely confident.
Watch out for wildlife on the road, such as kangaroos, emus, wombats and koalas. Livestock such as cattle may also graze on the side of an unfenced road.
U-turns (a “uey” in Australian slang) are illegal at signalised intersections in all states and territories except Victoria, unless there is a 'U-turn permitted' sign

Driving Rules in Australia

A general guide to the Road Rules in Australia:

Everyone must wear a seat belt and all children 7 years old and under must be in an approved child restraint.
Carry a valid driver’s licence in English or an International Drivers Permit alongside your national driver’s licence.
Follow the speed limit. Maximum speed limit in Australia is 110km/h. Vehicles must not exceed this speed limit.
Don’t drink and drive. In Australia, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.05. Provisional drivers and young drivers may not have any alcohol before driving.
Rest regularly. Long drives, particularly at night may cause fatigue. Take advantage of truck stops and revival points (often serving coffee) or simply pull over to take a nap, if you feel slightly drowsy.
Go clockwise around roundabouts. A vehicle already on a roundabout has right of way over any vehicles entering.
Stop signs – under Australian law, failure to stop at a stop sign is an offence.
Always overtake to the right. Be sure you can see enough of the road to complete overtaking and move back to the left-hand side of the road (even on over taking lanes). Never overtake on corners, blind rises or on double white lines. When overtaking heavy vehicles in wet weather, beware of wind turbulence and wheel spray causing a reduction in visibility. Allow plenty of space behind you when pulling back in after passing a truck. Trucks are unable to stop as quickly as cars, especially when carrying heavy loads.
Be vigilant for Australian wildlife, particularly at night as many of Australian native animals are nocturnal. Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, emus and some bird life are more active early in the morning and in the evening when the temperature cools.

For more expert information about the driving rules in Australia, take a look at the National Transport Commission’s Australian Road Rules. This helpful guide outlines road rules in each state or territory.

Parking and Road Signs

Here are some parking road signs you should watch out for:

No Stopping – No stopping your vehicle unless because of traffic conditions
No Standing – You can stop your car only for three minutes while remaining inside
No Parking – Your vehicle cannot be left unattended.

The green letter “P” parking signs mean you’re allowed to park for certain times.

For example:

1/2P – Half an hour.
1P – One hour.
3P – Three hours.
P – Permissive parking zone.
Arrow – Parking applies in the direction the arrow is pointing.
7.30AM-6.30PM Mon-Fri – Vehicles can park at the specified time.
Ticket – You must purchase a parking ticket.
Permit zone – Only permit holders can park.

Possible Consequences be Breaking the Rules

The penalties and rules can vary depending on the state or territory, as each has own way of doing things. By familiarizing yourself with the local road rules, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey!

Fines
Demerit Points
License Suspension or Disqualification
Court Appearances
Increased Insurance Premiums
Criminal Record
Imprisonment

Expert Tip

Remember that kms are used in Australia instead of miles.
Always wave to say thanks, it’s common courtesy and it costs nothing to be nice.
We recommend you do not drive your motorhome at nights and take care at dusk and dawn.
Aim to drive for 150 to 250 kilometers per day and you will experience Australia in comfort.

Other Things to Consider