Traffic Regulations, Schedule 3 Australian Road Rules 1999 (NT)

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NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA

traffic REGULATIONS – australian road rules

Table of provisions Schedule 3Australian Road Rules

Note

The Australian Road Rules set out in this Schedule are not completely self-contained. The Australian Road Rules need to be read in conjunction with Part 6, Division 2 of these Regulations and with other laws of the Territory.

regulation 71

Part 1                 Introductory

Division 1General 1Australian Road Rules

These rules are the Australian Road Rules.

2Repealed3Objects of the

The objects of the Australian Road Rules are to:

  • (a)

    provide uniform rules across Australia for all road users; and

  • (b)

    specify behaviour for all road users that supports the safe and efficient use of roads in Australia.

Division 2Some features of the Australian Road Rules 4Definitions – the dictionary etc.
  • (1)

    The dictionary at the end of the Australian Road Rules defines certain words and expressions, and includes references to certain words and expressions defined elsewhere in the Rules (signpost definitions).

    Example

    The signpost definition road-related area see rule 13 means that the expression road-related area is defined in rule 13 of the Australian Road Rules.

    Note

    The dictionary only includes a signpost definition for a word or expression if the word or expression is used in 2 or more rules of the Australian Road Rules.

  • (2)

    The dictionary is part of the Australian Road Rules.

  • (3)

    A definition in the Australian Road Rules applies to each use of the word or expression in the Rules, unless the contrary intention appears.

5Diagrams

A diagram in the Australian Road Rules is part of the Rules.

Notes

  • 1

    If a diagram of a traffic control device, traffic-related item or symbol is in black and white in a rule of the Australian Road Rules, the diagram may be a black or white version of the device, item or symbol – see rule 314.   If so, the colour version of the device, item or symbol will be in Schedule 2 or 4.

  • 2

    A diagram may be an example – see rule 6(1).

6Examples
  • (1)

    An example (whether or not in the form of a diagram) in the Australian Road Rules is part of the Rules.

  • (2)

    If the Australian Road Rules includes an example of the operation of a provision of the Rules:

    • (a)

      the example is not exhaustive; and

    • (b)

      the example does not limit, but may extend, the meaning of the provision.

    7Headings

    A heading to a Part, Division, Schedule, rule or any other provision of the Australian Road Rules is part of the Rules.

8Notes

A note in the Australian Road Rules is explanatory and is not part of the Rules.

9Reader's Guide

The Reader’s Guide is not part of the Australian Road Rules.

Note

The Reader’s Guide has not been included in this Schedule because it is not used in the Territory.

10Offences
  • (1)

    The words "Offence provision." in a rule of the Australian Road Rules (or, if the rule has 2 or more subrules, in a subrule) indicates that a contravention of the rule (or subrule) is an offence.

  • (2)

    The penalty for an offence is the penalty applying to the offence under another law of this jurisdiction.

    Part 2                Application of the Australian Road Rules

Division 1Roads and road-related areas 11Australian Road Rules
  • (1)

    The Australian Road Rules apply to vehicles and road users on roads and road-related areas.

    Note

    Road is defined in rule 12, road-related area is defined in rule 13, road user is defined in rule 14, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

  • (2)

    Each reference in the Australian Road Rules (except in this Division) to a road includes a reference to a road-related area, unless otherwise expressly stated in the Rules.

    Examples for subrule (2)

    • 1

      A reference in rule 146 (which deals with driving within a single marked lane or line of traffic) to the road includes a reference to the road-related area of the road.

    • 2

      A reference in rule 200(1) (which deals with certain heavy or long vehicles stopping on roads) to a length of road includes a reference to the road-related area of the length of road.

    • 3

      A reference in rule 31 (which deals with starting a right turn from a road, except a multi-lane road) to a road does not include a reference to a road-related area, because of the definition in subrule (5) of that rule.

    12What is a road
  • (1)

    A road is an area that is open to or used by the public and is developed for, or has as one of its main uses, the driving or riding of motor vehicles.

    Note

    Motor vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    However, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference in the Australian Road Rules (except in this Division) to a road does not include a reference to:

    • (a)

      an area so far as the area is declared, under another law of this jurisdiction, not to be a road for the Australian Road Rules; or

    • (b)

      any shoulder of the road.

  • (3)

    The shoulder of the road includes any part of the road that is not designed to be used by motor vehicles in travelling along the road, and includes:

    • (a)

      for a kerbed road – any part of the kerb; and

    • (b)

      for a sealed road – any unsealed part of the road, and any sealed part of the road outside an edge line on the road;

    but does not include a bicycle path, footpath or shared path.

    Note

    Bicycle path is defined in rule 239, edge line and footpath are defined in the dictionary, and shared path is defined in rule 242.

13What is a road-related area
  • (1)

    A road-related area is any of the following:

    • (a)

      an area that divides a road;

    • (b)

      a footpath or nature strip adjacent to a road;

    • (c)

      an area that is not a road and that is open to the public and designated for use by cyclists or animals;

    • (d)

      an area that is not a road and that is open to or used by the public for driving, riding or parking vehicles.

    Note

    Vehicle is defined in rule 15.

  • (2)

    However, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference in the Australian Road Rules (except in this Division) to a road-related area includes a reference to:

    • (a)

      an area so far as the area is declared, under another law of this jurisdiction, to be a road-related area for the Australian Road Rules; or

    • (b)

      any shoulder of a road; or

    • (c)

      any other area that is a footpath or nature strip as defined in the dictionary;

    but does not include a reference to an area so far as the area is declared, under another law of this jurisdiction, not to be a road-related area for the Australian Road Rules.

    Note

    Shoulder is defined in rule 12.

Division 2Road users and vehicles 14Road users

A road user is a driver, rider, passenger or pedestrian.

Note

Driver is defined in rule 16, pedestrian is defined in rule 18, and rider is defined in rule 17.

15What is a vehicle

A vehicle includes:

  • (a)

    a motor vehicle, trailer and tram; and

  • (b)

    a bicycle; and

  • (c)

    an animal-drawn vehicle, and an animal that is being ridden or drawing a vehicle; and

  • (d)

    a combination; and

  • (e)

    a motorised wheelchair that can travel at over 10 kilometres per hour (on level ground);

but does not include another kind of wheelchair, a train, or a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy.

Note

Various terms mentioned in this rule are defined in the dictionary.

16Who is a driver
  • (1)

    A driver is the person who is driving a vehicle (except a motor bike, bicycle, animal or animal-drawn vehicle).

    Notes

    • 1

      Bicycle and motor bike are defined in the dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

    • 2

      Drive includes be in control of – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    However, a driver does not include a person pushing a motorised wheelchair.

    Note

    Wheelchair is defined in the dictionary.

17Who is a rider
  • (1)

    A rider is the person who is riding a motor bike, bicycle, animal or animal-drawn vehicle.

    Notes

    • 1

      Bicycle and motor bike are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Ride, for the rider of a motor bike or animal-drawn vehicle, includes be in control of – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A rider does not include:

    • (a)

      a passenger; or

    • (b)

      a person walking beside and pushing a bicycle.

    18Who is a pedestrian

    A pedestrian includes:

    • (a)

      a person driving a motorised wheelchair that cannot travel at over 10 kilometres per hour (on level ground); and

    • (b)

      a person in a non-motorised wheelchair; and

    • (c)

      a person pushing a motorised or non-motorised wheelchair; and

    • (d)

      a person in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy.

    Note

    Wheelchair, wheeled recreational device and wheeled toy are defined in the dictionary.

19References to driver includes rider etc.

Unless otherwise expressly stated in the Australian Road Rules, each reference in the Rules (except in this Division) to a driver includes a reference to a rider, and each reference in the Rules (except in this Division) to driving includes a reference to riding.

Part 3                 Speed-limits

20Obeying the speed-limit

A driver must not drive at a speed over the speed-limit applying to the driver for the length of road where the driver is driving.

Offence provision.

Notes

  • 1

    The rules about speed-limits are as follows:

·     rule 21 – speed-limit where a speed-limit sign applies

·     rule 22 – speed-limit in a speed-limited area

·     rule 23 – speed-limit in a school zone

·     rule 24 – speed-limit in a shared zone

·     rule 25 – speed-limit elsewhere.

  • 2

    Road includes a road-related area – see rule 11(2).

  • 3

    Length of road includes a marked lane, a part of a marked lane, or another part of a length of road – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • 4

    Part 20, Division 2 deals with the way in which a traffic sign applies to a length of road. Part 20, Division 3 deals with the way in which the traffic sign applies to drivers driving on the length of road.

21Speed-limit where a speed-limit sign applies
  • (1)

    The speed-limit applying to a driver for a length of road to which a speed-limit sign applies is the number of kilometres per hour indicated by the number on the sign.

    Note

    Length of road is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    However, if the number on the speed-limit sign is over 100 and the driver is driving a bus with a GVM over 5 tonnes, or another vehicle with a GVM over 12 tonnes, the speed-limit applying to the driver for the length of road is 100 kilometres per hour.

    Notes

    • 1

      Bus and GVM are defined in the dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

    • 3

      If the vehicle is an oversize or overmass vehicle, the vehicle may be restricted to a lower speed-limit under another law of this jurisdiction.

  • (3)

    A speed-limit sign on a road applies to the length of road beginning at the sign and ending at the nearest of the following:

    • (a)

      a speed-limit sign on the road with a different number on the sign;

    • (b)

      an end speed-limit sign or speed derestriction sign on the road;

    • (c)

      if the road ends at a T-intersection or dead end – the end of the road.

    Notes

    • 1

      T-intersection is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 322(1) and (2) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign on a road.

Speed-limit signs

Speed-limit sign (Standard sign)

Speed-limit sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

Other signs

End speed-limit sign

Speed derestriction sign

Notes for diagrams

  • 1

    There is another permitted version of the speed-limit sign and the end speed-limit sign – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

  • 2

    A speed-limit sign or end speed-limit sign may have a different number on the sign – see rule 316(4).

22Speed-limit in a speed-limited area
  • (1)

    The speed-limit applying to a driver for any length of road in a speed-limited area is the number of kilometres per hour indicated by the number on the area speed-limit sign on a road into the area, unless another speed-limit applies to the driver for the length of road under another rule of this Part.

    Example of another speed-limit

    Although an area speed-limit sign on a road into a speed-limited area may indicate a speed-limit of 60 kilometres per hour, a particular length of road in the area may have a school zone sign indicating a 40 kilometres per hour speed-limit for that length of road.

    Note

    Length of road is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A speed-limited area is the network of roads in an area with:

    • (a)

      an area speed-limit sign on each road into the area, indicating the same number; and

    • (b)

      an end area speed-limit sign on each road out of the area.

  • (3)

    In subrule (2)(a) and (b):

    road does not include a road-related area.

    Note

    Road-related area is defined in rule 13.

Area speed-limit sign

End area speed-limit sign

Notes for diagrams

  • 1

    There are a number of other permitted versions of each of these signs – see diagrams in Schedule 3.

  • 2

    An area speed-limit sign or end area speed-limit sign may have a different number on the sign – see rule 316(4).

23Speed-limit in a school zone
  • (1)

    The speed-limit applying to a driver for any length of road in a school zone is the number of kilometres per hour indicated by the number on the school zone sign on a road, or the road, into the zone.

    Notes

    • 1

      Length of road is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      A school zone sign may indicate that it applies only at certain times, on certain days or in certain circumstances – see rules 317 and 318.

    • 3

      This subrule applies to road-related areas in the school zone – see rule 11(2).

  • (2)

    A school zone is:

    • (a)

      if there is a school zone sign and an end school zone sign, or a speed-limit sign with a different number on the sign, on a road and there is no intersection on the length of road between the signs – that length of road; or

    • (b)

      if there is a school zone sign on a road that ends in a dead end and there is no intersection, nor a sign mentioned in paragraph (a), on the length of road beginning at the sign and ending at the dead end – that length of road; or

    • (c)

      in any other case – the network of roads in an area with:

      • (i)

        a school zone sign on each road into the area, indicating the same number; and

      • (ii)

        an end school zone sign, or a speed-limit sign indicating a different number, on each road out of the area.

    Note

    Intersection is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    In subrule (2)(c)(i) and (ii):

    road does not include a road-related area.

    Note

    Road-related area is defined in rule 13.

School zone sign

End school zone sign

Notes for diagrams

  • 1

    There are a number of other permitted versions of each of these signs – see diagrams in Schedule 3.

  • 2

    A school zone sign or end school zone sign may have a different number on the sign – see rule 316(4).

24Speed-limit in a shared zone
  • (1)

    The speed-limit applying to a driver for any length of road in a shared zone is the number of kilometres per hour indicated by the number on the shared zone sign on a road, or the road into the zone.

    Note

    A driver driving in a shared zone must give way to any pedestrian in the zone – see rule 83.

  • (2)

    A shared zone is:

    • (a)

      if there is a shared zone sign and an end shared zone sign on a road and there is no intersection on the length of road between the signs – that length of road; or

    • (b)

      if there is a shared zone sign on a road that ends in a dead end and there is no intersection on the length of road beginning at the sign and ending at the dead end – that length of road; or

    • (c)

      a network of roads in an area with:

      • (i)

        a shared zone sign on each road into the area, indicating the same number; and

      • (ii)

        an end shared zone sign on each road out of the area; or

    • (d)

      a road related area that is between a shared zone sign that relates to the area and an end shared zone sign that relates to the area.

    Note

    Intersection is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    In subrules (2)(c)(i) and (ii):

    road does not include a road-related area.

    Note

    Road-related area is defined in rule 13.

Shared zone sign

End shared zone sign

Notes for diagrams

  • 1

    There are a number of other permitted versions of each of these signs – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

  • 2

    A shared zone sign may have a different number on the sign – see rule 316(4).

25Speed-limit elsewhere
  • (1)

    If a speed-limit sign does not apply to a length of road and the length of road is not in a speed-limited area, school zone or shared zone, the speed-limit applying to a driver for the length of road is the default speed-limit.

    Note

    Length of road is defined in the dictionary, school zone is defined in rule 23, shared zone is defined in rule 24, and speed-limited area is defined in rule 22.

  • (2)

    The default speed-limit applying to a driver for a length of road in a built-up area is 50 kilometres per hour.

    Notes

    • 1

      The application of this subrule is modified by regulation 77 of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

    • 2

      Built-up area is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    The default speed-limit applying to a driver for any other length of road is:

    • (a)

      for a driver driving a bus with a GVM over 5 tonnes, or another vehicle with a GVM over 12 tonnes – 100 kilometres per hour; or

    • (b)

      for any other driver – 100 kilometres per hour or as otherwise provided under another law of this jurisdiction.

    Notes

    • 1

      Bus and GVM are defined in the dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

    • 3

      If the vehicle is an oversize or overmass vehicle, the vehicle may be restricted to a lower speed-limit under another law of this jurisdiction.

    • 4

      The application of this subrule is modified by regulation 77A of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

    Part 4                 Making turns

Division 1Left turns 26Application of Division to roundabouts, road-related areas and adjacent land
  • (1)

    This Division does not apply to a driver entering or leaving a roundabout.

    Notes

    • 1

      Roundabout is defined in rule 109.

    • 2

      Part 9 deals with entering and leaving a roundabout.

  • (2)

    This Division applies to a driver turning left from a road into a road-related area or adjacent land, or from a road-related area into a road, as if the driver were turning left at an intersection.

    Notes

    • 1

      Adjacent land and intersection are defined in the dictionary and road-related area is defined in rule 13.   Adjacent land or a road-related area can include a driveway, service station or shopping centre – see the definitions.

    • 2

      Rule 74 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver entering a road from a road-related area or adjacent land, and rule 75 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver entering a road-related area or adjacent land from a road.   Rule 212 deals with a driver entering and leaving a median strip parking area.

    • 3

      For the meaning of left, see rule 351(1).

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    road does not include a road-related area.

    Note

    A road-related area includes the shoulder of a road – see rule 13.

27Starting a left turn from a road (except a multi-lane road)
  • (1)

    A driver turning left at an intersection from a road (except a multi-lane road) must approach and enter the intersection from as near as practicable to the far left side of the road.

    Offence provision.

  • (1A)

    Subrule (1) also applies to a rider of a bicycle who approaches and enters an intersection from a bicycle storage area.

    Note

    Bicycle storage area is defined in the dictionary.

  • (1B)

    Despite subrule (1), if there is space in a bicycle storage area for 2 riders of bicycles to be next to each other, the rider on the right may approach and enter the intersection as near as practicable to the right side of the other rider, but only if that other rider approaches and enters the intersection in accordance with this rule.

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    road does not include a road-related area.

    Notes

    • 1

      Intersection and multi-lane road are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Road-related area includes any shoulder of a road – see rule 13.

    Example

    Starting a left turn from a road (except a multi-lane road)

28Starting a left turn from a multi-lane road
  • (1)

    A driver turning left at an intersection from a multi-lane road must approach and enter the intersection from within the left lane unless:

    • (a)

      the driver is required or permitted to approach and enter the intersection from within another marked lane under rule 88(1), 92 or 159; or

    • (b)

      the driver is turning, at B lights or traffic arrows, in accordance with Part 17, Division 2; or

    • (c)

      subrule (1A) or (2) applies to the driver; or.

    • (d)

      the lane is a bus only lane.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      B lights, intersection, marked lane, multi-lane road, public bus and traffic arrows are defined in the dictionary, left lane is defined in subrule (3) and bus only lane is defined in rule 154A(6).

    • 2

      Rule 88(1) deals with left turn only signs, rule 92 deals with traffic lane arrows, and rule 159 deals with traffic signs requiring particular kinds of vehicles to drive in an indicated marked lane.

    • 3

      Part 17, Division 2 provides for priority to be given to public buses at intersections with B lights or a white traffic arrow.

    Example for subrule (1)(a)

    Starting a left turn on a multi-lane road with traffic lane arrows as required or permitted under rule 92

  • (1A)

    A driver turning left at an intersection from a multi-lane road that has a slip lane must approach and enter the intersection:

    • (a)

      from within the slip lane; or

    • (b)

      if there is an obstruction that prevents the driver from entering the intersection from within the slip lane – from within the left lane.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Obstruction and slip lane are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A driver may approach and enter the intersection from the marked lane next to the left lane as well as, or instead of, the left lane if:

    • (a)

      the driver’s vehicle, together with any load or projection, is 7.5 metres long, or longer; and

    • (b)

      the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign; and

    • (c)

      any part of the vehicle is within 50 metres of the nearest point of the intersection; and

    • (d)

      it is not practicable for the driver to turn left from within the left lane; and

    • (e)

      the driver can safely occupy the next marked lane and can safely turn left at the intersection by occupying the next marked lane, or both lanes.

    Notes

    • 1

      Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Vehicle includes a combination – see rule 15(d).

    • 3

      Under the law of this jurisdiction, only certain long vehicles may display a do not overtake turning vehicle sign.

    Example

    Long vehicle turning left from the left lane and next marked lane

  • (2A)

    If there is a bicycle storage area before an intersection that extends across one or more marked lanes of a multi-lane road, a rider of a bicycle turning left must approach and enter the intersection from within the part of the bicycle storage area that is directly in front of the left marked lane or of a bicycle lane that is on the left side of the road.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Bicycle storage area is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    left lane means:

    • (a)

      the marked lane nearest to the far left side of the road; or

    • (b)

      if there is an obstruction (for example, a parked car or roadworks) in that marked lane – the marked lane nearest to that marked lane that is not obstructed.

    marked lane, for a driver, does not include a special purpose lane in which the driver is not permitted to drive.

    Notes

    • 1

      Special purpose lane is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 95 deals with driving in an emergency stopping lane and Part 11, Division 6 deals with driving in other special purpose lanes.

    Do not overtake turning vehicle signs

    Note for diagrams

    These signs are displayed on certain long vehicles.

29Making a left turn as indicated by a turn line
  • (1)

    If a driver is turning left at an intersection and there is a turn line indicating how the turn is required to be made, the driver must make the turn as indicated by the turn line unless:

    • (a)

      the driver is turning, at B lights or traffic arrows, in accordance with Part 17, Division 2; or

    • (b)

      subrule (2) applies to the driver.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    B lights, intersection, traffic arrows and turn line are defined in the dictionary.

    Example

Making a left turn as indicated by a turn line

  • (2)

    A driver may turn left at an intersection other than as indicated by a turn line if:

    • (a)

      the driver’s vehicle, together with any load or projection, is 7.5 metres long, or longer; and

    • (b)

      the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign; and

    • (c)

      it is not practicable for the driver to turn left as indicated by the turn line; and

    • (d)

      the driver can safely turn left other than as indicated by the turn line.

    Notes

    • 1

      Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Vehicle includes a combination – see rule 15(d).

    • 3

      Under the law of this jurisdiction, only certain long vehicles may display a do not overtake turning vehicle sign.

    Do not overtake turning vehicle signs

    Note for diagrams

    These signs are displayed on certain long vehicles.

Division 2Right turns 30Application of Division to certain right turns
  • (1)

    This Division does not apply to:

    • (a)

      a driver turning right at an intersection where there is a hook turn only sign; or

    • (b)

      the rider of a bicycle making a hook turn under Division 3; or

    • (c)

      a driver making a U-turn; or

    • (d)

      a driver entering or leaving a roundabout.

    Notes

    • 1

      Bicycle, intersection and U-turn are defined in the dictionary and roundabout is defined in rule 109.

    • 2

      Division 3 of this Part deals with hook turns, Division 4 deals with U-turns and Part 9 deals with entering and leaving a roundabout.

    • 3

      For the meaning of right, see rule 35(2).

  • (2)

    This Division applies to a driver turning right from a road into a road-related area or adjacent land, or from a road-related area into a road, as if the driver were turning right at an intersection.

    Notes

    • 1

      Adjacent land is defined in the dictionary and road-related area is defined in rule 13.   Adjacent land or a road-related area can include a driveway, service station or shopping centre – see the definitions.

    • 2

      Rule 74 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver entering a road from a road-related area or adjacent land, and rule 75 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver entering a road-related area or adjacent land from a road.   Rule 212 deals with a driver entering and leaving a median strip parking area.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    road does not include a road-related area.

    Note

    A road-related area includes the shoulder of a road – see rule 13.

31Starting a right turn from a road (except a multi-lane road)
  • (1)

    A driver turning right at an intersection from a road (except a multi-lane road) must approach and enter the intersection in accordance with this rule.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Intersection and multi-lane road are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    If the road has a dividing line or median strip, the driver must approach and enter the intersection from the left of, parallel to, and as near as practicable to, the dividing line or median strip.

    Note

    Dividing line and median strip are defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    If the road does not have a dividing line or median strip and is not a one-way road, the driver must approach and enter the intersection from the left of, parallel to, and as near as practicable to, the centre of the road.

    Note

    Centre of the road and one-way road are defined in the dictionary.

  • (4)

    If the road is a one-way road, the driver must approach and enter the intersection from as near as practicable to the far right side of the road.

  • (4A)

    Subrules (2), (3) and (4) also apply to a rider of a bicycle who approaches and enters an intersection from a bicycle storage area.

    Note

    Bicycle storage area is defined in the dictionary.

  • (4B)

    Despite subrules (2), (3) and (4), if there is space in a bicycle storage area for 2 riders of bicycles to be next to each other, the rider on the left may approach and enter the intersection as near as practicable to the left side of the other rider, but only if that other rider approaches and enters the intersection in accordance with this rule.

  • (5)

    In this rule:

    road does not include a road-related area.

    Note

    Road-related area includes any shoulder of a road – see rule 13.

    Examples

    Example 1

    Starting a right turn from a road with a dividing line

Example 2

Starting a right turn from a one-way road

32Starting a right turn from a multi-lane road
  • (1)

    A driver turning right at an intersection from a multi-lane road must approach and enter the intersection from within the right lane unless:

    • (a)

      the driver is required or permitted to approach and enter the intersection from within another marked lane in accordance with rule 89(1), 92 or 159; or

    • (b)

      the driver is turning, at B lights or traffic arrows, in accordance with Part 17, Division 2; or

    • (c)

      subrule (2) applies to the driver; or.

    • (d)

      the lane is a bus only lane.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      B lights, intersection, marked lane, multi-lane road, public bus and traffic arrows are defined in the dictionary, right lane is defined in subrule (3) and bus only lane is defined in rule 154A(6).

    • 2

      Rule 89 (1) deals with right turn only signs, rule 92 deals with traffic lane arrows, and rule 159 deals with traffic signs requiring particular kinds of vehicles to drive in an indicated marked lane.

    • 3

      Part 17, Division 2 provides for priority to be given to public buses at intersections with B lights or a white traffic arrow.

    Example for subrule (1)(a)

    Starting a right turn on a multi-lane road with traffic lane arrows as required or permitted under rule 92

  • (2)

    A driver may approach and enter the intersection from the marked lane next to the right lane as well as, or instead of, the right lane if:

    • (a)

      the driver’s vehicle, together with any load or projection, is 7.5 metres long, or longer; and

    • (b)

      the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign; and

    • (c)

      any part of the vehicle is within 50 metres of the nearest point of the intersection; and

    • (d)

      it is not practicable for the driver to turn right from within the right lane; and

    • (e)

      the driver can safely occupy the next marked lane and can safely turn right at the intersection by occupying the next marked lane, or both lanes.

    Notes

    • 1

      Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Vehicle includes a combination – see rule 15(d).

    • 3

      Under the law of this jurisdiction, only certain long vehicles may display a do not overtake turning vehicle sign.

  • (2A)

    If there is a bicycle storage area before an intersection that extends across one or more marked lanes of a multi-lane road, a rider of a bicycle turning right (but not making a hook turn) must approach and enter the intersection from within the part of the bicycle storage area that is directly in front of the right marked lane or of a bicycle lane that is on the right side of the road.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Bicycle storage area is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    marked lane, for a driver, does not include a special purpose lane in which the driver is not permitted to drive.

    right lane means:

    • (a)

      the marked lane nearest to the dividing line or median strip on the road; or

    • (b)

      if there is an obstruction (for example, a parked car or roadworks) in that marked lane – the marked lane nearest to that marked lane that is not obstructed.

    Notes

    • 1

      Dividing line, median strip, obstruction and special purpose lane are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 95 deals with driving in an emergency stopping lane and Part 11, Division 6 deals with driving in other special purpose lanes.

    Do not overtake turning vehicle signs

    Note for diagrams

    These signs are displayed on certain long vehicles.

33Making a right turn
  • (1)

    A driver turning right at an intersection must make the turn in accordance with this rule unless:

    • (a)

      the driver is turning, at B lights or traffic arrows, in accordance with Part 17, Division 2; or

    • (b)

      subrule (4) applies to the driver.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    B lights, intersection and traffic arrows are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    If there is a turn line indicating how the turn is required to be made, the driver must make the turn as indicated by the turn line.

    Note

    Turn line is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    If there is no turn line indicating how the turn is required to be made, the driver must make the turn so the driver:

    • (a)

      passes as near as practicable to the right of the centre of the intersection; and

    • (b)

      turns into the left of the centre of the road the driver is entering, unless the driver is entering a one-way road.

    Note

    Centre of the road is defined in the dictionary.

    Examples

    Example 1

    Making a right turn as indicated by turn lines

Example 2

Making a right turn from a road with no turn lines indicating how to make the turn

  • (4)

    A driver may turn right other than as indicated by a turn line if:

    • (a)

      the driver’s vehicle, together with any load or projection, is 7.5 metres long, or longer; and

    • (b)

      the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign; and

    • (c)

      it is not practicable for the driver to turn right as indicated by the turn line; and

    • (d)

      the driver can safely make the turn other than as indicated by the turn line.

    Notes

    • 1

      Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Vehicle includes a combination – see rule 15(d).

    • 3

      Under the law of this jurisdiction, only certain long vehicles may display a do not overtake turning vehicle sign.

    Do not overtake turning vehicle signs

    Note for diagrams

    These signs are displayed on certain long vehicles.

Division 3Hook turns at intersections 34Making a hook turn at a hook turn only sign
  • (1)

    A driver turning right at an intersection with traffic lights and a hook turn only sign must turn right by making a hook turn in accordance with this rule.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Intersection and traffic lights are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    To make a hook turn, the driver must take, in sequence, each of the following steps:

    • 1

      Approach and enter the intersection from as near as practicable to the far left side of the road that the driver is leaving.

    • 2

      Move forward, keeping as near as practicable to the left of the intersection and clear of any marked foot crossing, until the driver is as near as practicable to the far side of the road that the driver is entering.

    • 3

      Remain at the position reached under step 2 until the traffic lights on the road that the driver is entering change to green.

    • 4

      Turn right into that road.

    Note

    Marked foot crossing is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    road does not include a road-related area.

    Note

    Road-related area is defined in rule 13.

Hook turn only sign

Example

Making a hook turn at a hook turn only sign

35Optional hook turn by a bicycle rider
  • (1)

    The rider of a bicycle turning right at an intersection without a hook turn only sign, or a no hook turn by bicycles sign, may turn right at the intersection by making a right turn under Division 2 or a hook turn under this rule.

    Note

    Bicycle and intersection are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    The rider must make a hook turn under this rule in accordance with subrule (3).

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    To make a hook turn under this rule, the rider must take, in sequence, each of the following steps:

    • 1

      Approach and enter the intersection from as near as practicable to the far left side of the road that the rider is leaving.

    • 2

      Move forward:

      • (a)

        keeping as near as practicable to the far left side of the intersection; and

      • (b)

        keeping clear of any marked foot crossing; and

      • (c)

        keeping clear, as far as practicable, of any driver turning left from the left of the intersection;

    until the rider is as near as practicable to the far side of the road that the rider is entering.

    • 3

      If there are traffic lights at the intersection, remain at the position reached under step 2 until the traffic lights on the road that the rider is entering change to green.

    • 4

      If there are no traffic lights at the intersection, remain at the position reached under step 2 until the rider has given way to approaching drivers on the road that the rider is leaving.

    • 5

      Turn right into the road that the rider is entering.

    Note

    Approaching and marked foot crossing is defined in the dictionary.

  • (4)

    To make a hook turn under this rule at an intersection that has a bicycle hook turn storage area on the left side of the intersection as the rider approaches the intersection, the rider must take the following initial 2 steps instead of the initial 2 steps listed in subrule (3):

    • 1

      Approach the intersection from the far left side of the road the rider is leaving and enter the intersection by moving into the bicycle hook turn storage area, keeping clear of any marked foot crossing.

    • 2

      Move forward in the bicycle hook turn storage area until the rider is as near as practicable to the far side of the road that the rider is entering.

    Note

    Bicycle hook turn storage area is defined in the dictionary.

    Example

Example

Bicycle rider making a hook turn at an intersection without traffic lights

           
36Bicycle rider making a hook turn contrary to no hook turn by bicycles sign

The rider of a bicycle must not make a hook turn at an intersection that has a no hook turn by bicycles sign.

Offence provision.

Note

Bicycle and intersection are defined in the dictionary.

No hook turn by bicycles sign

Division 4U-turns

Note

U-turn is defined in the dictionary.

37Beginning a U-turn

A driver must not begin a U-turn unless:

  • (a)

    the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic; and

  • (b)

    the driver can safely make the U-turn without unreasonably obstructing the free movement of traffic.

Offence provision.

Notes

  • 1

    Approaching traffic means traffic approaching from any direction – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • 2

    Traffic is defined in the dictionary.

38Giving way when making a U-turn
  • (1)

    A driver making a U-turn must give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.

Offence provision.

Note

For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    Despite subrule (1), a driver does not have to give way to a driver entering the road from a road-related area or adjacent land.

    Note

    Adjacent land is defined in the dictionary and road-related area is defined in rule 13.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    road does not include a road-related area.

    Note

    A road-related area i ncludes any shoulder of a road – see rule 13.

39Making a U-turn contrary to a no U-turn sign
  • (1)

    A driver must not make a U-turn at a break in a dividing strip on a road if there is a no U-turn sign at the break in the dividing strip.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Dividing strip is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 322(5) and (6) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign at a break in a dividing strip.

  • (2)

    A driver must not make a U-turn on a length of road to which a no U-turn sign applies.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Length of road is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    A no U-turn sign on a road (except a no U-turn sign at an intersection or at a break in a dividing strip) applies to the length of road beginning at the sign and ending at the nearer of the following:

    • (a)

      the next intersection on the road;

    • (b)

      if the road ends at a T-intersection or dead end – the end of the road.

    Notes

    • 1

      Intersection and T-intersection are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 322(1) and (2) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign on a road.

    No U-turn signs

No U-turn sign (Standard sign)

No U-turn sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

Note for diagrams

There is another permitted version of each of these no U-turn signs – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

40Making a U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights

A driver must not make a U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights unless there is a U-turn permitted sign at the intersection.

Offence provision.

Note

Intersection and traffic lights are defined in the dictionary.

U-turn permitted sign

41Making a U-turn at an intersection without traffic lights

A driver must not make a U-turn at an intersection without traffic lights if there is a no U-turn sign at the intersection.

Offence provision.

Notes

  • 1

    Intersection and traffic lights are defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    U-turns are permitted at intersections without traffic lights unless there is a no U-turn sign, even though traffic lane arrows indicate that the driver must or may turn right – see rule 92.

42Starting a U-turn at an intersection

A driver making a U-turn at an intersection must start the U‑turn:

  • (a)

    if the road where the driver is turning has a dividing line or median strip – from the marked lane nearest, or as near as practicable, to the dividing line or median strip; or

  • (b)

    in any other case – from the left of the centre of the road.

Offence provision.

Note

Centre of the road, dividing line, intersection, marked lane and median strip are defined in the dictionary.

Example

Starting a U-turn on a road with a median strip

43Making a U-turn at certain crossings

A driver must not make a U-turn at any of the following crossings, with or without traffic lights, unless there is a U-turn permitted sign at the crossing:

  • (a)

    children’s crossing;

  • (b)

    level crossing;

  • (c)

    marked foot crossing;

  • (d)

    pedestrian crossing.

Offence provision.

Note

Children’s crossing is defined in rule 80, level crossing is defined in rule 120, pedestrian crossing is defined in rule 81 and marked foot crossing and traffic lights are defined in the dictionary.

43AMaking a U-turn on a road-related area with traffic lights

A driver must not make a U-turn at a place with traffic lights where a road and road-related area intersect unless there is a U-turn permitted sign at the place.

Offence provision.

Notes

  • 1

    Road includes a road-related area – see rule 11(2).

  • 2

    Traffic lights is defined in the dictionary and road-related area is defined in rule 13.

Part 5                 Change of direction and stop signals

Division 1Change of direction signals 44Division does not apply to entering or leaving a roundabout

This Division does not apply to:

  • (a)

    a driver entering, in or leaving a roundabout; or

  • (b)

    the rider of a motorbike while lane filtering in accordance with rule 151A; or

  • (c)

    the rider of a motorbike while repositioning the motorbike within the same lane in order to avoid a hazard or reduce the risk of a crash.

Notes

  • 1

    Part 9 deals with giving change of direction signals when entering or leaving a roundabout.

  • 2

    Lane filtering is defined in rule 151A.

45What is changing direction
  • (1)

    A driver changes direction if the driver changes direction to the left or the driver changes direction to the right.

  • (2)

    A driver changes direction to the left by doing any of the following:

    • (a)

      turning left;

    • (b)

      changing marked lanes to the left;

    • (c)

      diverging to the left;

    • (d)

      entering a marked lane, or a line of traffic, to the left;

    • (e)

      moving to the left to, or from, a stationary position;

    • (f)

      turning left into a marked lane, or a line of traffic, from a median strip parking area;

    • (g)

      at a T-intersection where the continuing road curves to the right – leaving the continuing road to proceed straight ahead onto the terminating road.

    Notes

    • 1

      Marked lane and median strip parking area are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For the meaning of left, see rule 351(1).

  • (3)

    A driver changes direction to the right by doing any of the following:

    • (a)

      turning right;

    • (b)

      changing marked lanes to the right;

    • (c)

      diverging to the right;

    • (d)

      entering a marked lane, or a line of traffic, to the right;

    • (e)

      moving to the right from a stationary position;

    • (f)

      turning right into a marked lane, or a line of traffic, from a median strip parking area;

    • (g)

      making a U-turn;

    • (h)

      at a T-intersection where the continuing road curves to the left – leaving the continuing road to proceed straight ahead onto the terminating road.

    Notes

    • 1

      U-turn is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For the meaning of right, see rule 351(2).

    Examples for subrules (2)(g) and (3)(h)

Example 1

Driver indicating change of direction at a T-intersection where the continuing road curves to the right and the driver is proceeding straight ahead onto the terminating road

Example 2

Driver indicating change of direction at a T-intersection where the continuing road curves to the left and the driver is proceeding straight ahead onto the terminating road

46Giving a left change of direction signal
  • (1)

    Before a driver changes direction to the left, the driver must give a left change of direction signal in accordance with rule 47 for long enough to comply with subrule (2) and, if subrule (3) applies to the driver, that subrule.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Changes direction to the left is defined in rule 45(2).

  • (2)

    The driver must give the change of direction signal for long enough to give sufficient warning to other drivers and pedestrians.

  • (3)

    If the driver is about to change direction by moving from a stationary position at the side of the road or in a median strip parking area, the driver must give the change of direction signal for at least 5 seconds before the driver changes direction.

    Note

    Median strip parking area is defined in the dictionary.

  • (4)

    The driver must stop giving the change of direction signal as soon as the driver completes the change of direction.

    Offence provision.

  • (5)

    This rule does not apply to a driver if the driver’s vehicle is not fitted with direction indicator lights.

    Note

    Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

47How to give a left change of direction signal

The driver of a vehicle must give a left change of direction signal by operating the vehicle’s left direction indicator lights.

48Giving a right change of direction signal
  • (1)

    Before a driver changes direction to the right, the driver must give a right change of direction signal in accordance with rule 49 for long enough to comply with subrule (2) and, if subrule (3) applies to the driver, that subrule.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Changes direction to the right is defined in rule 45(3).

  • (2)

    The driver must give the change of direction signal for long enough to give sufficient warning to other drivers and pedestrians.

  • (3)

    If the driver is about to change direction by moving from a stationary position at the side of the road or in a median strip parking area, the driver must give the change of direction signal for at least 5 seconds before the driver changes direction.

    Note

    Median strip parking area is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3A)

    Subrule (3) does not apply to the rider of a bicycle that is stopped in traffic but not parked.

  • (4)

    The driver must stop giving the change of direction signal as soon as the driver completes the change of direction.

    Offence provision.

  • (5)

    This rule does not apply to:

    • (a)

      the driver of a tram that is not fitted with direction indicator lights; or

    • (b)

      the rider of a bicycle making a hook turn.

    Notes

    • 1

      Bicycle and tram are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rules 34 and 35 deal with bicycles making hook turns.

    49How to give a right change of direction signal
  • (1)

    The driver of a vehicle must give a right change of direction signal by operating the vehicle’s right direction indicator lights.

  • (2)

    However, if the vehicle’s direction indicator lights are not in working order or are not clearly visible, or the vehicle is not fitted with direction indicator lights, the driver must give the change of direction signal by giving a hand signal in accordance with rule 50, or using a mechanical signalling device fitted to the vehicle.

    Notes

    • 1

      The application of this rule is modified by regulation 78 of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

    • 2

      Mechanical signalling device is defined in the dictionary.

    50How to give a right change of direction signal by giving a hand signal

    To give a hand signal for changing direction to the right, the driver must extend the right arm and hand horizontally and at right angles from the right side of the vehicle, with the hand open and the palm facing the direction of travel.

    Example

    Giving a hand signal for changing direction to the right

51When use of direction indicator lights permitted

The driver of a vehicle must not operate a direction indicator light except:

  • (a)

    to give a change of direction signal when the driver is required to give the signal under the Australian Road Rules; or

  • (b)

    as part of the vehicle’s hazard warning lights.

Offence provision.

Note

Rule 221 deals with the use of hazard warning lights.

Division 2Stop signals 52Division does not apply to bicycle riders or certain tram drivers

This Division does not apply to the rider of a bicycle, or the driver of a tram that is not fitted with brake lights.

Note

Bicycle and tram are defined in the dictionary.

53Giving a stop signal
  • (1)

    A driver must give a stop signal in accordance with rule 54 before stopping or when suddenly slowing.

    Offence provision.

  • (2)

    If the driver is stopping, the driver must give the stop signal for long enough to give sufficient warning to other road users.

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    If the driver is slowing suddenly, the driver must give the stop signal while slowing.

    Offence provision.

54How to give a stop signal
  • (1)

    The driver of a vehicle must give a stop signal by means of the vehicle’s brake lights.

  • (2)

    However, if the vehicle’s brake lights are not in working order or are not clearly visible, or the vehicle is not fitted with brake lights, the driver must give the stop signal by giving a hand signal in accordance with rule 55, or using a mechanical signalling device fitted to the vehicle.

    Notes

    • 1

      The application of this rule is modified by regulation 78 of the Traffic Regulations 1999

    • 2

      Mechanical signalling device is defined in the dictionary.

    55How to give a stop signal by giving a hand signal
  • (1)

    To give a hand signal for stopping or suddenly slowing, the driver must extend the right arm and hand at right angles from the right side of the vehicle, with the upper arm horizontal and the forearm and hand pointing upwards, and with the hand open and the palm facing the direction of travel.

  • (2)

    However, the rider of a motor bike may give the hand signal by extending the left arm and hand at right angles from the left side of the motor bike, with the upper arm horizontal and the forearm and hand pointing upwards, and with the hand open and the palm facing the direction of travel.

    Note

    Motor bike is defined in the dictionary.

    Example

    Giving a hand signal for stopping or suddenly slowing

Part 6                 Traffic lights, traffic arrows and twin red lights

Division 1Obeying traffic lights and traffic arrows

Notes

  • 1

    Traffic arrows and traffic lights are defined in the dictionary. Traffic arrows are a traffic control device designed to show a traffic arrow, or 2 or more traffic arrows at different times – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • 2

    A reference in a rule of this Part to a green, yellow or red traffic light or traffic arrow is a reference to a steady green, yellow or red traffic light or traffic arrow, unless otherwise stated in the rule – see rule 323.

  • 3

    The rules dealing with T lights and B lights, which apply to drivers of trams and public buses, are in Part 17.

56Stopping for a red traffic light or arrow
  • (1)

    A driver approaching or at traffic lights showing a red traffic light must stop:

    • (a)

      if there is a stop line at or near the traffic lights – as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line; or

    • (b)

      if there is a stop here on red signal sign at or near the traffic lights, but no stop line – as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the sign; or

    • (c)

      if there is no stop line or stop here on red signal sign at or near the traffic lights – as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the nearest or only traffic lights;

    and must not proceed past the stop line, stop here on red signal sign or nearest or only traffic lights (as the case may be) until the traffic lights show a green or flashing yellow traffic light or no traffic light.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Red traffic light and stop line are defined in the dictionary.

    Example for subrule (1)(b)

    Stopping at a stop here on red signal sign on a road the driver is entering

     

    In this example the driver may go straight ahead, or turn right or left, if there is a green traffic light showing at 1. However, the driver must not go beyond the stop here on red signal sign at 2 if there is a red traffic light showing on the road the driver is entering (see 2 and 3).

  • (1A)

    However, if the traffic lights are at an intersection with a left turn on red after stopping sign and the driver is turning left at the intersection, the driver may turn left after stopping.

    Note

    Rule 62 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver turning left at an intersection after stopping at a left turn on red after stopping sign.

  • (2)

    A driver approaching or at traffic arrows showing a red traffic arrow who is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow must stop:

    • (a)

      if there is a stop line at or near the traffic arrows – as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line; or

    • (b)

      if there is a stop here on red arrow sign at or near the traffic arrows, but no stop line – as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the sign; or

    • (c)

      if there is no stop line or stop here on red arrow sign at or near the traffic arrows – as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the nearest or only traffic arrows;

    and must not proceed past the stop line, stop here on red arrow sign or nearest or only traffic arrows (as the case may be) until the traffic arrows show a green or flashing yellow traffic arrow or no traffic arrow.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Red traffic arrow is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      This rule only applies to a driver turning left using a slip lane if the red traffic light or red traffic arrow applies to the slip lane – see Part 20, Divisions 2 and 3, especially rules 330 and 345.

    • 3

      Rule 58 deals with when a driver does not have to stop for a red traffic light.

    • 4

      The driver of a tram or a public bus does not have to stop at traffic lights showing a red traffic light if a white T light (for trams) or a white B light (for public buses) is also showing, or a white traffic arrow is showing and the driver is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow – see rules 278 and 285.

Stop here on red signal sign

Stop here on red arrow sign

Note for diagrams

There is another permitted version of the stop here on red signal sign – see the diagram in Schedule 3.

  • (3)

    If there is a bicycle storage area before any traffic lights referred to in subrule (1) or (2), a reference to the stop line in subrule (1)(a) or (2)(a):

    • (a)

      in the case of a driver of a motor vehicle, is a reference to the first stop line that the driver comes, or came, to in approaching the lights;

    • (b)

      in the case of a rider of a bicycle, is a reference to the stop line that is nearest to the intersection.

    Note

    Bicycle storage area is defined in the dictionary.

57Stopping for a yellow traffic light or arrow
  • (1)

    A driver approaching or at traffic lights showing a yellow traffic light must stop:

    • (a)

      if there is a stop line at or near the traffic lights and the driver can stop safely before reaching the stop line – as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line; or

    • (b)

      if there is no stop line at or near the traffic lights and the driver can stop safely before reaching the traffic lights – as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the nearest or only traffic lights; or

    • (c)

      if the traffic lights are at an intersection and the driver cannot stop safely in accordance with paragraph (a) or (b), but can stop safely before entering the intersection – before entering the intersection;

    and must not proceed past the stop line or nearest or only traffic lights, or into the intersection (as the case may be), until the traffic lights show a green or flashing yellow traffic light or no traffic light.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Enter, intersection, stop line and yellow traffic light are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A driver approaching or at traffic arrows showing a yellow traffic arrow who is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow must stop:

    • (a)

      if there is a stop line at or near the traffic arrows and the driver can stop safely before reaching the stop line – as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line; or

    • (b)

      if there is no stop line at or near the traffic arrows and the driver can stop safely before reaching the traffic arrows – as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the nearest or only traffic arrows; or

    • (c)

      if the traffic arrows are at an intersection and the driver cannot stop safely in accordance with paragraph (a) or (b), but can stop safely before entering the intersection – before entering the intersection;

    and must not proceed past the stop line or nearest or only traffic arrows, or into the intersection (as the case may be), until the traffic arrows show a green or flashing yellow traffic arrow or no traffic arrow.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Enter, intersection, stop line and yellow traffic arrow are defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    If the traffic lights or traffic arrows (as the case may be) are at an intersection and the driver is not able to stop safely under subrule (1) or (2) (as the case may be) and enters the intersection, the driver must leave the intersection as soon as the driver can do so safely.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Intersection does not include a road-related area – see the definition in the Dictionary.

    • 2

      This rule applies to a driver turning left using a slip lane only if the yellow traffic light or yellow traffic arrow (as the case may be) applies to the slip lane – see Part 20, Divisions 2 and 3, especially rules 330 and 345.

    • 3

      Rule 58 deals with when a driver does not have to stop at a yellow traffic light.

  • (4)

    If there is a bicycle storage area before any traffic lights referred to in subrule (1) or (2), a reference to the stop line in subrule (1)(a) or (2)(a):

    • (a)

      in the case of a driver of a motor vehicle, is a reference to the first stop line that the driver comes, or came, to in approaching the lights;

    • (b)

      in the case of a rider of a bicycle, is a reference to the stop line that is nearest to the intersection.

    Note

    Bicycle storage area is defined in the dictionary.

58Exceptions to stopping for a red or yellow traffic light
  • (1)

    A driver approaching or at traffic lights showing a red or yellow traffic light does not have to stop if a green traffic arrow is also showing and the driver is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow.

    Note

    Green traffic arrow, red traffic light and yellow traffic light are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A driver turning at an intersection with traffic lights who approaches or is at a red traffic light on the road that the driver is entering does not have to stop for that traffic light if there is no stop line or stop here on red signal sign at or near the traffic light.

    Note

    Intersection and stop line are defined in the dictionary.

59Proceeding through a red traffic light
  • (1)

    If traffic lights at an intersection or marked foot crossing are showing a red traffic light, a driver must not enter the intersection or marked foot crossing.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Enter, intersection, marked foot crossing and red traffic light are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rules 56 and 57 deal with stopping for a red or yellow traffic light, and proceeding while the light remains red or yellow. Rule 60 deals with proceeding through a red traffic arrow.

  • (2)

    However, if the traffic lights are at an intersection with a left turn on red after stopping sign and the driver is turning left at the intersection, the driver may turn left after stopping.

    Note

    Rule 62 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver turning left at an intersection after stopping at a left turn on red after stopping sign.

  • (3)

    Also, subrule (1) does not apply to a driver if rule 58(1) applies to the driver.

    Note

    Rule 58 deals with when a driver does not have to stop for a red traffic light.

    Left turn on red after stopping sign

60Proceeding through a red traffic arrow

If traffic arrows at an intersection or marked foot crossing are showing a red traffic arrow, and a driver is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow, the driver must not enter the intersection or marked foot crossing.

Offence provision.

Notes

  • 1

    Enter, intersection, marked foot crossing and red traffic arrow are defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    Rules 56 and 57 deal with stopping for a red or yellow traffic arrow.

60AProceeding through a bicycle storage area before a red traffic light or arrow
  • (1)

    If there is a bicycle storage area before traffic lights that are showing a red traffic light, a driver of a motor vehicle must not allow any part of the vehicle to enter the bicycle storage area.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Bicycle storage area, red traffic light, and motor vehicle are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    If there is a bicycle storage area before traffic arrows that are showing a red traffic arrow, and a driver of a motor vehicle is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow, the driver must not allow any part of the vehicle to enter the bicycle storage area.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Red traffic arrow is defined in the dictionary.

61Proceeding when traffic lights or arrows at an intersection change to yellow or red
  • (1)

    This rule applies to:

    • (a)

      a driver at an intersection with traffic lights showing a green traffic light who has stopped after the stop line, stop here on red signal sign, or nearest or only traffic lights, at the intersection and is not making a hook turn at the intersection; or

    • (b)

      a driver at an intersection with traffic arrows showing a green traffic arrow who is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow and has stopped after the stop line, stop here on red arrow sign, or nearest or only traffic arrows, at the intersection.

    Example

    A driver may stop after the stop line at an intersection with traffic lights showing a green traffic light, and not proceed through the intersection, because traffic is congested.

    Notes

    • 1

      Green traffic arrow, green traffic light, intersection and stop line are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Hook turns are dealt with in rules 34 and 35.

  • (2)

    If the traffic lights or traffic arrows (as the case may be) change to yellow or red while the driver is stopped and the driver has not entered the intersection, the driver must not enter the intersection.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Enter is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    However, if the traffic lights are at an intersection with a left turn on red after stopping sign and the driver is turning left at the intersection, the driver may turn left after stopping.

    Note

    Rule 62 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver turning left at an intersection after stopping at a left turn on red after stopping sign.

  • (4)

    Also, subrule (2) does not apply to a driver if rule 58(1) applies to the driver.

    Note

    Rule 58 deals with when a driver does not have to stop for a red traffic light.

  • (5)

    If the traffic lights or traffic arrows (as the case may be) change to yellow or red while the driver is stopped and the driver has entered the intersection, the driver must leave the intersection as soon as the driver can do so safely.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Intersection does not include a road-related area – see the definition in the dictionary.

Division 2Giving way at traffic lights and traffic arrows

Note

Traffic lights are defined in the dictionary.

62Giving way when turning at an intersection with traffic lights
  • (1)

    A driver turning at an intersection with traffic lights must give way to:

    • (a)

      any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is crossing the road the driver is entering; and

    • (b)

      if the driver is turning left at a left turn on red after stopping sign at the intersection:

      • (i)

        any vehicle approaching from the right, turning right at the intersection into the road the driver is entering or making a U-turn; and

      • (ii)

        any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is on the road the driver is leaving; and

    • (c)

      if the driver is turning right – any oncoming vehicle that is going straight ahead or turning left at the intersection (except a vehicle turning left using a slip lane).

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Intersection, oncoming vehicle, slip lane, straight ahead and U-turn are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means the driver must remain stationary until it is safe to proceed – see the definition in the dictionary.

    • 3

      Rule 322(3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign at an intersection.

    • 4

      A driver turning left at a left turn on red after stopping sign, at an intersection with traffic lights showing a red traffic light, must stop in accordance with rule 56(1) before making the turn.

    • 5

      In relation to paragraph (a), rule 353(1) specifies that a driver is not required to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the road that the driver is leaving, and rule 353(2) provides that a pedestrian who is only crossing a part of a road is considered to be crossing the road.

  • (2)

    However, a driver who is turning at an intersection with traffic arrows showing a green traffic arrow need not give way to an oncoming vehicle if the driver is turning in the direction indicated by the green traffic arrow.

    Note

    Green traffic arrow is defined in the dictionary.

    Examples

Example 1

Giving way to a pedestrian on the road the driver is entering

Example 2

Driver turning right giving way to an oncoming vehicle going straight ahead

Example 3

Driver turning right does not have to give way to an oncoming vehicle that is turning left into the road the driver is entering using a slip lane

In example 1, the vehicle must give way to the pedestrian.

In examples 2 and 3, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

63Giving way at an intersection with traffic lights not operating or only partly operating
  • (1)

    This rule applies to a driver at an intersection if traffic lights at the intersection are not operating, or the traffic lights are showing only a flashing yellow traffic light.

    Note

    Intersection and yellow traffic light are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    If there is a traffic light-stop sign at the intersection, the driver must comply with rule 67 as if the sign were a stop sign at an intersection without traffic lights.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Rule 322(3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign at an intersection.

    • 2

      Rule 67 deals with stopping and giving way at a stop sign or stop line at an intersection without traffic lights.

    • 3

      There is no requirement under Division 1 of this Part for a driver to stop for a flashing yellow traffic light or traffic lights that are not operating.

  • (3)

    If there is no traffic light-stop sign at the intersection, the driver must give way to vehicles and pedestrians at or near the intersection in accordance with rule 72 or 73 as if the intersection were an intersection without traffic lights, or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Give way line and stop lin e are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rules 72 and 73 deal with giving way at an intersection (except a roundabout) without traffic lights, or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applying to the driver.

    Traffic light-stop sign

  • (4)

    Subrule (3) does not apply if the intersection is a roundabout.

    Notes

    • 1

      Roundabout is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 114 requires a driver entering a roundabout to give way to any vehicle in the roundabout and to any tram that is entering or approaching the roundabout.

    64Giving way at a flashing yellow traffic arrow at an intersection

    A driver turning in the direction indicated by a flashing yellow traffic arrow at an intersection with traffic lights must give way to:

    • (a)

      any vehicle travelling on the road the driver is entering; and

    • (b)

      any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is crossing the road the driver is entering; and

    • (c)

      if the driver is turning right – any oncoming vehicle that is going straight ahead or turning left at the intersection (except a vehicle turning left using a slip lane).

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Intersection, oncoming vehicle, slip lane, straight ahead and yellow traffic arrow are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

    • 3

      There is no requirement under Division 1 of this Part for a driver to stop for a flashing yellow traffic arrow.

    • 4

      In relation to paragraph (b), rule 353(1) specifies that a driver is not required to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the road that the driver is leaving, and rule 353(2) provides that a pedestrian who is only crossing a part of a road is considered to be crossing the road.

    65Giving way at a marked foot crossing (except at an intersection) with a flashing yellow traffic light
  • (1)

    This rule applies to a driver approaching or at a marked foot crossing (except at or near an intersection) with a flashing yellow traffic light at the crossing.

    Note

    Intersection, marked foot crossing and yellow traffic light are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    The driver must:

    • (a)

      give way to any pedestrian on or entering the crossing; and

    • (b)

      not obstruct any pedestrian on the crossing; and

    • (c)

      not overtake or pass a vehicle that is travelling in the same direction as the driver and is stopping, or has stopped, to give way at the crossing; and

    • (d)

      give way to any bicycle rider on or entering the crossing.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Overtake is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For subrule (2), give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    If there is no pedestrian or bicycle rider on the crossing, and no other vehicle travelling in the same direction as the driver that is stopping, or has stopped, to give way at the crossing, the driver may proceed through the crossing.

Division 3Twin red lights (except at level crossings) 66Stopping for twin red lights (except at level crossings)
  • (1)

    A driver approaching or at twin red lights on a road (except at a level crossing) must stop in accordance with subrules (2) and (3).

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Level crossing is defined in rule 120, and twin red lights is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 322(1) and (2) deal with the meaning of a traffic control device on a road.

    • 3

      Twin red lights are generally erected at bridges, ambulance stations, fire stations or level crossings. The rules about stopping at level crossings are in Part 10.

  • (2)

    If there is a stop line at or near the lights and the driver can stop safely before reaching the stop line, the driver must stop as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line.

    Note

    Stop line is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    If there is no stop line at or near the lights and the driver can stop safely before reaching the lights, the driver must stop as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the lights.

  • (4)

    If the driver stops for the lights, the driver must not proceed until the lights are not showing.

    Offence provision.

    Part 7                 Giving way

    Notes

    • 1

      The rules in this Part deal with giving way in most situations. In addition, other rules requiring a driver to give way include:

    ·     making a U-turn – rule 38

    ·     turning at traffic lights at an intersection – rule 62

    ·     at an intersection with traffic lights that are not operating or only partly operating – rule 63

    ·     turning at a flashing yellow traffic arrow at an intersection – rule 64

    ·     at a marked foot crossing with a flashing yellow traffic light – rule 65

    ·     entering and driving in a roundabout – rule 114

    ·     by the rider of a bicycle or animal to a vehicle leaving a roundabout – rule 119

    ·     at a stop sign at a level crossing – rule 121

    ·     at a give way sign or give way line at a level crossing – rule 122

    ·     moving from one marked lane to another marked lane, or from one line of traffic to another line of traffic – rule 148

    ·     when lines of traffic merge into a single line of traffic – rule 149

    ·     for pedestrians crossing the road near a stopped tram – rules 163, 164 and 164A.

    • 2

      For the meaning of left and right, see rule 351(1) and (2).

    Division 1Giving way at a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applying to the driver  

    Note

    For a driver, a reference in a rule in this Division to a traffic sign or road marking is a reference to a traffic sign or road marking applying to the driver – see rules 338 to 341.

67Stopping and giving way at a stop sign or stop line at an intersection without traffic lights
  • (1)

    A driver at an intersection with a stop sign or stop line, but without traffic lights, must stop and give way in accordance with this rule.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Intersection and stop line are defined in the dictionary.   This rule applies also to T-intersections – see the definition of intersection.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means the driver must remain stationary until it is safe for the driver to proceed – see the definition in the dictionary.

    • 3

      Part 6 deals with stopping and giving way at an intersection with traffic lights.

    • 4

      This rule only applies to a driver turning left using a slip lane if the stop sign or stop line applies to the slip lane – see Part 20, Divisions 2 and 3, especially rules 330 and 345.

  • (2)

    The driver must stop as near as practicable to, but before reaching:

    • (a)

      the stop line; or

    • (b)

      if there is no stop line – the intersection.

  • (3)

    The driver must give way to a vehicle in, entering or approaching the intersection except:

    • (a)

      an oncoming vehicle turning right at the intersection if a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applies to the driver of the oncoming vehicle; or

    • (b)

      a vehicle turning left at the intersection using a slip lane; or

    • (c)

      a vehicle making a U-turn.

    Note

    Enter, give way line, oncoming vehicle, slip lane and U-turn are defined in the dictionary.

  • (4)

    If the driver is turning left or right or making a U-turn, the driver must also give way to any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is crossing the road, or part of the road, the driver is entering.

    Note

    Rule 353(1) specifies that a driver is not required to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the road that the driver is leaving, and rule 353(2) provides that a pedestrian who is only crossing a part of a road is considered to be crossing the road.

  • (5)

    For this rule, an oncoming vehicle travelling through a T‑intersection on the continuing road is taken not to be turning.

    Stop sign

Examples

Example 1

Stop line

Example 2

Stopping and giving way at a stop sign to vehicles on the left and right

In example 2, vehicle B must stop and give way to each vehicle A.

Example 3

Stopping and giving way at a stop sign to an oncoming vehicle at a stop sign

Example 4

Stopping and giving way at a stop sign to an oncoming vehicle that is not at a stop sign or give way sign

In examples 3 and 4, vehicle B must stop and give way to vehicle A.

68Stopping and giving way at a stop sign or stop line at other places
  • (1)

    A driver approaching or at a place with a stop sign or stop line must stop and give way in accordance with this rule, unless the place is:

    • (a)

      an intersection; or

    • (b)

      a children’s crossing; or

    • (c)

      an area of a road that is not a children’s crossing only because it does not have:

      • (i)

        children crossing flags; or

      • (ii)

        children’s crossing signs and twin yellow lights; or

    • (d)

      a level crossing; or

    • (e)

      a place with twin red lights.

    Offence provision.

    Examples

    • 1

      A stop sign at a break in a dividing strip dividing the part of the road used by the main body of moving vehicles from a service road.

    • 2

      A stop sign on an exit from a carpark where the exit joins the road.

    Notes

    • 1

      Children’s crossing is defined in rule 80, intersection, stop lin e and twin red lights are defined in the dictionary, and level crossing is defined in rule 120.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means the driver must remain stationary until it is safe for the driver to proceed – see the definition in the dictionary.

    • 3

      For the stopping and giving way rules applying to a driver at an intersection or level crossing with a stop sign or stop line, see rule 67 (intersections) and rule 121 (level crossings). Rule 80 deals with stopping at a stop line at a children’s crossing.

  • (2)

    The driver must stop as near as practicable to, but before reaching:

    • (a)

      the stop line; or

    • (b)

      if there is no stop line – the stop sign.

  • (3)

    The driver must give way to any vehicle or pedestrian at or near the stop line or stop sign.

    Examples

Example 1

Stopping and giving way at a stop sign at a break in a dividing strip

Example 2

Stopping and giving way at a stop sign where a carpark exit joins a road

In each example, vehicle B must stop and give way to vehicle A.

69Giving way at a give way sign or give way line at an intersection (except a roundabout)
  • (1)

    A driver at an intersection (except a roundabout) with a give way sign or give way line must give way in accordance with this rule.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Give way line and intersection are defined in the dictionary, and roundabout is defined in rule 109.   This rule also applies to T-intersections – see the definition of intersection.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    Unless the driver is turning left using a slip lane, the driver must give way to a vehicle in, entering or approaching the intersection except:

    • (a)

      an oncoming vehicle turning right at the intersection if a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applies to the driver of the oncoming vehicle; or

    • (b)

      a vehicle turning left at the intersection using a slip lane; or

    • (c)

      a vehicle making a U-turn.

    Note

    Enter, oncoming vehicle, slip lane, stop line and U-turn are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2A)

    If the driver is turning left using a slip lane, the driver must give way to:

    • (a)

      any vehicle on the road the driver is entering, or turning right at the intersection into the road the driver is entering (except a vehicle making a U-turn at the intersection); and

    • (b)

      any other vehicle or pedestrian on the slip lane.

  • (3)

    If the driver is turning left or right or making a U-turn, the driver must also give way to any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is crossing the road, or part of the road, the driver is entering.

    Note

    Rule 353(1) specifies that a driver is not required to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the road that the driver is leaving, and rule 353(2) provides that a pedestrian who is only crossing a part of a road is considered to be crossing the road.

  • (4)

    For this rule, an oncoming vehicle travelling through a T‑intersection on the continuing rod is taken not to be turning.

    Give way sign

Examples

Example 1

Give way line

Example 2

Giving way at a give way sign to vehicles on the left and right

In example 2, vehicle B must give way to each vehicle A.

Example 3

Giving way at a give way sign to an oncoming vehicle at a give way sign

Example 4

Giving way at a give way sign to an oncoming vehicle that is not at a stop sign or give way sign

In examples 3 and 4, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

Example 5

Driver turning right at a give way line does not have to give way to a vehicle turning left using a slip lane

In example 5, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

70Giving way at a give way sign at a bridge or length of narrow road

A driver approaching a bridge or length of narrow road with a give way sign must give way to any oncoming vehicle that is on, or approaching, the bridge or length of road when the driver reaches the sign.

Offence provision.

Notes

  • 1

    Oncoming vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

Examples

Example 1

Giving way at a bridge

Example 2

Giving way at a length of narrow road

In each example, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

71Giving way at a give way sign or give way line at other places
  • (1)

    A driver approaching or at a place (except an intersection, bridge or length of narrow road, level crossing, or a place with twin red lights) with a give way sign or give way line must give way in accordance with this rule.

    Offence provision.

    Examples

    • 1

      A give way sign at a break in a dividing strip dividing the part of the road used by the main body of moving vehicles from a service road.

    • 2

      A give way sign on a road at a place where a bicycle path meets the road.

    Notes

    • 1

      Give way line, intersection and twin red lights are defined in the dictionary, and level crossing is defined in rule 120.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

    • 3

      For the give way rules applying to a driver at an intersection, bridge or length of narrow road, or level crossing, with a give way sign or give way line, see rule 69 (intersections), rule 70 (bridges and lengths of narrow road) and rule 122 (level crossings).

  • (2)

    The driver must give way to any vehicle or pedestrian at or near the give way sign or give way line.

    Examples

Example 1

Giving way at a give way sign at a break in a dividing strip

Example 2

Giving way at a give way sign where a bicycle path meets a road

In example 1, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

In example 2, the motor vehicle must give way to the bicycle.

Division 2Giving way at an intersection without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applying to the driver

Note

For a driver, a reference in a rule in this Division to a traffic sign or road marking is a reference to a traffic sign or road marking applying to the driver – see rules 338 to 341.

72Giving way at an intersection (except a T-intersection or roundabout)
  • (1)

    A driver at an intersection (except a T-intersection or roundabout) without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line, must give way in accordance with this rule.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Give way line, intersection, stop line, T-intersection and traffic lights are defined in the dictionary, and roundabout is defined in rule 109.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    If the driver is going straight ahead, the driver must give way to any vehicle approaching from the right, unless a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applies to the driver of the approaching vehicle.

    Examples

Example 1

Driver going straight ahead giving way to a vehicle on the right that is going straight ahead

Example 2

Driver going straight ahead giving way to a vehicle on the right that is turning right

In each example, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

Note

Straight ahead is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    If the driver is turning left (except if the driver is using a slip lane), the driver must give way to:

    • (a)

      any vehicle approaching from the right, unless a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applies to the driver of the approaching vehicle; and

    • (b)

      any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is crossing the road the driver is entering.

    Examples

Example 3

Driver turning left giving way to a vehicle on the right that is going straight ahead

Example 4

Driver turning left giving way to a pedestrian on the road the driver is entering

In example 3, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

In example 4, the vehicle must give way to the pedestrian.

Notes

  • 1

    Slip lane is defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    In relation to paragraph (b), rule 353(1) specifies that a driver is not required to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the road that the driver is leaving, and rule 353(2) provides that a pedestrian who is only crossing a part of a road is considered to be crossing the road.

  • (4)

    If the driver is turning left using a slip lane, the driver must give way to:

    • (a)

      any vehicle approaching from the right or turning right at the intersection into the road the driver is entering (except a vehicle making a U-turn at the intersection); and

    • (b)

      any pedestrian on or entering the slip lane.

    Example

Example 5

Driver turning left using a slip lane giving way to a vehicle that is turning right into the road the driver is entering

In this example, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

  • (4A)

    Subrule (4)(b) does not apply if another law of this jurisdiction does not require a driver who is turning left using a slip lane to give way to a pedestrian on or entering a slip lane.

  • (5)

    If the driver is turning right, the driver must give way to:

    • (a)

      any vehicle approaching from the right, unless a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applies to the driver of the approaching vehicle; and

    • (b)

      any oncoming vehicle that is going straight ahead or turning left at the intersection, unless:

      • (i)

        a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applies to the driver of the oncoming vehicle; or

      • (ii)

        the oncoming vehicle is turning left using a slip lane; and

    • (c)

      any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is crossing the road the driver is entering.

    Notes

    • 1

      Oncoming vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      In relation to paragraph (c), rule 353(1) specifies that a driver is not required to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the road that the driver is leaving, and rule 353(2) provides that a pedestrian who is only crossing a part of a road is considered to be crossing the road.

    Examples

Example 6

Driver turning right giving way to a vehicle on the right that is turning right into the road the driver is leaving

Example 7

Driver turning right giving way to an oncoming vehicle that is going straight ahead on the road the driver is leaving

In examples 6 and 7, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

Example 8

Driver turning right giving way to an oncoming vehicle that is turning left into the road the driver is entering

Example 9

Driver turning right giving way to a pedestrian on the road the driver is entering

In example 8, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

In example 9, the vehicle must give way to the pedestrian.

73Giving way at a T-intersection
  • (1)

    A driver at a T-intersection without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line, must give way in accordance with this rule.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Give way line, stop line, T-intersection and traffic lights are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

    • 3

      Rule 75(1)(d) requires a driver at a T-intersection to give way when crossing the continuing road to enter a road-related area or adjacent land.

  • (2)

    If the driver is turning left (except if the driver is using a slip lane) or right from the terminating road into the continuing road, the driver must give way to:

    • (a)

      any vehicle travelling on the continuing road (except a vehicle making a U-turn on the continuing road at the T-intersection); and

    • (b)

      any pedestrian who is crossing the continuing road at or near the intersection.

    Notes

    • 1

      Continuing road, slip lane and terminating road are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      In relation to paragraph (b), rule 353(1) specifies that a driver is not required to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the terminating road, and rule 353(2) provides that a pedestrian who is only crossing a part of a road is considered to be crossing the road.

    Examples

Example 1

Driver turning right from the terminating road giving way to a vehicle on the continuing road

Example 2

Driver turning left (except if the driver is using a slip lane) from the terminating road giving way to a pedestrian on the continuing road

In example 1, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

In example 2, the vehicle must give way to the pedestrian.

  • (3)

    If the driver is turning left from the terminating road into the continuing road using a slip lane, the driver must give way to:

    • (a)

      any vehicle travelling on the continuing road (except a vehicle making a U-turn on the continuing road at the T-intersection); and

    • (b)

      any pedestrian on the slip lane.

  • (4)

    If the driver is turning left (except if the driver is using a slip lane) from the continuing road into the terminating road, the driver must give way to any pedestrian who is crossing the terminating road at or near the intersection.

    Example

    Example 3

    Driver turning left (except if the driver is using a slip lane) from the continuing road giving way to a pedestrian on the terminating road

    In this example, the vehicle must give way to the pedestrian.

    Note

    Rule 353(1) specifies that a driver is not required to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the continuing road, and rule 353(2) provides that a pedestrian who is only crossing a part of a road is considered to be crossing the road.

  • (5)

    If the driver is turning from the continuing road into the terminating road using a slip lane, the driver must give way to:

    • (a)

      any vehicle approaching from the right (except a vehicle making a U-turn from the terminating road at the T‑intersection); and

    • (b)

      any pedestrian on or entering the slip lane.

  • (5A)

    Subrule (5)(b) does not apply if another law of this jurisdiction does not require a driver who is turning from a continuing road into a terminating road using a slip lane to give way to a pedestrian on or entering a slip lane.

  • (6)

    If the driver is turning right from the continuing road into the terminating road, the driver must give way to:

    • (a)

      any oncoming vehicle that is travelling through the intersection on the continuing road or turning left at the intersection; and

    • (b)

      any pedestrian who is crossing the terminating road at or near the intersection.

    Notes

    • 1

      Oncoming vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      In relation to paragraph (b), rule 353(1) specifies that a driver is not required to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the continuing road, and rule 353(2) provides that a pedestrian who is only crossing a part of a road is considered to be crossing the road.

  • (7)

    In this rule:

    turning left from the continuing road into the terminating road, for a driver, includes, where the continuing road curves to the right at a T‑intersection, leaving the continuing road to proceed straight ahead onto the terminating road.

    turning right from the continuing road into the terminating road, for a driver, includes, where the continuing road curves to the left at a T‑intersection, leaving the continuing road to proceed straight ahead onto the terminating road.

    Note

    Straight ahead is defined in the dictionary

    Examples

Example 4

Driver turning right from the continuing road giving way to an oncoming vehicle travelling through the intersection on the continuing road

Example 5

Driver leaving the continuing road to proceed straight ahead on the terminating road giving way to a vehicle travelling through the intersection on the continuing road

Example 5 shows a T-intersection where the continuing road (which is marked with broken white lines) goes around a corner. Vehicle B is leaving the continuing road to enter the terminating road. In examples 4 and 5, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

Example 6

Driver turning right from the continuing road giving way to an oncoming vehicle turning left from the continuing road

Example 7

Driver turning right from the continuing road giving way to a pedestrian on the terminating road

In example 6, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

In example 7, the vehicle must give way to the pedestrian.

Division 3Entering or leaving road-related areas and adjacent land 74Giving way when entering a road from a road-related area or adjacent land
  • (1)

    A driver entering a road from a road-related area, or adjacent land, without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line must give way to:

    • (a)

      any vehicle travelling on the road or turning into the road (except a vehicle turning right into the road from a road-related area or adjacent land); and

    • (ab)

      a driver making a U-turn on the road; and

    • (b)

      any pedestrian on the road; and

    • (c)

      any vehicle or pedestrian on any road-related area that the driver crosses to enter the road; and

    • (d)

      for a driver entering the road from a road-related area:

      • (i)

        any pedestrian on the road-related area; and

      • (ii)

        any other vehicle ahead of the driver’s vehicle or approaching from the left or right.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Adjacent land, give way line, stop line, traffic lights and U-turn are defined in the dictionary, and road-related area is defined in rule 13.

    • 2

      Adjacent land or a road-related area can include a driveway, service station or shopping centre – see the definitions of adjacent land and road-related area. Some shopping centres may include roads – see the definition of road in rule 12.

    • 3

      Part 6 applies to the driver if there are traffic lights. Rule 68 applies to the driver if there is a stop sign or stop line, and rule 71 applies to the driver if there is a give way sign or give way line.

    • 4

      For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    road does not include a road-related area.

    Note

    A road-related area includes any shoulder of a road – see rule 13.

    Example

    Driver entering a road from a road-related area giving way to a pedestrian on the footpath and a vehicle on the road

In this example, vehicle B must give way to the pedestrian on the footpath and to vehicle A.

75Giving way when entering a road-related area or adjacent land from a road
  • (1)

    A driver entering a road-related area or adjacent land from a place on a road without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line must give way to:

    • (a)

      any pedestrian on the road; and

    • (b)

      any vehicle or pedestrian on any road-related area that the driver crosses or enters; and

    • (c)

      if the driver is turning right from the road – any oncoming vehicle on the road that is going straight ahead or turning left; and

    • (d)

      if the road the driver is leaving ends at a T-intersection opposite the road-related area or adjacent land and the driver is crossing the continuing road – any vehicle on the continuing road.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Adjacent land, continuing road, give way line, oncoming vehicle, stop line, straight ahead, T-intersection and traffic lights are defined in the dictionary, and road-related area is defined in rule 13.

    • 2

      Adjacent land or a road-related area can include a driveway, service station or shopping centre – see the definitions of adjacent land and road-related area. Some shopping centres may include roads – see the definition of road in rule 12.

    • 3

      For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

    • 4

      Part 6 applies to the driver if there are traffic lights. Rule 68 applies to the driver if there is a stop sign or stop line, and rule 71 applies to the driver if there is a give way sign or give way line.

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    road does not include a road-related area.

    Note

    A road-related area includes any shoulder of a road – see rule 13.

    Examples

Example 1

Driver turning right from a road into a road related area giving way to an oncoming vehicle that is going straight ahead and to a pedestrian on the footpath

Example 2

Driver crossing a continuing road at a T-intersection to enter a road-related area giving way to a vehicle on the continuing road

In each example, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A. In example 1, vehicle B must also give way to the pedestrian on the footpath.

Division 4Keeping clear of and giving way to particular vehicles 76Keeping clear of trams travelling in tram lanes etc.
  • (1)

    A driver must not move into the path of an approaching tram travelling in a tram lane, or on tram tracks marked along the left side of the tracks by a broken or continuous yellow line parallel to the tracks.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Approaching, left, tram and tram tracks are defined in the dictionary, and tram lane is defined in rule 155.

  • (2)

    If a driver is in the path of an approaching tram travelling in a tram lane, or on tram tracks marked along the left side of the tracks by a broken or continuous yellow line parallel to the tracks, the driver must move out of the path of the tram as soon as the driver can do so safely.

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    tram includes a bus travelling along tram tracks.

    Note

    Bus and travelling along tram tracks are defined in the dictionary.

77Giving way to buses
  • (1)

    A driver driving on a length of road in a built-up area, in the left lane or left line of traffic, or in a bicycle lane on the far left side of the road, must give way to a bus in front of the driver if:

    • (a)

      the bus has stopped, or is moving slowly, at the far left side of the road, on a shoulder of the road, or in a bus-stop bay; and

    • (b)

      the bus displays a give way to buses sign and the right direction indicator lights of the bus are operating; and

    • (c)

      the bus is about to enter or proceed in the lane or line of traffic in which the driver is driving.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Built-up area, bus and length of road are defined in the dictionary, left lane and left line of traffic are defined in subrule (2), and shoulder is defined in rule 12.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

    • 3

      The driver of the bus must give the change of direction signal for long enough to give sufficient warning to other drivers and pedestrians – see rule 48(2) and (3).

    • 4

      Under rule 87(1), a driver entering a marked lane, or a line of traffic, from the side of the road must give way to any vehicle travelling in the lane or line of traffic. However, the driver of a public bus does not have to give way to a vehicle if the vehicle is required to give way to the bus under this rule and it is safe for the bus to enter the lane, or line of traffic, in which the other vehicle is travelling – see rule 87(2).

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    left lane, of a road, means:

    • (a)

      the marked lane nearest to the far left side of the road (the first lane) or, if the first lane is a bicycle lane, the marked lane next to the first lane; or

    • (b)

      if there is an obstruction in the first lane (for example, a parked car or roadworks) and the first lane is not a bicycle lane – the marked lane next to the first lane.

    left line of traffic, for a road, means the line of traffic nearest to the far left side of the road.

    Note

    Marked lane and obstruction are defined in the dictionary, and bicycle lane is defined in rule 153.

    Give way to buses sign

Note for diagram

This sign is displayed on buses.

Note

The application of this rule is modified by regulation 78AA of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

78Keeping clear of police and emergency vehicles
  • (1)

    A driver must not move into the path of an approaching police or emergency vehicle that is displaying a flashing blue or red light (whether or not it is also displaying other lights) or sounding an alarm.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Approaching, emergency vehicle and police vehicle are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    If a driver is in the path of an approaching police or emergency vehicle that is displaying a flashing blue or red light (whether or not it is also displaying other lights) or sounding an alarm, the driver must move out of the path of the vehicle as soon as the driver can do so safely.

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    This rule applies to the driver despite any other rule of the Australian Road Rules.

79Giving way to police and emergency vehicles
  • (1)

    A driver must give way to a police or emergency vehicle that is displaying a flashing blue or red light (whether or not it is also displaying other lights) or sounding an alarm.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Emergency vehicle and police vehicle are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means:

    • (a)

      if the driver is stopped – remain stationary until it is safe to proceed; or

    • (b)

      in any other case – slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision;

    – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    This rule applies to the driver despite any other rule of the Australian Road Rules that would otherwise require the driver of a police or emergency vehicle to give way to the driver.

Division 5Crossings and shared zones 80Stopping at a children's crossing
  • (1)

    A driver approaching a children’s crossing must drive at a speed at which the driver can, if necessary, stop safely before the crossing.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Children’s crossing is defined in subrule (6).

  • (2)

    A driver approaching or at a children’s crossing must stop as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line at the crossing if:

    • (a)

      a hand-held stop sign is displayed at the crossing; or

    • (b)

      a pedestrian or bicycle rider is on or entering the crossing.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Stop line is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 322(3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic control device at a place.

  • (3)

    If a driver stops at a children’s crossing for a hand-held stop sign, the driver must not proceed until there is no pedestrian or bicycle rider on or entering the crossing and the holder of the sign:

    • (a)

      no longer displays the sign towards the driver; or

    • (b)

      otherwise indicates that the driver may proceed.

    Offence provision.

  • (4)

    If a driver stops at a children’s crossing for a pedestrian or bicycle rider, the driver must not proceed until there is no pedestrian or bicycle rider on or entering the crossing.

    Offence provision.

  • (5)

    For this rule, if a children’s crossing extends across a road with a dividing strip, the part of the children’s crossing on each side of the dividing strip is taken to be a separate children’s crossing.

    Note

    Dividing strip is defined in the dictionary.

  • (6)

    A children’s crossing is an area of a road:

    • (a)

      at a place with stop lines marked on the road, and:

      • (i)

        children crossing flags; or

      • (ii)

        children’s crossing signs and twin yellow lights; and

    • (b)

      indicated by:

      • (i)

        2 red and white posts erected on each side of the road; or

      • (ii)

        2 parallel continuous or broken lines on the road surface from one side of the road completely or partly across the road; and

    • (c)

      extending across the road between the posts or lines.

    Note

    Twin yellow lights is defined in the dictionary.

Children crossing flag

Children’s crossing sign

Hand-held stop signs

Notes for diagrams

  • 1

    There is another permitted version of the children’s crossing sign and a number of other permitted versions of the hand-held stop signs – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

  • 2

    A children’s crossing sign may have a different number on the sign – see rule 316(4).

Examples

Example 1

Driver stopped at stop line for pedestrians on a children’s crossing with children crossing flags

Example 2

Driver stopped at stop line for pedestrians on a children’s crossing with children’s crossing signs and twin yellow lights

In each of these examples, the driver must stop at the stop line because there are pedestrians on the children’s crossing.

81Giving way at a pedestrian crossing
  • (1)

    A driver approaching a pedestrian crossing must drive at a speed at which the driver can, if necessary, stop safely before the crossing.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Pedestrian crossing is defined in subrule (3).

  • (2)

    A driver must give way to any pedestrian or bicycle rider on or entering a pedestrian crossing.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    A pedestrian crossing is an area of a road:

    • (a)

      at a place with white stripes on the road surface that:

      • (i)

        run lengthwise along the road; and

      • (ii)

        are of approximately the same length; and

      • (iii)

        are approximately parallel to each other; and

      • (iv)

        are in a row that extends completely, or partly, across the road; and

    • (b)

      with or without either or both of the following:

      • (i)

        a pedestrian crossing sign;

      • (ii)

        alternating flashing twin yellow lights.

    Notes

    • 1

      Twin yellow lights is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 322(3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign at a place.

    Pedestrian crossing sign

Examples

Example 1

Giving way to a pedestrian on a pedestrian crossing

Example 2

Giving way to a pedestrian on a pedestrian crossing at a slip lane

In each of these examples, the driver must give way to the pedestrian on the crossing.

82Overtaking or passing a vehicle at a children's crossing or pedestrian crossing

A driver approaching a children’s crossing, or pedestrian crossing, must not overtake or pass a vehicle that is travelling in the same direction as the driver and is stopping, or has stopped, to give way to a pedestrian at or bicycle rider on or entering the crossing.

Offence provision.

Note

Children’s crossing is defined in rule 80, overtake is defined in the dictionary, and pedestrian crossing is defined in rule 81.

Example

Driver not passing a vehicle that has stopped to give way to a pedestrian at a pedestrian crossing

In the example, vehicle A has stopped to give way to a pedestrian on the crossing.   Vehicle B must not overtake or pass vehicle A.

83Giving way to pedestrians in a shared zone

A driver driving in a shared zone must give way to any pedestrian in the zone.

Offence provision.

Notes

  • 1

    Shared zone is defined in rule 24.

  • 2

    For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

Division 6Other give way rules 84Giving way when driving through a break in a dividing strip
  • (1)

    If a driver drives through a break in a dividing strip that has no stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line, the driver must give way to:

    • (a)

      any tram on the dividing strip; and

    • (b)

      any vehicle travelling on the part of the road the driver is entering (except a vehicle to which a stop sign, stop line, give way sign, or give way line, applies).

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Dividing strip, give way line, stop line and tram are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 68 applies to the driver if there is a stop sign or stop line, and rule 71 applies to the driver if there is a give way sign or give way line.

    • 3

      For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    tram includes a bus travelling along tram tracks.

    Note

    Bus and travelling along tram tracks is defined in the dictionary.

    Examples

    Example 1

    Giving way when driving through a break in a median strip

Example 2

Giving way when driving through a break in a dividing strip to leave a service road

Example 3

Giving way when driving through a break in a dividing strip to enter a service road

In each of the examples, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

Note to examples

A median strip is a particular kind of dividing strip – see the definition of median strip in the dictionary.

85Giving way on a painted island

A driver entering a turning lane from a painted island must give way to:

  • (a)

    any vehicle in the turning lane; or

  • (b)

    if the turning lane and painted island are nearest to the far left side of the road – any vehicle entering the turning lane from the marked lane, or line of traffic, immediately to the right of the turning lane; or

  • (c)

    if the turning lane and painted island are nearest to the dividing line or median strip on the road or the far right side of the road – any vehicle entering the turning lane from the marked lane, or line of traffic, immediately to the left of the turning lane.

Offence provision.

Notes

  • 1

    Line of traffic, marked lane, painted island and turning lane are defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    Rules 138 and 139(4) allow a driver to drive on a painted island in certain circumstances.

  • 3

    For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

Examples

Example 1

Driver entering a turning lane from a painted island giving way to a vehicle entering the turning lane from the marked lane immediately to the right of the turning lane.

Example 2

Driver entering a turning lane from a painted island giving way to a vehicle entering the turning lane from the marked lane immediately to the left of the turning lane.

In the examples, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

86Giving way in median turning bays
  • (1)

    A driver entering a median turning bay must give way to any oncoming vehicle already in the turning bay.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Oncoming vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    median turning bay means a marked lane, or the part of a marked lane:

    • (a)

      to which a median turning lane sign applies; or

    • (b)

      where traffic lane arrows applying to the lane indicate that vehicles travelling in opposite directions must turn right.

    Note

    Marked lane and traffic lane arrows are defined in the dictionary.

    Median turning lane sign

    Note for diagram

    There is another permitted version of the median turning lane sign – see the diagram in Schedule 3.

    Example

    Giving way in a median turning bay

In the example, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

87Giving way when moving from a side of a road or a median strip parking area
  • (1)

    A driver entering a marked lane, or a line of traffic, from the far left or right side of a road must give way to any vehicle travelling in the lane or line of traffic.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Line of traffic and marked lane are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For subrule (1), give way means:

    • (a)

      if the driver is stopped – remain stationary until it is safe to proceed; or

    • (b)

      in any other case – slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision;

    – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    However, the driver of a public bus does not have to give way to a vehicle if:

    • (a)

      the driver of the vehicle is required to give way to the bus under rule 77; and

    • (b)

      it is safe for the bus to enter the lane or line of traffic in which the vehicle is driving.

    Notes

    • 1

      Public bus is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      The bus must display a give way to buses sign and the right direction indicator lights of the bus must be operating – see rule 77.

  • (3)

    A driver turning from a median strip parking area into a marked lane, or a line of traffic, must give way to any vehicle travelling in the lane or line of traffic.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Median strip parking area is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For subrule (3), give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (4)

    In this rule:

    road does not include a road-related area, but includes any shoulder of the road.

    Note

    Road-related area is defined in rule 13 and shoulder is defined in rule 12.

    Part 8                 Traffic signs and road markings

    Notes

    • 1

      The rules in this Part cover most traffic signs and road markings. However, some traffic signs and road markings are dealt with in other Parts dealing with particular subjects. These include:

    ·     speed-limits (including speed-limits in speed-limited areas and shared zones) – see Part 3

    ·     U-turns – see Part 4, Division 4

    ·     traffic lights – see Part 6

    ·     stop signs and give way signs – see Part 7, Division 1

    ·     roundabouts – see Part 9

    ·     level crossings – see Part 10

    ·     keeping left and lane signs – see Part 11

    ·     stopping and parking – see Part 12

    ·     pedestrians – see Part 14

    ·     bicycle riders – see Part 15.

    • 2

      Rule 322 deals with the meaning of traffic control devices on a road or in or at an area or place (including an intersection).

    • 3

      For a driver, a traffic sign or road marking mentioned in a rule is, unless the contrary intention appears, a sign or marking that applies to the driver. To find out how traffic signs and road markings apply to a driver, see rules 338 to 341.

    Division 1Traffic signs and road markings at intersections and other places  

    Note

    Intersection, road marking and traffic sign are defined in the dictionary.

88Left turn signs
  • (1)

    If there is a left turn only sign at an intersection, a driver must turn left at the intersection.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    For the meaning of left, see rule 351(1).

  • (2)

    If there is a left lane must turn left sign at an intersection, a driver who is in the left marked lane when entering the intersection must turn left at the intersection.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Marked lane is defined in the dictionary.

Left turn only sign

Left lane must turn left sign

Note for diagrams

There is another permitted version of each of these signs – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

89Right turn signs
  • (1)

    If there is a right turn only sign at an intersection, a driver must turn right at the intersection.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    For the meaning of right, see rule 351(2).

  • (2)

    If there is a right lane must turn right sign at an intersection, a driver who is in the right marked lane when entering the intersection must turn right at the intersection.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Marked lane is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    turn right does not include make a U-turn.

    Note

    U-turn is defined in the dictionary.

Right turn only sign

Right lane must turn right sign

Note for diagrams

There are a number of other permitted versions of the right turn only sign, and another permitted version of the right lane must turn right sign – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

90No turns signs

If there is a no turns sign at an intersection, a driver must not turn left or right, or make a U-turn, at the intersection.

Offence provision.

Note

U-turn is defined in the dictionary.

No turns sign

91No left turn and no right turn signs
  • (1)

    If there is a no left turn sign at an intersection, or another place on a road, a driver must not turn left at the intersection or place.

    Offence provision.

  • (2)

    If there is a no right turn sign at an intersection, or another place on a road, a driver must not turn right or make a U-turn at the intersection or place.

    Offence provision.

    No left turn signs

No left turn sign (Standard sign)

No left turn sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

No right turn signs

No right turn sign (Standard sign)

No right turn sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

Note for diagrams

There is another permitted version of each of the no left turn sign and a number of other permitted versions of the no right turn signs – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

  • (3)

    However, a driver may make a U-turn at the intersection or place if there is a U-turn permitted sign at the intersection or place.

92Traffic lane arrows
  • (1)

    If a driver is driving in a marked lane at an intersection (except a roundabout) and there are traffic lane arrows applying to the lane, the driver must:

    • (a)

      if the arrows indicate a single direction – drive in that direction; or

    • (b)

      if the arrows indicate 2 or more directions – drive in one of those directions.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Marked lane and traffic lane arrows are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Part 9 deals with traffic lane arrows at roundabouts.

    • 3

      Rule 329 explains when a traffic control device applies to a marked lane.

  • (2)

    However, this rule does not apply to a driver if:

    • (a)

      the arrows indicate a direction to the right (whether or not they also indicate another direction) at an intersection and the driver is making a U-turn at the intersection; or

    • (b)

      a traffic sign indicates that the driver may drive in a direction different to that indicated by the traffic lane arrows; or

    • (c)

      the driver is driving in the direction indicated by traffic lane arrows that apply to one or more marked lanes and there is an obstruction in each of those lanes; or

    • (d)

      the driver is turning at an intersection in accordance with rule 28(2) or 32(2).

    Notes

    • 1

      Obstruction and U-turn are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rules 40 and 41 deal with making a U-turn at an intersection.   If there are traffic lights at the intersection, the driver may make a U-turn only if there is a U-turn permitted sign at the intersection.   If there are no traffic lights at the intersection, the driver may make a U-turn unless there is a no U-turn sign at the intersection.

    • 3

      Rule 28(2) deals with vehicles 7.5 metres long or longer turning left at an intersection from within the marked lane next to the left lane as well as, or instead of, the left lane on a multi-lane road.   Rule 32(2) deals with vehicles 7.5 metres long or longer turning right at an intersection from within the marked lane next to the right lane as well as, or instead of, the right lane on a multi-lane road.

    Examples

Example 1

Traffic lane arrows on the surface of marked lanes

Example 2

Traffic lane arrows on a traffic sign

  • (3)

    The existence of a bicycle storage area in a marked lane does not alter a driver’s obligation to comply with this rule.

    Note

    Bicycle storage area is defined in the dictionary.

Division 2Traffic signs and road markings generally 93No overtaking or passing signs
  • (1)

    A driver must not:

    • (a)

      drive past a no overtaking or passing sign if any oncoming vehicle is on the bridge or length of road to which the sign applies; or

    • (b)

      overtake a vehicle on a bridge or length of road to which a no overtaking or passing sign applies.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Oncoming vehicle and overtake are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A no overtaking or passing sign on a road applies to the length of road (including a length of road on a bridge) beginning at the sign and ending:

    • (a)

      if information on or with the sign indicates a distance – at that distance past the sign; or

    • (b)

      if the sign applies to a bridge – at the end of the bridge; or

    • (c)

      at an end no overtaking or passing sign on the road.

    Note

    With is defined in the dictionary.

No overtaking or passing sign

End no overtaking or passing sign

94No overtaking on bridge signs

A driver on a bridge with a no overtaking on bridge sign must not overtake a vehicle between the sign and the far end of the bridge.

Offence provision.

Note

Overtake is defined in the dictionary.

No overtaking on bridge sign

Note for diagram

There is another permitted version of this sign – see the diagram in Schedule 3.

95Emergency stopping lane only signs
  • (1)

    A driver must not drive in an emergency stopping lane unless:

    • (a)

      the driver needs to drive in the emergency stopping lane to avoid a collision, to stop in the lane, or because the driver’s vehicle is disabled; or

    • (b)

      the driver is permitted to drive in the emergency stopping lane under another law of this jurisdiction.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 178 deals with stopping in an emergency stopping lane.

  • (2)

    This rule does not apply to the rider of a bicycle.

    Notes

    • 1

      Bicycle is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      If a no bicycles sign applies to the emergency stopping lane, the rider must not ride in the lane – see rule 252.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    emergency stopping lane means a marked lane, or the part of a marked lane, to which an emergency stopping lane only sign applies.

    Notes

    • 1

      Marked lane is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 329 explains when a traffic control device applies to a marked lane.

    Emergency stopping lane only sign

Note for diagram

The sign may have an arrow pointing in a different direction – see rule 316(4).

96Keep clear markings
  • (1)

    A driver must not stop on an area of a road marked with a keep clear marking.

    Offence provision.

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    keep clear marking means the words "keep clear" marked across all or part of a road, with or without continuous lines marked across all or part of the road.

    Examples

Example 1

Keep clear marking bounded by line road markings

Example 2

Keep clear marking with no line road markings

97Road access signs
  • (1)

    A driver must not drive on a length of road to which a road access sign applies if information on or with the sign indicates that the driver or the driver’s vehicle is not permitted beyond the sign.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Driver’s vehicle, length of road and with are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A road access sign on a road applies to the length of road beginning at the sign (including any road into which the length of road merges) and ending:

    • (a)

      if the sign is on a freeway – at an end freeway sign or end road access sign on the road; or

    • (b)

      if the sign is not on a freeway – at the nearer of the following:

      • (i)

        if the road ends at a T-intersection or dead end – the end of the road;

      • (ii)

        an end road access sign on the road.

    Example

    A road access sign on an access ramp to a freeway applies to the access ramp and the freeway into which the access ramp merges.

    Notes

    • 1

      Freeway is defined in rule 177, and road marking, T-intersection and traffic sign are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 229 applies the road access sign to pedestrians.

Road access sign

End freeway sign

End road access sign

Notes for diagrams

  • 1

    There are a number of other permitted versions of the road access sign and the end freeway sign – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

  • 2

    A road access sign may indicate that it applies to different or additional vehicles or persons – see rule 316(4).

98One-way signs
  • (1)

    A driver must not drive on a length of road to which a one-way sign applies except in the direction indicated by the arrow on the sign.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Length of road is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A one-way sign on a road applies to the length of road beginning at the sign and ending at the nearer of the following:

    • (a)

      a two-way sign on the road;

    • (b)

      a keep left sign on the road;

    • (c)

      another sign or road marking on the road that indicates that the road is a two-way road;

    • (d)

      if the road ends at a T-intersection – the end of the road.

    Notes

    • 1

      Road marking, T-intersection and two-way road are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      There is a diagram of a keep left sign in rule 99.

  • (3)

    This rule does not apply to the rider of a motor bike that is a postal vehicle, the rider of a bicycle or the rider of an animal if the rider:

    • (a)

      is riding on a bicycle path, footpath, nature strip, separated footpath or shared path adjacent to the length of road; and

    • (b)

      is permitted to ride on the bicycle path, footpath, nature strip, separated footpath or shared path under the Australian Road Rules or another law of this jurisdiction.

    Note

    Bicycle, footpath, motor bike, nature strip and postal vehicle are defined in the dictionary, bicycle path, and separated footpath are defined in rule 239, and shared path is defined in rule 242.

One-way sign

Two-way sign

Notes for diagrams

  • 1

    There are a number of other permitted versions of the one-way sign and another permitted version of the two-way sign – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

  • 2

    A one-way sign may have an arrow pointing in a different direction – see rule 316(4).

Note

The application of this rule is modified by regulation 78A of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

99Keep left and keep right signs
  • (1)

    A driver driving past a keep left sign must drive to the left of the sign.

    Offence provision.

  • (2)

    A driver driving past a keep right sign must drive to the right of the sign.

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    This rule does not apply to the rider of a motor bike that is a postal vehicle, the rider of a bicycle or the rider of an animal if the rider:

    • (a)

      is riding on a bicycle path, footpath, nature strip, separated footpath or shared path; and

    • (b)

      is permitted to ride on the bicycle path, footpath, nature strip, separated footpath or shared path under the Australian Road Rules or another law of this jurisdiction.

    Note

    Bicycle, footpath, motor bike, nature strip and postal vehicle are defined in the dictionary, bicycle path and separated footpath are defined in rule 239, and shared path is defined in rule 242.

Keep left sign

Keep right sign

Note for diagrams

There is another permitted version of the keep right sign – see the diagram in Schedule 3.

100No entry signs

A driver must not drive past a no entry sign.

Offence provision.

No entry sign

Note for diagram

There are a number of other permitted versions of this sign – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

101Hand-held stop signs
  • (1)

    A driver approaching a hand-held stop sign must stop before reaching the sign.

    Offence provision.

  • (2)

    The driver must not proceed until the holder of the sign:

    • (a)

      no longer displays the sign towards the driver; or

    • (b)

      otherwise indicates that the driver may proceed.

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    This rule does not apply to a driver approaching or at a hand‑held stop sign at a children’s crossing.

    Note

    Rule 80 defines children’s crossin g, and deals with hand-held stop signs at children’s crossings.

    Hand-held stop signs

    Note for diagrams

    There are a number of other permitted versions of this sign – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

101ASafety ramp and arrester bed signs
  • (1)

    A driver must not drive on a safety ramp or arrester bed unless:

    • (a)

      it is necessary for the driver to do so in the interests of safety; or

    • (b)

      the driver is permitted to do so under another law of this jurisdiction.

    Offence provision.

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    arrester bed means an area to which an arrester bed sign applies.

    safety ramp means an area to which a safety ramp sign applies.

Arrester bed sign

Safety ramp sign

Note for diagrams

There are a number of other permitted versions of each of these signs – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

Division 3Signs for trucks, buses and other large vehicles 102Clearance and low clearance signs
  • (1)

    A driver must not drive past a clearance sign, or a low clearance sign, if the driver’s vehicle, or any vehicle connected to it, is higher than the height (in metres) indicated by the sign.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    vehicle includes any load carried by the vehicle.

    Clearance sign                                                      Low clearance sign

103Load limit signs
  • (1)

    A driver must not drive past a bridge load limit (gross mass) sign or gross load limit sign if the total of the gross mass (in tonnes) of the driver’s vehicle, and any vehicle connected to it, is more than the gross mass indicated by the sign.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A driver must not drive past a bridge load limit (mass per axle group) sign if the mass (in tonnes) carried by an axle group of the driver’s vehicle, or any vehicle connected to it, is more than the mass indicated by the sign for the axle group.

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    vehicle includes any load carried by the vehicle.

    Bridge load limit (gross mass) sign                    Gross load limit sign

Bridge load limit (mass per axle group) sign

       

Note for diagrams

There are a number of other permitted versions of the bridge load limit (mass per axle group) sign – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

104No trucks signs
  • (1)

    A driver (except the driver of a bus) must not drive past a no trucks sign that has information on or with it indicating a mass if the GVM of the driver’s vehicle (or, if the driver is driving a combination, any vehicle in the combination) is more than that mass, unless the driver is permitted to drive the vehicle on a route passing the sign under another law of this jurisdiction.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Bus, combination, driver’s vehicle, GVM and with are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A driver (except the driver of a bus) must not drive past a no trucks sign that has information on or with it indicating a length if the length of the driver’s vehicle (or, if the driver is driving a combination, the length of the combination) is longer than that length, unless the driver is permitted to drive the vehicle on a route passing the sign under another law of this jurisdiction.

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    The driver of a truck must not drive past a no trucks sign that has no information on or with it indicating a mass or length, unless the driver is permitted to drive the truck on a route passing the sign under another law of this jurisdiction.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Truck is defined in the dictionary.

  • (4)

    This rule does not apply to a driver if the destination of the driver lies beyond a no trucks sign and:

    • (a)

      there is no other route by which the driver’s vehicle could reach that destination; or

    • (b)

      any other route by which the driver’s vehicle could reach that destination would require the vehicle to pass another no trucks sign.

    No trucks sign

105Trucks must enter signs

If the driver of a truck drives past a trucks must enter sign, the driver must enter the area indicated by information on or with the sign.

Offence provision.

Note

Truck and with are defined in the dictionary.

Trucks must enter sign

Note for diagram

There are a number of other permitted versions of this sign – see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

106No buses signs
  • (1)

    The driver of a bus must not drive past a no buses sign that has information on or with it indicating a mass if the GVM of the bus is more than that mass.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Bus, GVM and with are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    The driver of a bus must not drive past a no buses sign that has information on or with it indicating a length if the bus is longer than that length.

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    The driver of a bus must not drive past a no buses sign that has no information on or with it indicating a mass or length.

    Offence provision.

    No buses sign

107Buses must enter signs

If the driver of a bus drives past a buses must enter sign, the driver must enter the area indicated by information on or with the sign.

Offence provision.

Note

Bus and with are defined in the dictionary.

Buses must enter sign

Note for diagram

There is another permitted version of this sign – see the diagram in Schedule 3.

108Trucks and buses low gear signs
  • (1)

    If the driver of a truck or bus is driving on a length of road to which a trucks and buses low gear sign applies, the driver must drive the truck or bus in a gear that is low enough to limit the speed of the truck or bus without the use of a primary brake.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Bus, length of road and truck are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    Subrule (1) does not apply to the driver of a bus if information on or with the sign indicates that it applies only to trucks.

    Note

    With is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    A trucks and buses low gear sign on a road applies to the length of road beginning at the sign and ending:

    • (a)

      if information on or with the sign indicates a distance – at that distance on the road from the sign; or

    • (b)

      in any other case – at an end trucks and buses low gear sign on the road.

  • (4)

    In this rule:

    primary brake means the footbrake, or other brake, fitted to a truck or bus that is normally used to slow or stop the vehicle.

Trucks and buses low gear sign

End trucks and buses low gear sign

Note for diagrams

There are a number of other permitted versions of the trucks and buses low gear sign, and another permitted version of the end trucks and buses low gear sign – see the diagrams in Schedule 3

Part 9                 Roundabouts

109What is a roundabout

A roundabout is an intersection:

  • (a)

    with either:

    • (i)

      one or more marked lanes, all of which are for the use of vehicles travelling in the same direction around a central traffic island; or

    • (ii)

      room for one or more lines of traffic travelling in the same direction around a central traffic island; and

  • (b)

    with or without a roundabout sign at each entrance.

Notes

  • 1

    Intersection, marked lane, traffic and traffic island are defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    Rule 322(3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign at a place.

Roundabout sign

110Meaning of

A driver leaves a roundabout halfway around the roundabout if the driver leaves the roundabout on a road that is straight ahead, or substantially straight ahead, from the road on which the driver enters the roundabout.

111Entering a roundabout from a multi-lane road or a road with 2 or more lines of traffic travelling in the same direction
  • (1)

    A driver entering a roundabout from a multi-lane road, or a road with room for 2 or more lines of traffic (other than motor bikes, bicycles, motorised wheelchairs or animals) travelling in the same direction as the driver, must enter the roundabout in accordance with this rule.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Multi-lane road is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    If the driver is to leave the roundabout less than halfway around it, the driver must enter the roundabout from the left marked lane or, if the road is not a multi-lane road, as near as practicable to the left side of the road.

    Note

    Marked lane is defined in the dictionary.

    Example

    Example 1

    Leaving a roundabout less than halfway around it

  • (3)

    If the driver is to leave the roundabout more than halfway around it, the driver must enter the roundabout from the right marked lane or, if the road is not a multi-lane road, from the left of, parallel to, and as near as practicable to, the dividing line or median strip.

    Example

    Example 2

    Leaving a roundabout more than halfway around it

  • (4)

    If the driver is to leave the roundabout halfway around it, the driver may enter the roundabout from any marked lane or, if the road is not a multi-lane road, anywhere on the part of the road on which vehicles travelling in the same direction as the driver may travel.

    Example

    Example 3

    Leaving a roundabout halfway around it

  • (5)

    Despite subrules (2) to (4), if the driver is entering the roundabout from a marked lane and there are traffic lane arrows applying to the lane, the driver must:

    • (a)

      if the arrows indicate a single direction – drive in that direction after entering the roundabout; or

    • (b)

      if the arrows indicate 2 or more directions – drive in one of those directions after entering the roundabout.

    Note

    Traffic lane arrows is defined in the dictionary.

    Examples

    Example 4

    Roundabout with 3 entry points

Example 5

Roundabout with 5 entry points

Notes for examples 4 and 5

  • 1

    Rule 116 requires a driver to obey traffic lane arrows when driving in or leaving a roundabout.

  • 2

    The rules in Part 11 about driving in marked lanes, and moving from one marked lane or line of traffic, apply to a driver driving in a roundabout – see rules 146 to 148.

  • (6)

    Subrule (3) does not apply to the rider of a bicycle or animal.

    Note

    Bicycle is defined in the dictionary.

  • (7)

    Subrule (5) does not apply to the rider of a bicycle or animal if the rider is to leave the roundabout more than halfway around it.

  • (8)

    Despite subrule (2), a driver may approach and enter the roundabout from the marked lane next to the left lane as well as, or instead of, the left lane if:

    • (a)

      the driver’s vehicle, together with any load or projection, is 7.5 metres long, or longer; and

    • (b)

      the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign; and

    • (c)

      any part of the vehicle is within 50 metres of the nearest point of the roundabout; and

    • (d)

      it is not practicable for the driver to leave the roundabout less than halfway around it from within the left lane; and

    • (e)

      the driver can safely occupy the next marked lane and can safely leave the roundabout less than halfway around it by occupying the next marked lane, or both lanes.

  • (9)

    Despite subrule (3), the driver may approach and enter the roundabout from the marked lane next to the right lane as well as, or instead of, the right lane if:

    • (a)

      the driver’s vehicle, together with any load or projection, is 7.5 metres long, or longer; and

    • (b)

      the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign; and

    • (c)

      any part of the vehicle is within 50 metres of the nearest point of the roundabout; and

    • (d)

      it is not practicable for the driver to leave the roundabout more than halfway around it from within the right lane; and

    • (e)

      the driver can safely occupy the next marked lane and can safely leave the roundabout more than halfway around it by occupying the next marked lane, or both lanes.

  • (10)

    In this rule:

    left lane means:

    • (a)

      the marked lane nearest to the far left side of the road; or

    • (b)

      if there is an obstruction (for example, a parked car or roadworks) in that marked lane – the marked lane nearest to that marked lane that is not obstructed.

    marked lane, for a driver, does not include a special purpose lane in which the driver is not permitted to drive.

    right lane means:

    • (a)

      the marked lane nearest to the dividing line or median strip on the road; or

    • (b)

      if there is an obstruction (for example, a parked car or roadworks) in that marked lane – the marked lane nearest to that marked lane that is not obstructed.

    112Giving a left change of direction signal when entering a roundabout
  • (1)

    This rule applies to a driver entering a roundabout if:

    • (a)

      the driver is to leave the roundabout at the first exit after entering the roundabout; and

    • (b)

      the exit is less than halfway around the roundabout.

  • (2)

    Before entering the roundabout, the driver must give a left change of direction signal for long enough to give sufficient warning to other drivers and pedestrians.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Left change of direction signal is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    The driver must continue to give the change of direction signal until the driver has left the roundabout.

    Offence provision.

  • (4)

    This rule does not apply to a driver if the driver’s vehicle is not fitted with direction indicator lights.

    Note

    Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

113Giving a right change of direction signal when entering a roundabout
  • (1)

    This rule applies to a driver entering a roundabout if the driver is to leave the roundabout more than halfway around it.

  • (2)

    Before entering the roundabout, the driver must give a right change of direction signal for long enough to give sufficient warning to other drivers and pedestrians.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Right change of direction signal is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    The driver must continue to give the change of direction signal while the driver is driving in the roundabout, unless:

    • (a)

      the driver is changing marked lanes, or entering another line of traffic; or

    • (b)

      the driver’s vehicle is not fitted with direction indicator lights; or

    • (c)

      the driver is about to leave the roundabout.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Driver’s vehicle and marked lane are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 117 deals with giving change of direction signals before changing marked lanes, or entering another line of traffic, in a roundabout.

    • 3

      Rule 118 requires a driver, if practicable, to give a left change of direction signal when leaving a roundabout.

    114Giving way when entering or driving in a roundabout
  • (1)

    A driver entering a roundabout must give way to:

    • (a)

      any vehicle in the roundabout; and

    • (b)

      a tram that is entering or approaching the roundabout.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Tram is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A driver driving in a roundabout must give way to a tram that is in, entering or approaching the roundabout.

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    tram includes a bus travelling along tram tracks.

    Notes

    • 1

      Bus and travelling along tram tracks are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For the give way rules applying to a driver moving from one marked lane or line of traffic to another marked lane or line of traffic, see rule 148.

    115Driving in a roundabout
  • (1)

    A driver driving in a roundabout must drive:

    • (a)

      to the left of the central traffic island in the roundabout; or

    • (b)

      if subrule (2) applies to the driver – on the edge of the central traffic island, to the left of the centre of the island; or

    • (c)

      if subrule (3) applies to the driver – over the central traffic island, as near as practicable to the left of the centre of the central traffic island.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Traffic island is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    This subrule applies to a driver if:

    • (a)

      the driver’s vehicle is too large to drive in the roundabout without driving on the edge of the central traffic island; and

    • (b)

      the driver can safely drive on the edge of the central traffic island.

    Note

    Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    This subrule applies to a driver if:

    • (a)

      the driver’s vehicle is too large to drive in the roundabout without driving over the central traffic island; and

    • (b)

      the central traffic island is designed to allow a vehicle of that kind to be driven over it; and

    • (c)

      the driver can safely drive over the central traffic island.

    116Obeying traffic lane arrows when driving in or leaving a roundabout

    If a driver is driving in a marked lane in a roundabout and there are traffic lane arrows applying to the lane, the driver must:

    • (a)

      if the arrows indicate a single direction – drive in or leave the roundabout in that direction; or

    • (b)

      if the arrows indicate 2 or more directions – drive in or leave the roundabout in one of those directions.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Marked lane and traffic lane arrows are defined in the dictionary.

117Giving a change of direction signal when changing marked lanes or lines of traffic in a roundabout
  • (1)

    A driver driving in a roundabout must give a left change of direction signal before the driver changes marked lanes to the left, or enters a part of the roundabout where there is room for another line of traffic to the left, in the roundabout, unless the driver’s vehicle is not fitted with direction indicator lights.

    Offence provision

    Note

    Driver’s vehicle and left change of direction signal are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A driver driving in a roundabout must give a right change of direction signal before the driver changes marked lanes to the right, or enters a part of the roundabout where there is room for another line of traffic to the right, in the roundabout.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Right change of direction signal is defined in the dictionary.

118Giving a left change of direction signal when leaving a roundabout
  • (1)

    If practicable, a driver driving in a roundabout must give a left change of direction signal when leaving the roundabout.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Left change of direction signal is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    The driver must stop giving the change of direction signal as soon as the driver has left the roundabout.

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    This rule does not apply to a driver if the driver’s vehicle is not fitted with direction indicator lights.

    Notes

    • 1

      Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      The rules in Part 11 about driving in marked lanes and moving from one marked lane or line of traffic to another marked lane or line of traffic apply to a driver leaving a roundabout – see rules 146 to 148.

    119Giving way by the rider of a bicycle or animal to a vehicle leaving a roundabout

    The rider of a bicycle or animal who is riding in the far left marked lane of a roundabout with 2 or more marked lanes, or the far left line of traffic in a roundabout with room for 2 or more lines of traffic (other than motor bikes, bicycles, motorised wheelchairs or animals), must give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Bicycle and marked lane are defined in the dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means the rider must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

    Part 10               Level crossings

120What is a level crossing
  • (1)

    A level crossing is:

    • (a)

      an area where a road and a railway meet at substantially the same level, whether or not there is a level crossing sign on the road at all or any of the entrances to the area; or

    • (b)

      an area where a road and tram tracks meet at substantially the same level and that has a level crossing sign on the road at each entrance to the area.

    Note

    Tram tracks is defined in the dictionary.

  • (1A)

    A reference to a level crossing in this rule includes a reference to any area adjacent to the crossing that is denoted by painted cross‑hatched road markings.

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    road does not include a road-related area.

    Note

    Road-related area is defined in rule 13.

    Level crossing signs

121Stopping and giving way at a stop sign at a level crossing

A driver at a level crossing with a stop sign must:

  • (a)

    stop as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line or, if there is no stop line, as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop sign; and

  • (b)

    give way to any train or tram on, approaching or entering the crossing.

Offence provision.

Notes

  • 1

    Approaching, enter, stop line and tram are defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    For this rule, give way means the driver must remain stationary until it is safe for the driver to proceed – see the definition in the dictionary.

Stop sign

122Giving way at a give way sign or give way line at a level crossing

A driver at a level crossing with a give way sign or give way line must give way to any train or tram on, approaching or entering the crossing.

Offence provision.

Notes

  • 1

    Approaching, enter, give way line and tram are defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

Give way sign

123Entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching etc.

A driver must not enter a level crossing if:

  • (a)

    warning lights (for example, twin red lights or rotating red lights) are operating or warning bells are ringing; or

  • (b)

    a gate, boom or barrier at the crossing is closed or is opening or closing; or

  • (c)

    a train or tram is on or entering the crossing; or

  • (d)

    a train or tram approaching the crossing can be seen from the crossing, or is sounding a warning, and there would be a danger of a collision with the train or tram if the driver entered the crossing; or

  • (e)

    the driver cannot drive through the crossing because the crossing, or a road beyond the crossing, is blocked.

Offence provision.

Examples for paragraph (e)

The crossing, or a road beyond the crossing, may be blocked by congested traffic, a disabled vehicle, a collision between vehicles or between a vehicle and a pedestrian, or by stock on the road.

Note

Approaching, enter, tram and twin red lights are defined in the dictionary.

124Leaving a level crossing

A driver who enters a level crossing must leave the level crossing as soon as the driver can do so safely.

Offence provision.

Note

Enter is defined in the dictionary.

Part 11               Keeping left, overtaking and other driving rules

Division 1General 125Unreasonably obstructing drivers or pedestrians
  • (1)

    A driver must not unreasonably obstruct the path of another driver or a pedestrian.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Driver includes a person in control of a vehicle – see the definition of drive in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    For this rule, a driver does not unreasonably obstruct the path of another driver or a pedestrian only because:

    • (a)

      the driver is stopped in traffic; or

    • (b)

      the driver is driving more slowly than other vehicles (unless the driver is driving abnormally slowly in the circumstances).

    Example of a driver driving abnormally slowly

    A driver driving at a speed of 20 kilometres per hour on a length of road to which a speed-limit of 80 kilometres per hour applies when there is no reason for the driver to drive at that speed on the length of road.

126Keeping a safe distance behind vehicles

A driver must drive a sufficient distance behind a vehicle travelling in front of the driver so the driver can, if necessary, stop safely to avoid a collision with the vehicle.

Offence provision.

127Keeping a minimum distance between long vehicles
  • (1)

    The driver of a long vehicle must drive at least the required minimum distance behind another long vehicle travelling in front of the driver, unless the driver is:

    • (a)

      driving on a multi-lane road or any length of road in a built-up area; or

    • (b)

      overtaking.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Built-up area, length of road, multi-lane road and overtake are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    long vehicle means a vehicle that, together with any load or projection, is 7.5 metres long, or longer.

    Note

    Vehicle includes a combination – see rule 15(d).

    required minimum distance means:

    • (a)

      for a road train that is behind a long vehicle – 200 metres or, if another law of this jurisdiction specifies a different distance, that distance; or

    • (b)

      for a long vehicle other than a road train that is behind a long vehicle – 60 metres or, if another law of this jurisdiction specifies a different distance, that distance.

    road train means a combination that is a road train for the Australian Road Rules under another law of this jurisdiction.

    Note

    Combination is defined in the dictionary.

128Entering blocked intersections

A driver must not enter an intersection if the driver cannot drive through the intersection because the intersection, or a road beyond the intersection, is blocked.

Offence provision.

Examples

The intersection, or a road beyond the intersection, may be blocked by congested traffic, a disabled vehicle, a collision between vehicles or between a vehicle and a pedestrian, or by a fallen load on the road.

Note

Enter and intersection are defined in the dictionary.

128AEntering blocked crossings
  • (1)

    A driver must not enter a children’s crossing, marked foot crossing or pedestrian crossing if the driver cannot drive through the crossing because the crossing, or a road beyond the crossing, is blocked.

    Offence provision.

    Examples

    The crossing, or a road beyond the crossing, may be blocked by congested traffic, a disabled vehicle, a collision between vehicles or between a vehicle and a pedestrian, or by a fallen load on the road.

    Note

    Children’s crossing, enter, marked foot crossing and pedestrian crossing are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    Despite subrule (1), a driver may enter a children’s crossing or a pedestrian crossing if:

    • (a)

      the crossing is immediately before an intersection that does not have traffic lights; and

    • (b)

      the crossing is not blocked; and

    • (c)

      before entering the crossing, the driver gives way to any pedestrian on the crossing.

  • (3)

    Subrule (2) applies despite anything to the contrary in rule 171 or 172.

  • (4)

    However, subrule (3) is not intended to permit a driver to park a vehicle contrary to rule 171 or 172.

Division 2Keeping to the left 129Keeping to the far left side of a road
  • (1)

    A driver on a road (except a multi-lane road) must drive as near as practicable to the far left side of the road.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Multi-lane roa d is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    This rule does not apply to the rider of a motor bike.

    Note

    Motor bike is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    road does not include a road-related area.

    Note

    Road-related area includes the shoulder of a road – see rule 13.

130Keeping to the left on a multi-lane road
  • (1)

    This rule applies to a driver driving on a multi-lane road if:

    • (a)

      the speed-limit applying to the driver for the length of road where the driver is driving is over 80 kilometres per hour; or

    • (b)

      a keep left unless overtaking sign applies to the length of road where the driver is driving.

    Notes

    • 1

      Length of road and multi-lane road are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Part 3 deals with speed-limits.

  • (2)

    The driver must not drive in the right lane unless:

    • (a)

      the driver is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre of the road, and is giving a right change of direction signal; or

    • (b)

      the driver is overtaking; or

    • (c)

      a left lane must turn left sign or left traffic lane arrows apply to any other lane and the driver is not turning left; or

    • (d)

      the driver is required to drive in the right lane under rule 159; or

    • (e)

      the driver is avoiding an obstruction; or

    • (f)

      the traffic in each other lane is congested; or

    • (g)

      the traffic in every lane is congested; or

    • (h)

      the right lane is a special purpose lane in which the driver, under another provision of the Australian Road Rules, is permitted to drive; or

    • (i)

      there are only 2 marked lanes and the left lane is a slow vehicle turn out lane.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Centre of the road, left traffic lane arrows, obstruction, overtake, right change of direction signal, special purpose lane, traffic and U-turn are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 159 deals with traffic signs that require a particular kind of vehicle to drive in the marked lane indicated by the signs.

    • 3

      Rule 329 deals with when a traffic control device applies to a marked lane.

  • (3)

    A keep left unless overtaking sign on a multi-lane road applies to the length of road beginning at the sign and ending at the nearest of the following:

    • (a)

      an end keep left unless overtaking sign on the road;

    • (b)

      a traffic sign or road marking on the road that indicates that the road is no longer a multi-lane road;

    • (c)

      if the road ends at a T-intersection or dead end – the end of the road.

    Note

    Road marking, T-intersection and traffic sign are defined in the dictionary.

  • (4)

    In this rule:

    lane, for a driver, means a marked lane for vehicles travelling in the same direction as the driver, but does not include a special purpose lane in which the driver is not permitted to drive.

    Notes

    • 1

      Marked lane and special purpose lan e are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 95 deals with driving in emergency stopping lanes, and Division 6 of this Part deals with driving in other special purpose lanes

    slow vehicle turn out lane means a marked lane, or the part of a marked lane, to which a slow vehicle turn out lane sign applies.

    Note

    A slow vehicle turn out lane is designed for slow-moving vehicles to move into to allow faster vehicles to pass in an adjacent marked lane.

    Keep left unless overtaking sign                                End keep left unless overtaking sign

    Slow vehicle turn out lane sign

    Note for diagrams

    There is another permitted version of the End keep left unless overtaking sign – see the diagram in Schedule 3

131Keeping to the left of oncoming vehicles
  • (1)

    A driver must drive to the left of any oncoming vehicle unless:

    • (a)

      the driver is turning right at an intersection; and

    • (b)

      the driver is passing an oncoming vehicle turning right at the intersection; and

    • (c)

      there is no traffic sign or road marking indicating that the driver must pass to the left of the oncoming vehicle.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Intersection, oncoming vehicle, road marking and traffic sign are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Part 4, Division 2 deals with making right turns.

  • (2)

    This rule does not apply to the rider of a motor bike that is a postal vehicle, the rider of a bicycle or the rider of an animal if:

    • (a)

      the rider is riding on a footpath, nature strip or shared path; and

    • (b)

      the rider is permitted to rider on the footpath, nature strip or shared path under the Australian Road Rules or another law of this jurisdiction; and

    • (c)

      either:

      • (i)

        the oncoming vehicle is not on the footpath, nature strip or shared path; or

      • (ii)

        the oncoming vehicle is not permitted, under the Australian Road Rules or under another law of this jurisdiction, to be on the footpath, nature strip or shared path.

    Note

    Bicycle, footpath, motor bike, nature strip and postal vehicle are defined in the dictionary and shared path is defined in rule 242.

    Examples

Example 1

Driving to the left of an oncoming vehicle

Example 2

Oncoming vehicles turning right passing to the right of each other

132Keeping to the left of the centre of a road or the dividing line
  • (1)

    A driver on a two-way road without a dividing line or median strip must drive to the left of the centre of the road, except as permitted under rule 133 or 139(1).

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Centre of the road, dividing line, median strip and two-way road are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For the meaning of driving to the left of something, see rule 351(3).

    • 3

      Rule 133 deals with driving to the right of the centre of the road to overtake another vehicle, to enter or leave a road, to move from one part of the road to another, or because of the width or condition of the road. Rule 139(1) deals with driving to the right of the centre of the road to avoid an obstruction.

  • (2)

    A driver on a road with a dividing line must drive to the left of the dividing line, except as permitted under rule 134 or 139(2).

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Rule 134 deals with driving to the right of the dividing line to overtake another vehicle, to enter or leave a road, or to move from one part of the road to another.   Rule 139(2) deals with driving to the right of the dividing line to avoid an obstruction.

    The effect of this subrule, in relation to continuous dividing lines, is as follows:

    ·     in the case of a dividing line that is only a single continuous dividing line, or that is a broken dividing line to the right of a single continuous dividing line, a driver may only drive to the right of such a line in the circumstances set out in rules 134(3) and 139(2) (as supplemented by rule 139(3));

    ·     in the case of a dividing line that is a single continuous dividing line to the right of a broken dividing line, a driver may only drive to the right of such a line in the circumstances set out in rules 134(2), 134(3) and 139(2);

    ·     in the case of a dividing line that is 2 parallel continuous dividing lines, a driver may only drive to the right of such a line in the circumstances set out in rule 139(2) (as supplemented by rule 139(3)).

  • (2A)

    A driver on a road with a single continuous dividing line, a single continuous dividing line to the left of a broken dividing line or 2 parallel continuous dividing lines must not drive across the dividing lines to perform a U-turn.

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    This rule, and rules 133, 134 and 139(1) and (2), apply to a service road to which a two-way sign applies as if it were a separate road, but do not apply to any other service road.

    Notes

    • 1

      Service road is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 136 deals with driving on a service road without a two-way sign.

  • (4)

    In this rule:

    road does not include a footpath, nature strip, bicycle path, separated footpath or shared path.

    Note

    Footpath and nature strip are defined in the dictionary, bicycle path and separated footpath are defined in rule 239 and shared path is defined in rule 242.

    Two-way sign

    Note for diagram

    There is another permitted version of the two-way sign – see the diagram in Schedule 3.

    Examples for subrule (2)

Example 1

Driving to the left of a single continuous dividing line only

Example 2

Driving to the left of a single continuous dividing line to the left of a broken dividing line

Example 3

Driving to the left of 2 parallel continuous dividing lines

Note

The application of this rule is modified by regulation 79 of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

133Exceptions to keeping to the left of the centre of a road
  • (1)

    This rule applies to a driver on a two-way road without a dividing line or median strip.

    Note

    Dividing line, median strip and two-way road are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    The driver may drive to the right of the centre of the road:

    • (a)

      to overtake another driver; or

    • (b)

      to enter or leave the road; or

    • (c)

      to enter a part of the road of one kind from a part of the road of another kind (for example, moving to or from a service road or emergency stopping lane).

    Note

    Centre of the road, overtake and service road are defined in the dictionary, and emergency stopping lane is defined in rule 95.

  • (3)

    The driver may also drive to the right of the centre of the road if:

    • (a)

      because of the width or condition of the road, it is not practicable to drive to the left of the centre of the road; and

    • (b)

      the driver can do so safely.

    134Exceptions to keeping to the left of a dividing line
  • (1)

    This rule applies to a driver on a road with a dividing line.

    Note

    Dividing line is defined the dictionary.

  • (2)

    If the dividing line is a single broken dividing line only, or a broken dividing line to the left of a single continuous dividing line, or 2 parallel broken dividing lines, the driver may drive to the right of the dividing line:

    • (a)

      to overtake another driver; or

    • (b)

      to perform a U-turn, unless another rule would prohibit the driver performing the U-turn.

    Notes

    • 1

      Overtake is defined the dictionary.

    • 2

      A driver must not overtake another driver unless the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic, and it is safe to overtake the other driver – see rule 140.

  • (3)

    If the dividing line is a single continuous or broken dividing line, or a broken dividing line to the left or right of a single continuous dividing line, or 2 parallel broken dividing lines, the driver may drive to the right of the dividing line:

    • (a)

      to enter or leave the road; or

    • (b)

      to enter a part of the road of one kind from a part of the road of another kind (for example, moving to or from a service road or emergency stopping lane); or

    • (c)

      to park in angle parking on the opposite side of the road provided that the driver does not need to perform a U-turn to reach the parking area.

    Notes

    • 1

      Angle parking, overtake, parking area and U-turn are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Emergency stopping lane is defined in rule 95, and service road is defined in the dictionary.

    Examples

Example 1

Driving to the right of the centre of the road permitted – overtaking on a road with a broken dividing line only

Example 2

Driving to the right of the centre of the road permitted – overtaking on a road with a broken dividing line to the left of a single continuous dividing line

Example 2A

Driving across a single continuous dividing line is permitted to enter or leave the road

Example 2B

Driving across a single continuous dividing line is permitted to leave the road to enter a road-related area

Example 2C

Driving across a single continuous dividing line to the left of a broken dividing line is permitted to enter or leave the road

Example 3

Driving to the right of the centre of the road not permitted – overtaking on a road with a single continuous dividing line only

Example 4

Driving to the right of the centre of the road not permitted – overtaking on a road with a single continuous dividing line to the left of a broken dividing line

Example 5

Driving to the right of the centre of the road not permitted – overtaking on a road with 2 parallel continuous dividing lines

135Keeping to the left of a median strip
  • (1)

    A driver on a road with a median strip must drive to the left of the median strip, unless the driver is:

    • (a)

      entering or driving in a median strip parking area; or

    • (b)

      required to drive to the right of the median strip by a keep right sign.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Median strip and median strip parking area are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For the meaning of driving to the left of something, see rule 351(3).

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    median strip does not include a painted island.

    Notes

    • 1

      Painted island is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 138 deals with keeping off painted islands.

    Keep right sign

136Driving on a one-way service road

A driver on the part of the road that is a service road (except a service road to which a two-way sign applies) must drive in the same direction as a vehicle travelling on the part of the road closest to the service road is required to travel.

Offence provision.

Note 

Service road are defined in the dictionary.

Two-way sign

Note for diagram

There is another permitted version of the two-way sign – see the diagram in Schedule 3.

137Keeping off a dividing strip
  • (1)

    A driver must not drive on a dividing strip, except as permitted under this rule or rule 139(4).

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Dividing strip is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 139 deals with avoiding obstructions on a road.

  • (2)

    A driver may drive on a dividing strip that is at the same level as the road, and marked at each side by a continuous line:

    • (a)

      to enter or leave the road; or

    • (b)

      to enter or leave an area on the dividing strip to which a parking control sign applies if the driver is permitted to park in the area.

    Notes

    • 1

      Parking control sign is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Part 12 deals with restrictions on stopping and parking.

  • (2A)

    For the purposes of subrule (2), a dividing strip is to be treated as being at the same level as the road even if it contains one or more raised pavement bars or markers.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    dividing strip does not include a painted island.

    Notes

    • 1

      Painted island is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 138 deals with keeping off painted islands.

    • 3

      The application of this rule is modified by regulation 79 of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

    138Keeping off a painted island
  • (1)

    A driver must not drive on or over a single continuous line, or 2 parallel continuous lines, along a side of or surrounding a painted island, except as permitted under this rule or rule 139(4).

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Painted islan d is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 139 deals with avoiding obstructions on a road.

    • 3

      Subrule (3) excludes certain painted islands from the application of paragraph (a).

    Example

    Painted island surrounded by 2 parallel continuous lines

    In this example, vehicle B is contravening the rule.

  • (2)

    A driver may drive on or over a single continuous line along the side of or surrounding a painted island for up to 50 metres:

    • (a)

      to enter or leave the road; or

    • (b)

      to enter a turning lane that begins immediately after the painted island; or

    • (c)

      to enter a part of the road of one kind from a part of the road of another kind (for example, moving to or from a service road or emergency stopping lane); or

    • (d)

      to park in angle parking on the opposite side of the road provided that the driver does not need to perform a U-turn to reach the parking area.

    Notes

    • 1

      Angle parking, parking area, service road, turning lane and U-turn are defined in the dictionary and emergency stopping lane is defined in rule 95.

    • 2

      Rule 85 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver entering a turning lane from a painted island and rule 197 deals with stopping on painted islands.

  • (3)

    Subrule (2)(a) does not apply in the case of a painted island:

    • (a)

      that separates a road that takes vehicles in one direction from another road that takes vehicles in the same direction at a place where the roads merge; or

    • (b)

      that separates one part of a road from other parts of the road to create a slip lane.

    Note

    Slip lane is defined in the dictionary.

    Example 1 Example 2

                       

    In these examples, vehicle B is contravening the rule.

    Note

    The application of this rule is modified by regulation 79 of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

139Exceptions for avoiding obstructions on a road
  • (1)

    A driver on a two-way road without a dividing line or median strip may drive to the right of the centre of the road to avoid an obstruction if:

    • (a)

      the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic; and

    • (b)

      it is necessary and reasonable, in all the circumstances, for the driver to drive to the right of the centre of the road to avoid the obstruction; and

    • (c)

      the driver can do so safely.

    Note

    Approaching, centre of the road, dividing line, median strip, obstruction, traffic and two-way road are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A driver on a road with a dividing line may drive to the right of the dividing line to avoid an obstruction if:

    • (a)

      the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic; and

    • (b)

      it is necessary and reasonable, in all the circumstances, for the driver to drive to the right of the dividing line to avoid the obstruction; and

    • (c)

      the driver can do so safely.

  • (3)

    For subrule (2), if the dividing line is a single continuous dividing line to the left of a broken dividing line, a single continuous dividing line only or 2 parallel continuous dividing lines, the hazard in driving to the right of such a dividing line must be taken into account in deciding whether it is reasonable to drive to the right of the dividing line.

  • (4)

    A driver may drive on a dividing strip, or on or over a single continuous line, or 2 parallel continuous lines, along a side of or surrounding a painted island, to avoid an obstruction if:

    • (a)

      the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic; and

    • (b)

      it is necessary and reasonable to drive on the dividing strip or painted island to avoid the obstruction; and

    • (c)

      the driver can do so safely.

    Note

    Dividing strip and painted island are defined in the dictionary.

Division 3Overtaking 140No overtaking unless safe to do so

A driver must not overtake a vehicle unless:

  • (a)

    the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic; and

  • (b)

    the driver can safely overtake the vehicle.

Offence provision.

Notes

  • 1

    Approaching, overtake and traffic are defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    A driver is not permitted to overtake another vehicle by crossing a single continuous dividing line only, a single continuous dividing line to the left of a broken dividing line or 2 parallel continuous dividing lines – see rules 134(2) and 132(2).

141No overtaking etc. to the left of a vehicle
  • (1)

    A driver (except the rider of a bicycle) must not overtake a vehicle to the left of the vehicle unless:

    • (a)

      the driver is driving on a multi-lane road and the vehicle can be safely overtaken in a marked lane to the left of the vehicle; or

    • (b)

      the vehicle is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre of the road, and is giving a right change of direction signal and it is safe to overtake to the left of the vehicle; or

    • (c)

      the vehicle is stationary and it is safe to overtake to the left of the vehicle; or

    • (d)

      the driver is lane filtering in accordance with rule 151A.

    Note

    Lane filtering is defined in rule 151A.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Bicycle, centre of the road, marked lane, multi-lane road, overtake, right change of direction signal and U-turn are defined in the dictionary.

  • (1A)

    Subrule (1)(d) does not apply if another law of this jurisdiction does not permit a driver to lane filter.

  • (2)

    The rider of a bicycle must not ride past, or overtake, to the left of a vehicle that is turning left and is giving a left change of direction signal.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Left change of direction signa l is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    turning right does not include making a hook turn.

    vehicle does not include a tram, a bus travelling along tram tracks, or any vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign.

    Notes

    • 1

      Bus, tram and travelling along tram tracks are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Part 4, Division 3 deals with making hook turns.

    • 3

      Division 7 of this Part deals with overtaking and passing trams (and buses travelling along tram tracks). Rule 143 deals with overtaking or passing a vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign.

    142No overtaking to the right of a vehicle turning right etc.
  • (1)

    A driver must not overtake to the right of a vehicle if the vehicle is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre of the road, and is giving a right change of direction signal.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Centre of the road, overtake, right change of direction signal and U‑turn are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    turning right does not include making a hook turn.

    vehicle does not include a tram, a bus travelling along tram tracks, or any vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign.

    Notes

    • 1

      Bus, tram and travelling along tram tracks are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Part 4, Division 3 deals with making hook turns.

    • 3

      Division 7 of this Part deals with overtaking and passing trams (and buses travelling along tram tracks). Rule 143 deals with overtaking or passing a vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign.

    143Passing or overtaking a vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign
  • (1)

    A driver must not drive past, or overtake, to the left of a vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign if the vehicle is turning left and is giving a left change of direction signal, unless it is safe to do so.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Left change of direction signal and overtake are defined in the dictionary.

  • (1A)

    A driver must not drive past, or overtake, to the left of a vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign unless:

    • (a)

      the driver is driving on a multi-lane road and the vehicle can be safely overtaken in a marked lane to the left of the vehicle; or

    • (b)

      the vehicle is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre of the road, and is giving a right change of direction signal and it is safe to overtake to the left of the vehicle; or

    • (c)

      the vehicle is stationary and it is safe to overtake to the left of the vehicle.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Centre of the road, marked lane, multi-lane road, overtake, right change of direction signal and U-turn are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A driver must not drive past, or overtake, to the right of a vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign if the vehicle is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre of the road, and is giving a right change of direction signal, unless it is safe to do so.

    Offence provision.

    Example

    A driver driving on a multi-lane road who is turning right at an intersection to which a right turn only sign applies may drive past a vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign that is turning right from another marked lane, and giving a right change of direction signal, if it is safe to do so.

    Note

    Centre of the road, right change of direction signal and U-turn are defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    In this rule:

    turning right does not include making a hook turn.

    Note

    Part 4, Division 3 deals with making hook turns.

    Do not overtake turning vehicle signs

    Note for diagrams

    These signs are displayed on certain long vehicles.

144Keeping a safe distance when overtaking

A driver overtaking a vehicle:

  • (a)

    must pass the vehicle at a sufficient distance to avoid a collision with the vehicle or obstructing the path of the vehicle; and

  • (b)

    must not return to the marked lane or line of traffic where the vehicle is travelling until the driver is a sufficient distance past the vehicle to avoid a collision with the vehicle or obstructing the path of the vehicle.

Offence provision.

Notes

  • 1

    Marked lane and overtake are defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    The application of this rule is modified by regulation 80 of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

145Driver being overtaken not to increase speed

If a driver is overtaking another driver on a two-way road by crossing a dividing line, or crossing to the right of the centre of the road, the other driver must not increase the speed at which the driver is driving until the first driver:

  • (a)

    has passed the other driver; and

  • (b)

    has returned to the marked lane or line of traffic where the other driver is driving; and

  • (c)

    is a sufficient distance in front of the other driver to avoid a collision.

Offence provision.

Note

Centre of the road, dividing line, marked lane, overtake and two‑way road are defined in the dictionary.

Division 4Driving in marked lanes or lines of traffic 146Driving within a single marked lane or line of traffic
  • (1)

    A driver on a multi-lane road must drive so the driver’s vehicle is completely in a marked lane, unless the driver is:

    • (a)

      entering a part of the road of one kind from a part of the road of another kind (for example, moving to or from a service road or a shoulder of the road); or

    • (b)

      entering or leaving the road; or

    • (c)

      moving from one marked lane to another marked lane; or

    • (d)

      avoiding an obstruction; or

    • (e)

      obeying a traffic control device applying to the marked lane; or

    • (ea)

      lane filtering in accordance with rule 151A; or

    • (f)

      permitted to drive in more than one marked lane under another provision of the Australian Road Rules or under another law of this jurisdiction.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Driver’s vehicle, marked lane, multi-lane road, obstruction, service road and traffic control device are defined in the dictionary, lane filtering is defined in rule 151A and shoulder is defined in rule 12.

    • 2

      A driver is generally not permitted to move from one marked lane to another marked lane across a continuous line separating the lanes – see rule 147.

    • 3

      Rule 148 deals with giving way when moving from one marked lane to another marked lane.

    • 4

      An overhead lane control device may require a driver to leave a marked lane – see rule 152.

    • 5

      Drivers of certain long vehicles are permitted to use 2 marked lanes when turning at an intersection – see rule 28 (left turns) and rule 32 (right turns).

  • (2)

    A driver on a road with 2 or more lines of traffic travelling in the same direction as the driver, but without marked lanes, must drive so the driver’s vehicle is completely in a single line of traffic unless:

    • (a)

      it is not practicable to drive completely in a single line of traffic; or

    • (b)

      the driver is entering a part of the road of one kind from a part of the road of another kind (for example, moving to or from a service road or a shoulder of the road); or

    • (c)

      the driver is entering or leaving the road; or

    • (d)

      the driver is moving from one line of traffic to another line of traffic; or

    • (e)

      the driver is avoiding an obstruction; or

    • (f)

      the driver is lane filtering in accordance with rule 151A.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Rule 148 deals with giving way when moving from one line of traffic to another line of traffic.

    Notes

    • 1

      Lane filtering is defined in rule 151A.

    • 2

      The application of this rule is modified by regulation 79 of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

    • 3

      The application of this rule is modified by regulation 79 of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

    147Moving from one marked lane to another marked lane across a continuous line separating the lanes
  • (1)

    A driver on a multi-lane road must not move from one marked lane to another marked lane by crossing a continuous line separating the lanes unless:

    • (a)

      the driver is avoiding an obstruction; or

    • (b)

      the driver is obeying a traffic control device applying to the first marked lane; or

    • (c)

      the driver is permitted to drive in both marked lanes under another provision of the Australian Road Rules or under another law of this jurisdiction; or

    • (d)

      either of the marked lanes is a special purpose lane in which the driver is permitted to drive under the Australian Road Rules and the driver is moving to or from the special purpose lane; or

    • (e)

      either of the marked lanes is a special purpose lane during specified times only and the driver:

      • (i)

        is moving to or from that lane outside of the times during which it is a special purpose lane; and

      • (ii)

        is permitted to drive in that lane outside of the times during which it is a special purpose lane under the Australian Road Rules; or

    • (f)

      the driver is lane filtering in accordance with rule 151A.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Marked lane, multi-lane road, obstruction, special purpose lane and traffic control device are defined in the dictionary and lane filtering is defined in rule 151A.

    • 2

      An overhead lane control device may require a driver to leave a marked lane – see rule 152.

    • 3

      Drivers of certain long vehicles are permitted to use 2 marked lanes when turning at an intersection – see rule 28 (left turns) and rule 32 (right turns).

    • 4

      Rule 95 deals with driving in emergency stopping lanes, and Division 6 of this Part deals with driving in other special purpose lanes.

  • (2)

    Subrule (1)(f) does not apply if another law of this jurisdiction does not permit a driver to lane filter.

    Note

    The application of this rule is modified by regulation 79 of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

148Giving way when moving from one marked lane or line of traffic to another marked lane or line of traffic
  • (1)

    A driver who is moving from one marked lane (whether or not the lane is ending) to another marked lane must give way to any vehicle travelling in the same direction as the driver in the marked lane to which the driver is moving.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Marked lane and multi-lane road are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

    Example

    Giving way when moving from one marked lane to another marked lane

Example 1                                              Example 2

In these examples, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

  • (2)

    A driver on a road with 2 or more lines of traffic travelling in the same direction as the driver, and who is moving from one line of traffic to another line of traffic, must give way to any vehicle travelling in the same direction as the driver in the line of traffic to which the driver is moving.

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    Subrule (2) does not apply to a driver if the line of traffic in which the driver is driving is merging with the line of traffic to which the driver is moving.

    Note

    Rule 149 deals with giving way when lines of traffic merge.

    Example

    Giving way when moving from one line of traffic to another line of traffic when the lines are not merging

    In this example, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A

148AGiving way when moving within a single marked lane

If a driver diverges to the left or right within a marked lane, the driver must give way to any vehicle that is in the lane.

Offence provision.

Note

Marked lane is defined in the dictionary.

149Giving way when lines of traffic merge into a single line of traffic

A driver in a line of traffic that is merging with one or more lines of traffic travelling in the same direction as the driver must give way to a vehicle in another line of traffic if any part of the vehicle is ahead of the driver’s vehicle.

Offence provision.

Notes

  • 1

    Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision – see the definition in the dictionary.

Example

Giving way when lines of traffic merge into a single line of traffic

In this example, vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

150Driving on or across a continuous white edge line
  • (1)

    A driver must not drive on or over a continuous white edge line on a road unless subrule (1A) or (1B) applies to the driver.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Edge line is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      A driver must not stop at the side of a road marked with a continuous yellow edge line – see rule 169.

  • (1A)

    A driver may drive on or over a continuous white edge line on a road if the driver is:

    • (a)

      overtaking a vehicle that is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre of the road, and is giving a right change of direction signal; or

    • (b)

      driving a slow-moving vehicle, and it is necessary for the driver to drive on or over the edge line to allow the vehicle to be overtaken or passed by another vehicle; or

    • (c)

      driving a vehicle that is too wide, or too long, to drive on the road without driving on or over the edge line; or

    • (d)

      permitted to drive on or over the edge line under another law of this jurisdiction; or

    • (e)

      avoiding an obstruction.

    Note

    Centre of the road, obstruction, overtake, right change of direction signa l and U-turn are defined in the dictionary.

  • (1B)

    A driver may drive on or over a continuous white edge line on a road for up to 100 metres if the driver is:

    • (a)

      turning at an intersection; or

    • (b)

      entering or leaving the road; or

    • (c)

      entering a part of the road of one kind from a part of the road of another kind (for example, moving to or from a service road, a shoulder of the road or an emergency stopping lane); or

    • (d)

      stopping at the side of the road (including any shoulder of the road).

    Note

    Intersection and service road are defined in the dictionary, emergency stopping lane is defined in rule 95, and shoulder is defined in rule 12.

  • (2)

    This rule does not apply to the rider of a bicycle or animal.

    Note

    Bicycle is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    For this rule, a driver drives over a continuous white edge line on a road if:

    • (a)

      for a line on the far left side of the road – the driver’s vehicle is wholly or partly to the left of the line; or

    • (b)

      for a line on the far right side of the road – the driver’s vehicle is wholly or partly to the right of the line.

    151Riding a motor bike or bicycle alongside more than one other rider
  • (1)

    The rider of a motor bike or bicycle must not ride on a road that is not a multi-lane road alongside more than one other rider, unless subrule (3) applies to the rider.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Bicycle, motor bike and multi-lane road are defined in the dictionary, and rider is defined in rule 17.

  • (2)

    The rider of a motor bike or bicycle must not ride in a marked lane alongside more than one other rider in the marked lane, unless subrule (3) applies to the rider.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Marked lane is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    The rider of a motor bike or bicycle may ride alongside more than one other rider if the rider is:

    • (a)

      overtaking the other riders; or

    • (b)

      permitted to do so under another law of this jurisdiction.

    Note

    Overtake is defined in the dictionary.

  • (4)

    If the rider of a motor bike or bicycle is riding on a road that is not a multi-lane road alongside another rider, or in a marked lane alongside another rider in the marked lane, the rider must ride not over 1.5 metres from the other rider.

    Offence provision.

  • (5)

    In this rule:

    road does not include a road-related area, but includes a bicycle path, shared path and any shoulder of the road.

    Note

    Bicycle path is defined in rule 239, road-related area is defined in rule 13, shared path is defined in rule 242, and shoulder is defined in rule 12.

151ALane filtering between vehicles on a motor bike
  • (1)

    A rider of a motor bike is lane filtering along a length of road if the rider rides the motor bike between 2 vehicles, each vehicle travelling in:

    • (a)

      the same direction as the motor bike; and

    • (b)

      separate, but adjacent, marked lanes or lines of traffic.

  • (2)

    The rider of a motor bike must not unlawfully lane filter along a length of road.

    Offence provision.

  • (3)

    For subrule (2), it is unlawful for a rider to lane filter along a length of road if any of the following circumstances apply:

    • (a)

      the rider is edge filtering;

    • (b)

      the rider is riding at a speed of more than 30km/h;

    • (c)

      the rider is riding in a school zone (unless the rider is permitted to lane filter in a school zone under another law of this jurisdiction);

    • (d)

      a no filtering sign applies to the length of road;

    • (e)

      it is not safe to lane filter.

  • (4)

    Subrule (3)(a) does not apply if another law of this jurisdiction allows a rider to edge filter.

  • (5)

    A no filtering sign on a road applies to a length of road starting at the sign and ending at the nearer of the following:

    • (a)

      if the length of road ends at a T-intersection or dead end – the end of the length of road;

    • (b)

      the next end no filtering sign that is on the road.

  • (6)

    For this rule, a rider of a motor bike is edge filtering along a length of road if:

    • (a)

      the rider changes direction towards the edge of the road to pass one or more vehicles on the road; or

    • (b)

      the rider changes direction towards the edge of the road to pass between 2 vehicles, one of which is stationary.

  • (7)

    In this rule:

    end no filtering sign means a traffic sign:

    • (a)

      with a symbol displaying a motor bike positioned between 2 vehicles with a black diagonal line across the symbol; and

    • (b)

      with a symbol positioned below the symbol mentioned in paragraph (a) displaying the word "END" in black letters.

    no filtering sign means:

    • (a)

      a traffic sign with a symbol displaying a motor bike positioned between 2 vehicles with a red diagonal line across the symbol; or

    • (b)

      a traffic sign displaying the words "no filtering".

    Note

    The application of this rule is modified by regulation 80A of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

Division 5Obeying overhead lane control devices applying to marked lanes 152Complying with overhead lane control devices
  • (1)

    A driver in a marked lane to which an overhead lane control device applies must comply with this rule.

    Offence provision.

    Note

    Marked lane and overhead lane control device are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    If the device displays an illuminated red diagonal cross or is a traffic sign displaying a red diagonal cross, the driver must not drive in the marked lane past the device.

  • (3)

    If the device displays a flashing illuminated red diagonal cross, the driver must leave the marked lane as soon as it is safe to do so.

  • (4)

    If the device displays an illuminated white, green or yellow arrow pointing downwards or indicating one or more directions, the driver may drive in the marked lane past the device.

    Example

    Overhead lane control device applying to marked lanes

    Note for diagram

    If the device displays an arrow indicating one or more directions, the device operates also as traffic lane arrows – see the definition of traffic lane arrows in the dictionary.   Rule 92 deals with traffic lane arrows.

Division 6Driving in marked lanes designated for special purposes 153Bicycle lanes
  • (1)

    A driver (except the rider of a bicycle) must not drive in a bicycle lane, unless the driver is permitted to drive in the bicycle lane under this rule or rule 158.

    Offence provision.

    Notes

    • 1

      Bicycle is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 158 provides additional exceptions applying to this rule, and also provides a defence to the prosecution of a driver for an offence against this rule.

  • (2)

    If stopping or parking is permitted at a place in a bicycle lane under another law of this jurisdiction, a driver may drive for up to 50 metres in the bicycle lane to stop or park at that place.

    Note

    Part 12 deals with parking and restricted stopping areas.

  • (3)

    A driver may drive for up to 50 metres in a bicycle lane if:

    • (a)

      the driver is driving a public bus, public minibus or taxi, and is dropping off or picking up, passengers; and

    • (b)

      there is not another law of this jurisdiction prohibiting the driver from driving in the bicycle lane.

    Note

    Public bus, public minibus and taxi are defined in the dictionary.

  • (4)

    A bicycle lane is a marked lane, or the part of a marked lane:

    • (a)

      beginning at a bicycle lane sign applying to the lane, or a road marking comprising both a white bicycle symbol and the word "lane" painted in white; and

    • (b)

      ending at the nearest of the following:

      • (i)

        an end bicycle lane sign applying to the lane, or a road marking comprising both a white bicycle symbol and the words "end lane" painted in white;

      • (ii)

        an intersection (unless the lane is at the unbroken side of the continuing road at a T-intersection or continued across the intersection by broken lines);

      • (iii)

        if the road ends at a dead end – the end of the road.

    Note

    Continuing road, intersection, marked lane and T-intersection are defined in the dictionary.

Speed-limit sign (Standard sign)

Speed-limit sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

  • (6)

    A symbol on or in a traffic control device may be a reasonable likeness of a diagram of a kind of symbol mentioned in the Australian Road Rules even though the dimensions of the symbol, or of anything on the symbol, are different.

  • (7)

    In this rule:

    panel includes a board, plate and screen.

317Information on or with traffic control devices
  • (1)

    A traffic control device may, by the use of words, figures, symbols or anything else, indicate any of the following:

    • (a)

      the times, days or circumstances when it applies or does not apply;

    • (b)

      the lengths of road or areas where it applies or does not apply;

    • (c)

      the persons to whom it applies or does not apply;

    • (d)

      the vehicles to which it applies or does not apply;

    • (e)

      other information.

    Examples of circumstances

    • 1

      A speed-limit sign may indicate that it applies when the lights at a children’s crossing are flashing.

    • 2

      A speed-limit sign may indicate that it applies when children are present.

  • (2)

    In this rule:

    traffic control device includes a board, device, plate, screen, word, figure, symbol, or anything else, with a traffic control device that provides information about the application of the traffic control device.

    Examples of information with a traffic control device

    • 1

      A plate erected immediately below a no U-turn sign indicating that the sign applies on Monday to Friday between 8 am and 6 pm.

    • 2

      An illuminated board erected close to, but not next to, a no entry sign indicating that commercial trucks are permitted to pass the sign when the words on the board are illuminated.

    Note

    With includes accompanying or reasonably associated with – see the definition in the dictionary.

318Limited effect of certain traffic control devices
  • (1)

    If information on a traffic control device indicates that the device applies during particular times, on particular days, in particular circumstances, to a particular length of road or area, or to particular persons or vehicles, the device has effect only for the indicated times, days, circumstances, length of road, area, persons or vehicles.

    Example

    A shared zone sign on a road into an area indicating that the sign applies on Monday to Friday between 7 am and 6 pm.

  • (2)

    If information on a traffic control device indicates that the device does not apply during particular times, on particular days, in particular circumstances, to a particular length of road or area, or to particular persons or vehicles, the device does not have effect for the indicated times, days, circumstances, length of road, area, persons or vehicles.

    Examples

    • 1

      A plate erected next to a pedestrian crossing sign at a place indicating that the sign does not apply on a particular day.

    • 2

      A board erected close to a bus lane sign above a marked lane indicating that the sign does not apply when the words on the board are illuminated.

  • (3)

    If information on a traffic control device that is at a place indicates that it applies on a particular day of the week, the device does not have effect on a day that is a public holiday for the place unless information on the device states otherwise.

    Example

    If a loading zone sign indicates that it applies on Monday to Friday between 9 am and 4 pm and information on or with the sign does not indicate that it applies on public holidays, the sign does not have effect on any public holiday falling on a Monday to Friday.

    Note

    Public holiday is defined in the dictionary.

  • (4)

    In this rule:

    traffic control device includes a board, device, plate, screen, word, figure, symbol, or anything else, with a traffic control device that provides information about the application of the traffic control device.

319Legal effect of traffic-related items mentioned in the
  • (1)

    A traffic-related item of a kind mentioned in the Australian Road Rules has effect for the Rules if:

    • (a)

      the item is on a road, or on a vehicle on a road; and

    • (b)

      the item complies substantially with the Rules.

  • (2)

    A traffic-related item is taken to comply with the Australian Road Rules unless the contrary is proved.

    Notes

    • 1

      Road includes a road-related area – see rule 11(2).

    • 2

      Rule 322(1) and (2) explain the meaning of a traffic control device on a road.

    320When do traffic-related items comply substantially with the
  • (1)

    A traffic-related item complies substantially with the Australian Road Rules if:

    • (a)

      it is a reasonable likeness of a diagram in Schedule 4 of that kind of traffic-related item; or

    • (b)

      for a traffic-related item of a kind for which there is not a diagram in Schedule 4 – it complies substantially with a description of that kind of traffic-related item in the Rules and, if the description includes a symbol for which there is a diagram in Schedule 4, the symbol on the item is a reasonable likeness of the diagram.

  • (2)

    A traffic-related item may be a reasonable likeness of a diagram of a kind of traffic-related item mentioned in the Australian Road Rules even though:

    • (a)

      the dimensions of the item, or of anything on the item, are different; or

    • (b)

      the item has additional information.

  • (3)

    A symbol on a traffic-related item may be a reasonable likeness of a diagram of a kind of symbol mentioned in the Australian Road Rules even though the dimensions of the symbol, or of anything on the symbol, are different.

321Meaning of information on or with traffic control devices and traffic-related items

A word, figure, symbol or anything else used on or with a traffic control device or traffic-related item has the same meaning as in the Australian Road Rules.

Note

Rule 347 and Schedule 1 deal with the meaning of certain abbreviations and symbols.

322References to traffic control devices and traffic‑related items on a road etc.
  • (1)

    A traffic control device or traffic‑related item above or near a road is taken to be on the road.

    Examples

    • 1

      A speed‑limit sign erected on a post at the side of a road is taken to be a speed-limit sign on the road.

    • 2

      A traffic lane arrow on a structure immediately above the road is taken to be a traffic lane arrow on the road.

    • 3

      A do not overtake turning vehicle sign attached to a vehicle on a road is taken to be a do not overtake turning vehicle sign on the road.

  • (2)

    However, the device or item is taken to be on the road only if it is clearly visible to road users to whom it is designed to apply.

    Example

    A shared zone sign erected on a post near the side of a road is a traffic sign on the road only if it is clearly visible to drivers driving on the road during the day and in normal weather conditions.

    Note

    Clearly visible is defined in subrule (8).

  • (3)

    A traffic control device or traffic‑related item above or near an area or place is taken to be in or at the area or place.

    Examples

    • 1

      Traffic lights erected outside the area of an intersection, but near that area, are taken to be traffic lights at the intersection.

    • 2

      A hook turn only sign fixed to a structure above a road that is close to, but before, an intersection is taken to be a hook turn only sign at the intersection.

    • 3

      A parking control sign near the side of a road is taken to be at the side of the road.

    • 4

      A parking control sign near the centre of a road is taken to be at the centre of the road.

  • (4)

    However, the device or item is taken to be in or at the area or place only if it is clearly visible to road users to whom it is designed to apply.

    Example

    A no right turn sign suspended from wires above a road close to, but before, an intersection is a traffic sign at the intersection only if it is clearly visible to drivers approaching the intersection during the day and in normal weather conditions.

  • (5)

    Without limiting subrule (3), a traffic control device or traffic‑related item above or near a break in a dividing strip is taken to be at the break.

    Example

    A no U-turn sign erected in a dividing strip close to, but before, a break in the dividing strip is taken to be at the break.

    Note

    Dividing strip is defined in the dictionary.

  • (6)

    However, the device or item is taken to be at the break only if it is clearly visible to road users to whom it is designed to apply.

  • (7)

    A traffic control device or traffic‑related item is taken to comply with subrule (2), (4) or (6) unless the contrary is proved.

  • (8)

    In this rule:

    clearly visible means:

    • (a)

      for a traffic signal – clearly visible during the day and night in normal weather conditions; or

    • (b)

      for another traffic control device or a traffic-related item – clearly visible during the day in normal weather conditions.

    Note

    Night is defined in the dictionary.

    day means the period between sunrise on a day and sunset on the same day.

    normal weather conditions means weather conditions that are not hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility.

323References to lights that are traffic signals

A reference in the Australian Road Rules to a light that is, or is part of, traffic signals is a reference to a steady light, unless otherwise expressly stated.

Note

Traffic signals is defined in the dictionary.

323AAudible lines
  • (1)

    An audible line is a line on a road that is made up of a series of closely spaced raised pieces of material designed to create a continuous noise or vibration if driven on by a motor vehicle.

    Note

    Motor vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A reference in the Australian Road Rules to a line is to be taken to include a reference to an audible line, unless otherwise expressly stated.

  • (3)

    For the purposes of the Australian Road Rules:

    • (a)

      an audible line is to be taken to be continuous even if there is no physical link between the pieces of material that make up the line;

    • (b)

      if there is no physical link between those pieces, the colour of the audible line is to be taken to be the visible colour of those pieces.

    Division 2Application of traffic control devices to lengths of roads and areas  

    Note

    Area, length of road and traffic control device are defined in the dictionary.

324Purpose of Division
  • (1)

    This Division contains rules explaining when traffic control devices apply to lengths of road and areas.

  • (2)

    Other relevant rules are found elsewhere in the Australian Road Rules.

    Note

    These rules include:

    •      rule 21(3) – length of road to which a speed-limit sign applies

    •      rule 22(2) – speed-limited area

    •      rule 23(2) – school zone

    •      rule 24(2) – shared zone

    •      rule 39(3) – length of road to which a no U-turn sign applies

    •      rule 93(2) – length of road to which a no overtaking or passing sign applies

    •      rule 97(2) – length of road to which a road access sign applies

    •      rule 98(2) – length of road to which a one-way sign applies

    •      rule 108(3) – length of road to which a trucks and buses low gear sign applies

    •      rule 130(3) – length of road to which a keep left unless overtaking sign applies

    •      rule 159(2) – length of road to which a traffic sign indicating a marked lane for a particular kind of vehicle applies

    •      rule 176(2) and (3) – length of road to which a clearway sign applies

    •      rule 177(3) – length of road to which a freeway sign applies

    •      rule 252(2) – length of road or footpath to which a no bicycles sign, or no bicycles road marking, applies.

325References to traffic control devices – application to lengths of road and areas

In applying the Australian Road Rules to a length of road or an area, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to a traffic control device is a reference to a traffic control device applying to the length of road or area.

326When do traffic control devices apply to a length of road or area – the basic rules
  • (1)

    A traffic control device applies to a length of road or an area if:

    • (a)

      the device applies to the length of road or area under one or more provisions of the Australian Road Rules; or

    • (b)

      the device, the position of the device, or information on or with the device, indicates that the device applies to the length of road or area.

    Note

    With is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A traffic control device does not apply to a length of road or an area if information on or with the device expressly indicates that it does not apply to the length of road or area.

  • (3)

    Subrule (2) applies despite any other provision of this Division.

  • (4)

    In subrule (1)(b):

    the device includes another traffic control device.

327Length of road to which a traffic sign (except a parking control sign) applies

The length of road to which a traffic sign on a road (except a parking control sign) applies is worked out in the direction driven by a driver, or travelled by a pedestrian, on the road who faces the sign before passing it.

Example

Rule 21(3) provides that a speed-limit sign applies to the length of road beginning at the sign and ending at the nearest of a different speed-limit sign, an end speed-limit sign, or speed derestriction sign, and the end of the road. Only the nearest of those things, in the direction driven by a driver, or travelled by a pedestrian, who faces the sign before passing it, is relevant.

Notes

  • 1

    Parking control sign and traffic sign are defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    Rule 332 deals with parking control signs that display an arrow.   These signs apply to lengths of road.

328References to a traffic control device applying to a length of road

If, under the Australian Road Rules, a traffic control device on a road applies to a length of road, the device applies only to a length of road on that road, unless otherwise expressly stated.

Example

A speed-limit sign on a road does not apply to roads leading off from the road.

Note

Length of road is defined in the dictionary.

329Traffic control devices applying to a marked lane
  • (1)

    A traffic control device (except a road marking) applies to a marked lane if:

    • (a)

      it is above the marked lane; or

    • (b)

      it is near the marked lane, and the device, the position of the device, or information on or with the device, indicates that it applies to the marked lane.

    Example

    An emergency stopping lane only sign applies to the marked lane indicated by the arrow on the sign.

    Note

    Marked lane, road marking and with are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A road marking applies to a marked lane if it is on the surface of the lane.

  • (3)

    However, a traffic control device does not apply to a marked lane if information on or with the device expressly indicates that the device does not apply to the marked lane.

  • (4)

    In subrule (1)(b):

    the device includes another traffic control device.

330Traffic control devices applying to a slip lane
  • (1)

    A traffic control device (except a road marking) applies to a slip lane if:

    • (a)

      it is above the slip lane; or

    • (b)

      it is near the slip lane and on the left side of the slip lane; or

    • (c)

      it is near the slip lane, and the device, the position of the device, or information on or with the device, indicates that it applies to the slip lane.

    Note

    Road marking, slip lane and with are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A road marking applies to a slip lane if it is on the surface of the slip lane.

  • (3)

    However, a traffic control device does not apply to a slip lane if information on or with the device expressly indicates that the device does not apply to the slip lane.

  • (4)

    In subrule (1)(c):

    the device includes another traffic control device.

331Traffic control devices applying to an intersection

A traffic control device applies to an intersection if it is at the intersection and does not apply to a slip lane at the intersection, unless information on or with the device expressly indicates that the device does not apply to the intersection.

Notes

  • 1

    Intersection, slip lane and with are defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    Rule 322(3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic control device at an area, including an intersection.

  • 3

    Rule 330 explains when a traffic control device applies to a slip lane.

332Parking control signs applying to a length of road
  • (1)

    If a parking control sign displays an arrow and is at the side of a road, then, unless information on or with the sign indicates otherwise, the sign applies to the length of road between the sign and the nearest (in the direction indicated by the arrow) of the following:

    • (a)

      a parking control sign at that side of the road that displays an arrow indicating the opposite direction;

    • (b)

      a yellow edge line on the road;

    • (c)

      if the road ends at a T-intersection or dead end – the end of the road.

    Notes

    • 1

      Edge line, parking control sign, T-intersection and with are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 322(3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic control device in or at an area or place.

  • (2)

    If a parking control sign displays an arrow and is at the centre of a road or on a dividing strip, then, unless information on or with the sign indicates otherwise, the sign applies to the length of road between the sign and the nearest (in the direction indicated by the arrow) of the following:

    • (a)

      a parking control sign at the centre of the road or on the dividing strip that displays an arrow indicating the opposite direction;

    • (b)

      a yellow edge line on the road;

    • (c)

      if the road ends at a T-intersection or dead end – the end of the road.

    Note

    Centre of the road and dividing strip are defined in the dictionary.

333Parking control signs applying to a length of road in an area to which another parking control sign applies etc.
  • (1)

    If a parking control sign that applies to a length of road is in an area to which another parking control sign applies in accordance with rule 335, the first parking control sign applies in the same way as it would apply if it were not in that area, and the second parking control sign does not apply to the length of road.

    Example

    Parking control signs that establish a loading zone or taxi zone may operate on a length of road in an area where parking is otherwise restricted to residents only by other parking control signs on each road into the area.

    Note

    Parking control sign is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    If the area indicated by a people with disabilities road marking is in an area to which a parking control sign applies in accordance with rule 335, the road marking applies in the same way as it would apply if it were not in that area, and the parking control sign does not apply to the area indicated by the road marking.

    Note

    People with disabilities road marking is defined in rule 203.

334How parking control signs apply to a length of road
  • (1)

    If a permissive parking sign, bicycle parking sign or motor bike parking sign, or a zone sign mentioned in Part 12, Division 5 applies to a length of road and there are parking bays on the length of road, the sign applies only to the parking bays, unless information on or with the sign indicates otherwise.

    Notes

    • 1

      Parking bay and with are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 201 deals with bicycle parking signs, rule 202 deals with motor bike parking signs, and rule 204 deals with permissive parking signs.

  • (2)

    If a parking control sign applies to a length of road, the sign is at the side of the road, and there are no parking bays to which the sign applies, then, unless information on or with the sign indicates otherwise, the sign applies to:

    • (a)

      any shoulder of the road on that side of the road; and

    • (b)

      the part of the road on the length of road that extends from the far side of the road (excluding any road-related area) on that side of the road for:

      • (i)

        if the sign, or information on or with the sign, includes the words ‘angle parking’ or ‘angle’ – 6 metres; or

      • (ii)

        in any other case – 3 metres.

    Note

    Road-related area is defined in rule 13 and shoulder is defined in rule 12.

    Examples

Example 1

Part of a road to which a parking control sign indicating angle parking applies

Example 2

Part of a road to which a parking control sign (except a sign indicating angle parking) applies

  • (3)

    If a parking control sign applies to a length of road, the sign is at the centre of the road or on a dividing strip, and there are no parking bays to which the sign applies, then, unless information on or with the sign indicates otherwise, the sign applies to:

    • (a)

      if the sign is at the centre of the road, but not on a dividing strip – the part of the road on that length of road that extends 3 metres from the centre of the road on each side of the road; or

    • (b)

      if the sign is on a dividing strip – the dividing strip on that length of road and the part of the road on that length of road that extends 3 metres from each edge of the dividing strip.

    Notes

    • 1

      Centre of the road and dividing strip are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 322(3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic control device in or at an area or place.

    335Traffic control devices applying to an area
  • (1)

    A traffic control device (except a road marking) applies to an area if:

    • (a)

      it is in the area; and

    • (b)

      the device, the position of the device, or information on or with the device, indicates that the device applies to the area.

    Notes

    • 1

      Road marking and with are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 332 deals with parking control signs that display arrows.   These signs apply to lengths of road.

  • (2)

    A traffic control device (except a road marking) also applies to an area if:

    • (a)

      there is an identical kind of traffic control device (the first traffic control device) on each road into the area; and

    • (b)

      the traffic control device is a traffic control device applying to an area, or information on or with the device indicates that it applies to an area; and

    • (c)

      information on or with a traffic control device on each road out of the area indicates that the first traffic control device no longer applies or that the area has ended.

    Examples of traffic control devices applying to an area

    • 1

      A school zone sign (in some circumstances – see rule 23).

    • 2

      A shared zone sign.

    • 3

      A no stopping sign or no parking sign with the word "area".

    • 4

      A permissive parking sign with the words "parking area".

    • 5

      An end no parking area sign.

    • 6

      An end no stopping area sign.

    • 7

      An end parking area sign.

  • (3)

    A road marking applies to an area if:

    • (a)

      it is on the surface of the area; and

    • (b)

      the road marking, the position of the road marking, or information in or with the road marking, indicates that the road marking applies to the area.

  • (4)

    However, a traffic control device does not apply to an area if information on or with the device expressly indicates that the device does not apply to the area.

  • (5)

    A parking control sign that applies to an area applies to parking bays on each length of road in the area, and to other parts of each length of road, as if it were a parking control sign that applied only to that length of road.

    Notes

    • 1

      Parking bay and parking control sign are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 334 sets out how a parking control sign that applies to a length of road also applies to parking bays and other parts of the road.

  • (6)

    In this rule:

    road, in subrule (2)(a) and (c) and for an area of road, does not include a road-related area.

    the device, in subrule (1)(b), includes another traffic control device.

    the road marking, in subrule (3)(b), includes another traffic control device.

    Note

    Road-related area is defined in rule 13.

336How separated footpath signs and separated footpath road markings apply
  • (1)

    A separated footpath sign, or separated footpath road marking, on a footpath applies in the way set out in this rule.

    Note

    Footpath is defined in the dictionary, and separated footpath and separated footpath road marking are defined in rule 239.

  • (2)

    The part of the footpath to the left of the centre of the footpath is designated:

    • (a)

      if a pedestrian symbol is on the left side of the sign or the path – for the use of pedestrians; or

    • (b)

      if a bicycle symbol is on the left side of the sign or the path – for the use of bicycles.

    Note

    Bicycle, bicycle symbol and pedestrian symbol are defined in the dictionary, and pedestrian is defined in rule 18.

  • (3)

    The part of the footpath to the right of the centre of the footpath is designated:

    • (a)

      if a pedestrian symbol is on the right side of the sign or the path – for the use of pedestrians; or

    • (b)

      if a bicycle symbol is on the right side of the sign or the path – for the use of bicycles.

    Division 3Application of traffic control devices to persons  

    Note

    Traffic control device is defined in the dictionary.

337Purpose of Division

This Division explains when a traffic control device applies to a person.

338References to traffic control devices – application to persons

In applying the Australian Road Rules to a person, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to a traffic control device is a reference to a traffic control device applying to the person.

339When do traffic control devices apply to a person – the basic rules
  • (1)

    A traffic control device applies to a person if:

    • (a)

      the device applies to the person under a provision of this Division; or

    • (b)

      the device, the position of the device, or information on or with the device, indicates that the device applies to the person.

    Note

    With is defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A traffic control device does not apply to a person if information on or with the device expressly indicates that it does not apply to the person.

  • (3)

    Subrule (2) applies despite any other provision of this Division.

  • (4)

    In subrule (1)(b):

    the device includes another traffic control device.

340Traffic control devices (except road markings and parking control signs)
  • (1)

    A traffic control device (except a road marking or parking control sign) applies to a person if:

    • (a)

      the device faces the person; or

    • (b)

      the person has passed the device and the device faced the person as the person approached it.

    Notes

    • 1

      Parking control sign and road marking are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 341 deals with road markings, and rule 346 with parking control signs.

  • (2)

    However, the device does not apply to the person if the position of the device indicates that it does not apply to the person.

    Examples

    • 1

      If a driver is driving in a marked lane of a multi-lane road, a traffic lane arrow above another marked lane does not apply to the driver.

    • 2

      If a driver is turning left using a slip lane at an intersection, a traffic light on the right side of the painted island or traffic island that separates the slip lane from other parts of the road does not apply to the driver.

    • 3

      If a driver is driving on a two-way road, a speed-limit sign facing only traffic travelling in the opposite direction does not apply to the driver.

    341Road markings

    A road marking on the surface of a road applies to a person on the road unless the position of the road marking indicates that it does not apply to the person.

    Examples

    • 1

      If a driver is driving on a road that is not a multi-lane road or one-way road, a road marking to the right of the centre of the road does not apply to the driver.

    • 2

      If a driver is driving in a marked lane of a multi-lane road, a road marking in another marked lane does not apply to the driver.

    • 3

      At an intersection, or on a roundabout, road markings indicating the edge of a marked lane for use by traffic coming from another direction do not apply to the driver.

    Notes

    • 1

      Road marking is defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      A person may, under another rule, be exempt from complying with particular road markings – see, for example, rules 134, 138, 139, 147 and 150.

    342Traffic signs (except parking control signs) applying to a length of road
  • (1)

    A traffic sign (except a parking control sign) that applies to a length of road and to drivers applies to a driver driving on the length of road if the driver is driving in the same direction as a driver on the road who faces the sign before passing it.

    Note

    Length of road, parking control sign and traffic sign are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A traffic sign that applies to a length of road and to pedestrians applies to a pedestrian travelling on the length of road if the pedestrian is travelling in the same direction as a pedestrian on the road who faces the sign before passing it.

  • (3)

    The traffic sign applies to the driver or pedestrian even though the driver or pedestrian does not pass the sign.

    Example

    If a driver turns from a side road or private land onto a length of road to which a traffic sign applies, the traffic sign applies to the driver even though the driver does not pass the sign.

343Traffic signs (except parking control signs) applying to an area
  • (1)

    A traffic sign (except a parking control sign) that applies to an area and to drivers applies to a driver driving on any road in the area.

    Notes

    • 1

      Area, parking control sign and traffic sign are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 342 deals with traffic signs (except parking control signs) applying to a length of road, and rule 346 deals with the application of parking control signs to lengths of road and areas.

    • 3

      Road includes a road-related area – see rule 11(2).

  • (2)

    A traffic sign that applies to an area and to pedestrians applies to a pedestrian on any road in the area.

  • (3)

    The traffic sign applies to the driver or pedestrian even though the driver or pedestrian does not pass the sign.

    Example

    The shared zone signs on the roads into a shared zone apply to a driver who starts a journey inside the shared zone.

344Traffic control devices applying to a driver in a marked lane

A traffic control device applying to a marked lane applies to a driver approaching, in or leaving the marked lane unless the position of the device indicates that it does not apply to the driver.

Example

An overhead lane control device above a marked lane that the driver does not face as the driver approaches it does not apply to the driver.

Notes

  • 1

    Marked lane is defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    Rule 329 deals with when a traffic control device applies to a marked lane.

345Traffic control devices applying to a driver in a slip lane

A traffic control device applying to a slip lane applies to a driver approaching, in or leaving the slip lane.

Notes

  • 1

    Slip lane is defined in the dictionary.

  • 2

    Rule 330 deals with when a traffic control device applies to a slip lane.

346Parking control signs
  • (1)

    A parking control sign that applies to a length of road applies to a driver on the length of road.

    Notes

    • 1

      Length of road and parking control sign are defined in the dictionary.

    • 2

      Rule 332 deals with parking control signs with arrows. These signs apply to lengths of road.

  • (2)

    A parking control sign that applies to an area applies to a driver in the area.

    Note

    Area is defined in the dictionary.

  • (3)

    A parking control sign applies to a driver mentioned in subrule (1) or (2) even though the driver does not pass the sign.

    Part 21               General

347Meaning of abbreviations and symbols
  • (1)

    Schedule 1 provides the meaning of certain abbreviations and symbols used in the Australian Road Rules and on traffic control devices and traffic‑related items.

    Note

    Traffic control device and traffic-related item are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    Another law of this jurisdiction may provide the meaning of other abbreviations or symbols on traffic control devices and traffic-related items.

348References to a driver doing something etc.

If the context permits, a reference in the Australian Road Rules to a driver doing or not doing something is a reference to the driver causing the driver’s vehicle to do or not to do the thing.

Example

The reference in rule 27 to a driver turning left at an intersection is a reference to the driver causing the driver’s vehicle to turn left at the intersection.

Note

Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

349References to certain kinds of roads

A reference in the Australian Road Rules to a road of a particular kind is a reference to a road of that kind at any relevant place.

Example

Rule 31 deals with a driver starting a right turn at an intersection from a road (except a multi-lane road). The rule applies to a particular driver only if the road from which the driver is turning is not a multi-lane road at the intersection. In applying the rule to the driver, it is irrelevant that the road is, or is not, a multi-lane road at another place away from the intersection.

350References to stopping or parking on a length of road etc.
  • (1)

    A driver stops or parks on a length of road, or in an area, if the driver stops or parks the driver’s vehicle so any part of the vehicle is on the length of road or in the area.

    Note

    Area, driver’s vehicle and length of road are defined in the dictionary.

  • (2)

    A driver stops or parks within a particular distance from, before, or after, something if the driver stops or parks the driver’s vehicle so any part of the vehicle is within that distance.

    Example for subrule (2)

    Rule 190 provides that a driver must not stop on a road within 10 metres before or after a safety zone. The example diagram in rule 190 shows a vehicle stopped so part of the vehicle is within 10 metres of the zone. For rule 190, the vehicle is taken to be stopped within 10 metres of the zone.

  • (3)

    A driver stops or parks on or across a driveway or other way of access for vehicles if the driver stops or parks the driver’s vehicle so that any part of the vehicle is on or across the driveway or way of access.

  • (4)

    In this rule:

    park has the same meaning as in Part 12.

    stop has the same meaning as in Part 12.

    Notes

    • 1

      Part 12 deals with restrictions on stopping and parking.

    • 2

      Park and stop are defined in the dictionary.   The definitions apply for Part 12.

    351References to left and right
  • (1)

    In applying the Australian Road Rules to a person, a reference to left is a reference to:

    • (a)

      in relation to the person – the left-hand side of the person; or

    • (b)

      in relation to a line, sign or anything else – the left-hand side of the line, sign or other thing when viewed from the person’s perspective.

  • (2)

    In applying the Australian Road Rules to a person, a reference to right is a reference to:

    • (a)

      in relation to the person – the right-hand side of the person; or

    • (b)

      in relation to a line, sign or anything else – the right-hand side of the line, sign or other thing when viewed from the person’s perspective.

  • (3)

    A driver drives to the left, or right, of a line, sign or anything else only if the driver’s vehicle is completely to the left, or right, of the line, sign or other thing.

    Note

    Driver’s vehicle is defined in the dictionary.

352References to stopping as near as practicable to a place

A requirement in the Australian Road Rules for a driver to stop as near as practicable to a place is not complied with only because the driver stops behind a vehicle that has stopped at the place.

Example

If a driver stops behind a vehicle that has stopped at a stop sign or stop line in accordance with rule 67, 68 or 121, the driver must, after the vehicle has proceeded, stop at the stop sign or stop line in accordance with the rule.

353References to pedestrians crossing a road
  • (1)

    If a driver who is turning from a road at an intersection is required to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the road that the driver is entering, the driver is only required to give way to the pedestrian if the pedestrian’s line of travel in crossing the road is essentially perpendicular to the edges of the road the driver is entering – the driver is not required to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the road the driver is leaving.

  • (2)

    In these Rules, a reference to a pedestrian crossing a road includes a reference to a person who is crossing only part of a road (for example, a person walking to a safety zone or a median strip, or to the middle of a road to display a hand-held stop sign).

    Schedule 1       Abbreviations and symbols

    (rule 347)

Abbreviation/Symbol

Meaning

MON

Monday

TUE

Tuesday

WED

Wednesday

THU

Thursday

FRI

Friday

SAT

Saturday

SUN

Sunday

JAN

January

FEB

February

MAR

March

APR

April

JUN

June

JUL

July

AUG

August

SEP

September

OCT

October

NOV

November

DEC

December

AM

the time after midnight and ending at noon

PM

the time after noon and ending at midnight

HOLS

holidays

MAX

maximum

MINS

minutes

PUB

public

VEH

vehicle

t

tonnes

m

metres

km

kilometres

km/h

kilometres per hour

°

degree

Schedule 2       Standard or commonly used traffic signs

(rule 316)

Area speed-limit sign

(rule 22)

Bicycle lane sign

(rules 153, 252)

Bicycle parking sign

(rule 201)

Bicycle path sign

(rules 239, 242, 252)

Bridge load limit (gross mass) sign

(rule 103)

Bridge load limit (mass per axle group) sign

(rule 103)

Bus lane sign

(rule 154)

Buses must enter sign

(rule 107)

Bus only lane sign

(rule 154A)

(

       

Bus zone sign

(rule 183)

Children crossing flag

(rule 80)

Children’s crossing sign

(rule 80)

Clearance sign

(rule 102)

Clearway sign

(rule 176)

Electric-powered vehicle symbol

(rule 203B)

Electric-powered vehicle charging symbol

(rule 203C)

Emergency stopping lane only sign

(rule 95)

End area speed-limit sign

(rule 22)

End bicycle lane sign

(rule 153)

End bicycle path sign

(rule 239)

End bus lane sign

(rule 154)

End bus only lane sign

(rule 154A)

End clearway sign

(rule 176)

End freeway sign

(rules 97, 177)

End keep left unless overtaking sign

(rule 130)

End no bicycles sign

(rule 252)

End no overtaking or passing sign

(rule 93)

End no parking area sign

(rule 335)

End no stopping area sign

(rule 335)

       

End parking area sign

(rule 335)

 

End road access sign

(rules 97, 229)

         

End school zone sign

(rule 23)

End separated footpath sign

(rule 239)

End shared path sign

(rule 242)

End shared zone sign

(rule 24)

End speed-limit sign

(rule 21)

End tram lane sign

(rule 155)

End transit lane sign (End transit lane (T2) sign)

(rule 156)

End transit lane sign (End transit lane (T3) sign)

(rule 156)

End trucks and buses low gear sign

(rule 108)

End truck lane sign

(rule 157)

End trucks use left lane sign

(rule 159)

Freeway sign

(rule 177)

Freeway sign

(rule 177)

Give way sign

(rules 69, 70, 71, 122)

Gross load limit sign

(rule 103)

Hand-held stop sign

(rules 80, 101)

Hand-held stop sign

(rules 80, 101)

Hook turn only sign

(rule 34)

Keep left sign

(rule 99)

Keep left unless overtaking sign

(rule 130)

Keep right sign

(rules 99, 135)

Left lane must turn left sign

(rule 88)

Left turn on red after stopping sign

(rule 59)

Left turn only sign

(rule 88)

Level crossing sign

(rule 120)

Level crossing sign

(rule 120)

Level crossing sign

(rule 120)

Loading zone sign

(rule 179)

Low clearance sign

(rule 102)

Mail zone sign

(rule 186)

Median turning lane sign

(rule 86)

Minibus zone sign

(rule 184)

Motor bike parking sign

(rule 202)

No bicycles sign

(rules 239, 242, 252)

No buses sign

(rule 106)

No entry sign

(rule 100)

No hook turn by bicycles sign

(rule 36)

No left turn sign (Standard sign)

(rule 91)

No left turn sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

(rule 91)

No overtaking on bridge sign

(rule 94)

No overtaking or passing sign

(rule 93)

No parking sign (for a length of road)

(rule 168)

No parking sign (for an area)

(rule 168)

No pedestrians sign

(rule 228)

No right turn sign (Standard sign)

(rule 91)

No right turn sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

(rule 91)

No stopping sign (for a length of road)

(rule 167)

No stopping sign (for an area)

(rule 167)

No trucks sign

(rule 104)

No turns sign

(rule 90)

No U-turn sign (Standard sign)

(rule 39)

No U-turn sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

(rule 39)

One-way sign

(rule 98)

One-way sign

(rule 98)

Park in bays only sign

(rule 211)

       

Pedestrian crossing sign

(rule 81)

Pedestrians may cross diagonally sign

(rules 230, 234)

People with disabilities parking sign

(rule 203)

Permissive parking sign (for a length of road)

(rule 204)

Permissive parking sign (for a length of road)

(rule 204)

Permissive parking sign (for an area)

(rule 204)

Permissive parking sign displaying a people with disabilities symbol (for a length of road)

(rule 203)

Permissive parking sign displaying a people with disabilities symbol (for an area)

(rule 203)

Permit zone sign

(rule 185)

Right lane must turn right sign

(rule 89)

Right turn only sign

(rule 89)

Road access sign

(rules 97, 229)

Roundabout sign

(rule 109)

Safety zone sign

(rules 162, 190)

Separated footpath sign

(rules 239, 252)

School zone sign

(rule 23)

Shared path sign

(rules 242, 252)

Shared zone sign

(rule 24)

Slow vehicle turn out lane sign

(rule 130)

             

Speed derestriction sign

(rule 21)

Speed-limit sign (Standard sign)

(rules 21, 316)

Speed-limit sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

(rules 21, 316)

Stop here on red arrow sign

(rule 56)

Stop here on red signal sign

(rule 56)

Stop sign

(rules 67, 68, 121)

Taxi zone sign

(rule 182)

Traffic light–stop sign

(rule 63)

Tram lane sign

(rule 155)

Tramway sign

End tramway sign

Transit lane sign (Transit lane (T2) sign)

(rule 156)

Transit lane sign (Transit lane (T3) sign)

(rule 156)

Truck lane sign

(rule 157)

Trucks and buses low gear sign

(rule 108)

Trucks must enter sign

(rule 105)

Trucks use left lane sign

(rule 159)

Truck zone sign

(rule 180)

Two-way sign

(rules 98, 132, 136)

U-turn permitted sign

(rule 40)

Works zone sign

(rule 181)

Schedule 3       Other permitted traffic signs

(rule 316)

Note

The traffic signs in this Schedule are alternative versions of the signs in Schedule 2. These signs are not included in the Australian Standard AS1742 (Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices), but are still in use in some jurisdictions.

Area speed-limit sign

(rule 22)

Area speed-limit sign

(rule 22)

Area speed-limit sign

(rule 22)

Bicycle lane sign

(rules 153, 252)

Bicycle lane sign

(rules 153, 252)

Bicycle path sign

(rules 239, 242, 252)

Bicycle path sign

(rules 239, 242, 252)

Bridge load limit

(mass per axle group) sign

(rule 103)

Bridge load limit

(mass per axle group) sign

(rule 103)

Buses must enter sign

(rule 107)

Bus lane sign

(rule 154)

Bus lane sign

(rule 154)

Bus lane sign

(rule 154)

Bus lane sign

(rule 154)

Bus lane sign

(rule 154)

Bus only lane sign

(rule 154A)

Bus only lane sign

(rule 154A)

Bus only lane sign

(rule 154A)

Bus zone sign

(rule 183)

Bus zone sign

(rule 183)

Children’s crossing sign

(rule 80)

End area speed-limit sign

(rule 22)

End area speed-limit sign

(rule 22)

End area speed-limit sign

(rule 22)

End bicycle lane sign

(rule 153)

End bicycle path sign

(rule 239)

End bicycle path sign

(rule 239)

End bus lane sign

(rule 154)

End bus only lane sign

(rule 154A)

End bus only lane sign

(rule 154A)

     

End bus only lane sign

(rule 154A)

End freeway sign

(rules 97, 177)

End freeway sign

(rules 97, 177)

End freeway sign

(rules 97, 177)

End freeway sign

(rules 97, 177)

End freeway sign

(rules 97, 177)

End keep left unless overtaking sign

(rule 130)

End school zone sign

(rule 23)

End school zone sign

(rule 23)

End school zone sign

(rule 23)

End school zone sign

(rule 23)

End separated footpath sign

(rule 239)

End shared path sign

(rule 242)

End shared zone sign

(rule 24)

End shared zone sign

(rule 24)

End speed-limit sign

(rule 21)

End transit lane sign

(rule 156)

End tram lane sign

(rule 155)

End tramway sign

(rule 155A)

End truck lane sign

(rule 157)

End trucks and buses low gear sign

(rule 108)

Freeway sign

(rule 177)

Freeway sign

(rule 177)

Freeway sign

(rule 177)

Freeway sign

(rule 177)

Freeway sign

(rule 177)

Freeway sign

(rule 177)

Freeway sign

(rule 177)

Hand-held stop sign

(rules 80, 101)

Keep right sign

(rules 99, 135)

Hand-held stop sign

(rules 80, 101)

Hand-held stop sign

(rules 80, 101)

             

Hand-held stop sign

(rules 80, 101)

Left lane must turn left sign

(rule 88)

Left turn only sign

(rule 88)

Left turn only sign

(rules 99, 135)

Loading zone sign

(rule 179)

Loading zone sign

(rule 179)

Median turning lane sign

(rule 86)

No bicycles sign

(rules 239, 242, 252)

No entry sign

(rule 100)

No entry sign

(rule 100)

No entry sign

(rule 100)

No entry sign

(rule 100)

No left turn sign (Standard sign)

(rule 91)

No left turn sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

(rule 91)

No overtaking on bridge sign

(rule 94)

No parking sign (for a length of road)

(rule 168)

No parking sign (for a length of road)

(rule 168)

No parking sign (for a length of road)

(rule 168)

No parking sign (for a length of road)

(rule 168)

No parking sign (for an area)

(rule 168)

No parking sign (for an area)

(rule 168)

No parking sign (for an area)

(rule 168)

No right turn sign (Standard sign)

(rule 91)

No right turn sign (Various illuminated message sign)

(rule 91)

No right turn sign

(rule 91)

No stopping sign (for a length of road)

(rule 167)

No stopping sign (for a length of road)

(rule 167)

No stopping sign (for a length of road)

(rule 167)

No stopping sign (for an area)

(rule 167)

No stopping sign

(rule 167)

No U-turn sign (Standard sign)

(rule 39)

No U-turn sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

(rule 39)

No wheeled recreational devices or toys sign

(rule 240A)

No wheeled recreational devices or toys sign

(rule 240A)

One-way sign

(rule 98)

Pedestrians may cross diagonally sign

(rule 230, 234)

Permissive parking sign (for a length of road)

(rule 204)

Permissive parking sign (for a length of road)

(rule 204)

Permissive parking sign (for a length of road)

(rule 204)

Permissive parking sign (for a length of road)

(rule 204)

Permissive parking sign (for an area)

(rule 204)

Permissive parking sign (for an area)

(rule 204)

Permissive parking sign (for an area)

(rule 204)

Permissive parking sign (for an area)

(rule 204)

Permit zone sign

(rule 185)

Permit zone sign

(rule 185)

Right lane must turn right sign

(rule 89)

Right turn only sign

(rule 89)

Right turn only sign

(rule 89)

Road access sign

(rules 97, 229)

Road access sign

(rules 97, 229)

School zone sign

(rule 23)

School zone sign

(rule 23)

School zone sign

(rule 23)

School zone sign

(rule 23)

School zone sign

(rule 23)

School zone sign

(rule 23)

School zone sign

(rule 23)

School zone sign

(rule 23)

School zone sign

(rule 23)

School zone sign

(rule 23)

Separated footpath sign

(rules 239, 252)

Shared path sign

(rules 242, 252)

Shared zone sign

(rule 24)

Shared zone sign

(rule 24)

Stop here on red signal sign

(rule 56)

Taxi zone sign

(rule 182)

Taxi zone sign

(rule 182)

Taxi zone sign

(rule 182)

Taxi zone sign

(rule 182)

Tram lane sign

(rule 155)

Tram lane sign

(rule 156)

Tramway sign

(rule 155A)

       

Transit lane sign

(rule 156)

Truck arrester bed

(rule 101A)

   

Trucks and buses low gear sign

(rule 108)

 
Truck arrester bed

(rule 101A)

 

Truck arrester bed

(rule 101A)

         

Trucks and buses low gear sign

(rule 108)

Trucks must enter sign

(rule 105)

Trucks must enter sign

(rule 105)

Trucks use left lane sign

(rule 159)

Truck zone sign

(rule 180)

Two-way sign

(rules 98, 132, 136)

Works zone sign

(rule 181)

Schedule 4       Symbols and traffic-related items

(rule 320)

Do not overtake turning vehicle sign

(rules 28, 32, 143)

 

Do not overtake turning vehicle sign

(rules 28, 32, 143)

Fire hydrant indicator (example)

(rule 194)

Fire hydrant indicator (example)

(rule 194)

Fire plug indicator (example)

(rule 194)

Give way to buses sign

(rule 77)

Green bicycle symbol

(rule 260)

Green pedestrian symbol

(rule 231)

People with disabilities symbol

(rule 203)

People with disabilities symbol

(rule 203)

Red bicycle symbol

(rule 260)

Red pedestrian symbol

(rule 231)

White B-light

(rule 285)

White T-light

(rule 278)

Yellow bicycle symbol

(rule 261)

Dictionary

(rule 4)

adjacent land, for a road, means land next to the road (whether or not it adjoins the road), but does not include a road or road-related area.

Notes

  • 1

    Land includes premises or a part of premises – see the definition in this dictionary.

  • 2

    Road is defined in rule 12, and road-related area in rule 13.

alcohol interlock device, see rule 221.

angle parking, see rule 210.

approaching, for a driver, means approaching from any direction.

approved bicycle helmet means a protective helmet for bicycle riders that is approved, for the Australian Road Rules, under another law of this jurisdiction.

approved seatbelt means a seatbelt approved, for the Australian Road Rule s, under another law of this jurisdiction.

area includes:

  • (a)

    a bridge; and

  • (b)

    a network of roads; and

  • (c)

    a slip lane.

Note

Slip lane is defined in this dictionary.

authorised person, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means a person who is appointed under another law of this jurisdiction to be an authorised person for the Rules or the provision.

bicycle means a vehicle with 2 or more wheels that is built to be propelled by human power through a belt, chain or gears (whether or not it has an auxiliary motor), and:

  • (a)

    includes a pedicab, penny-farthing and tricycle; and

  • (b)

    includes a power-assisted pedal cycle within the meaning of vehicle standards determined under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cth), as amended from time to time; but

  • (c)

    does not include a wheelchair, wheeled recreational device, wheeled toy, or any vehicle (other than a vehicle referred to in paragraph (b)) with an auxiliary motor capable of generating a power output over 200 watts (whether or not the motor is operating).

Notes

  • 1

    Vehicle is defined in rule 15, and wheelchair, wheeled recreational device and wheeled toy are defined in this dictionary.

  • 2

    Power assisted pedal cycle is defined in the Australian Design Rules – Definitions and Vehicle Categories which are vehicle standards determined under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cth). The definition includes vehicles referred to as pedalecs.

bicycle crossing light means a green, yellow or red bicycle crossing light.

Note

Green bicycle crossing light, yellow bicycle crossing light   and   red bicycle crossing light are defined in this dictionary.

bicycle crossing lights means a device designed to show a bicycle crossing light, or 2 or more bicycle crossing lights at different times.

Note

Bicycle crossing light is defined in this dictionary.

bicycle hook turn storage area means an area between an intersection and a marked foot crossing, or if there is no marked foot crossing, a stop line, before the intersection that has painted on it one or more bicycle symbols and one or more right traffic lane arrows, and includes any line that delineates the right side of the area, and any line that delineates the left side of the area that is not also a stop line or part of a marked foot crossing and excludes any bicycle storage area.

Notes

  • 1

    Intersection, bicycle symbol, right traffic lane arrows and marked foot crossing are defined in this dictionary and hook turns are described in rules 34 and 35.

  • 2

    See example in rule 35.

bicycle lane, see rule 153.

bicycle path, see rule 239.

bicycle path road marking, see rule 239.

bicycle storage area means:

  • (a)

    an area of a road before an intersection with traffic lights:

    • (i)

      that has painted on it one or more bicycle symbols; and

    • (ii)

      that is between two parallel stop lines, regardless of whether the lines are of equal length; and

    • (iii)

      that opens out from a bicycle lane;

but does not include any stop line; or

  • (b)

    if another law of this jurisdiction defines a bicycle storage area, that area as defined under that law.

Note

Intersection, traffic lights, bicycle symbol and stop line are defined in this dictionary.

bicycle symbol means a symbol consisting of a picture of a bicycle.

Note

The symbol is, for example, used in a bicycle lane sign, a bicycle path sign and a separated footpath sign – see Schedule 2.

B light means a red, white or yellow B light.

Note

Red B light, white B light and yellow B light are defined in this dictionary.

B lights means a device designed to show a B light, or 2 or more B lights at different times.

built-up area, in relation to a length of road, means an area in which either of the following is present for a distance of at least 500 metres or, if the length of road is shorter than 500 metres, for the whole road:

  • (a)

    buildings, not over 100 metres apart, on land next to the road;

  • (b)

    street lights not over 100 metres apart.

Note

Length of road, is defined in this dictionary.

bus means a motor vehicle built mainly to carry people that seats over 12 adults (including the driver).

Note

Motor vehicle is defined in this dictionary.

bus lane, see rule 154.

bus only lane, see rule 154A.

bus only lane road marking means a road marking consisting of the words ‘bus only’.

Note

Road marking is defined in this dictionary.

bus zone, see rule 183.

centre of the road, for a driver on a two-way road, means the far right side of the part of the road used by traffic travelling in the same direction as the driver.

changes direction, see rule 45.

children’s crossing, see rule 80.

combination means a group of vehicles consisting of a motor vehicle connected to one or more vehicles.

Note

Motor vehicle is defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

continuing road, for a T-intersection, means the road (except a road-related area) that meets the terminating road at the T‑intersection.

Note

Road-related area is defined in rule 13, and terminating road and T‑intersection are defined in this dictionary.

correctional vehicle, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means any vehicle driven by a person who is:

  • (a)

    a correctional worker for the provision; and

  • (b)

    driving the vehicle in the course of the correctional worker’s duties as a correctional worker.

Note

Correctional worker is defined in this dictionary.

correctional worker, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means a person who is a correctional worker for the Rules, or the provision, under another law of this jurisdiction.

crash includes:

  • (a)

    a collision between 2 or more vehicles; or

  • (b)

    any other accident or incident involving a vehicle in which a person is killed or injured, property is damaged, or an animal in someone’s charge is killed or injured.

Note

Vehicle is defined in rule 15.

crossing means a children’s crossing, level crossing, marked foot crossing or pedestrian crossing.

Note

Children’s crossing is defined in rule 80, level crossing is defined in rule 120, marked foot crossing is defined in this dictionary, and pedestrian crossing is defined in rule 81.

dividing line means a road marking formed by a line, or 2 parallel lines, whether broken or continuous, designed to indicate the parts of the road to be used by vehicles travelling in opposite directions.

Note

Road marking is defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

dividing strip means an area or structure that divides a road lengthways, but does not include a nature strip, bicycle path, footpath or shared path.

Note

Bicycle path is defined in rule 239, footpath and nature strip are defined in this dictionary, and shared path is defined in rule 242.

drive includes be in control of.

driver, see rules 16 and 19.

driver’s vehicle, for a driver, means the vehicle being driven by the driver.

edge filtering, see rule 151A(6).

edge line, for a road, means a line marked along the road at or near the far left or far right side of the road (except any road-related area of the road).

electric-powered vehicle, see rule 203B.

emergency stopping lane see rule 95.

emergency vehicle, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means any vehicle driven by a person who is:

  • (a)

    an emergency worker for the provision; and

  • (b)

    driving the vehicle in the course of his or her duties as an emergency worker.

Notes

  • 1

    Emergency worker is defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

  • 2

    Drive includes be in control of – see the definition in this dictionary.

emergency worker, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means a person who is an emergency worker for the Rules, or the provision, under another law of this jurisdiction.

end bus only lane road marking means a road marking consisting of the words ‘end bus only’.

Note

Road marking is defined in this dictionary.

end no filtering sign, see rule 151A(7).

enter an intersection or crossing, for the driver of a vehicle or a train, means enter the intersection or crossing with any part of the vehicle or train.

Note

Crossing and intersection are defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

footpath, except in rule 13(1), means an area open to the public that is designated for, or has as one of its main uses, use by pedestrians.

Note

Rule 13 defines road-related area.

freeway, see rule 177.

front fog light, see rule 217.

give way, for a driver or pedestrian, means:

  • (a)

    if the driver or pedestrian is stopped – remain stationary until it is safe to proceed; or

  • (b)

    in any other case – slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision.

give way line means a broken line that is marked across all or part of a road and is not part of a marked foot crossing.

Notes

  • 1

    Marked foot crossing is defined in this dictionary.

  • 2

    There is an example of a give way line in rule 69.

green bicycle crossing light means an illuminated green bicycle symbol as shown in the diagram in Schedule 4.

Note

Bicycle symbol is defined in this dictionary.

green pedestrian light means:

  • (a)

    an illuminated green pedestrian symbol; or

  • (b)

    the word "walk" illuminated in green (whether or not flashing).

Note

Green pedestrian symbol is defined in this dictionary.

green pedestrian symbol means a symbol consisting of a picture of a pedestrian as shown in the diagram in green in Schedule 4.

green traffic arrow means an illuminated green arrow.

green traffic light means an illuminated green disc.

GVM, for a vehicle, means the maximum loaded mass of the vehicle:

  • (a)

    specified by the manufacturer on an identification plate on the vehicle; or

  • (b)

    if there is no specification by the manufacturer on an identification plate on the vehicle or if the specification is not appropriate because the vehicle has been modified – certified by a vehicle registration authority.

Note

This definition is modified by regulation 87A of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

halfway around, for a roundabout, see rule 110.

hazard warning lights means a pair of yellow direction indicator lights fitted to a vehicle under another law of this jurisdiction that display regular flashes of light at the same time, and at the same rate, as each other, but does not include warning lights fitted, under another law of this jurisdiction, to a bus used for carrying children.

Note

Bus is defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

heavy vehicle means a vehicle with a GVM of more than 4.5 tonnes.

high-beam, for a headlight fitted to a vehicle, means that the headlight is built or adjusted so, when the vehicle is standing on level ground, the top of the main beam of light projected is above the headlight’s low-beam.

Note

Low-beam is defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

hook turn, see rules 34 and 35.

intersection means the area where 2 or more roads (except any road-related area) meet, and includes:

  • (a)

    any area of the roads where vehicles travelling on different roads might collide; and

  • (b)

    the place where any slip lane between the roads meets the road into which traffic on the slip lane may turn;

but does not include any road-related area.

Note

Road is defined in rule 12, road-related area is defined in rule 13, slip lane is defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

juvenile justice vehicle, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means any vehicle driven by a person who is:

  • (a)

    a juvenile justice worker for the provision; and

  • (b)

    driving the vehicle in the course of his or her duties as a juvenile justice worker.

Note

Juvenile justice worker is defined in this dictionary.

juvenile justice worker, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means a person who is a juvenile justice worker for the Rules, or the provision, under another law of this jurisdiction.

keep clear marking, see rule 96.

lane filtering, see rule 151A(1).

land includes premises or a part of premises.

left, for a person or in relation to something, see rule 351(1) and (3).

left change of direction signal means a change of direction signal given in accordance with rule 47.

left traffic lane arrows means traffic lane arrows applying to a marked lane that indicate only a direction to the left.

Note

Marked lane and traffic lane arrows are defined in this dictionary.

length, of road, includes:

  • (a)

    a marked lane or a part of a marked lane; and

  • (b)

    another part of a length of road.

Note

Marked lane is defined in this dictionary.

level crossing, see rule 120.

line of traffic means:

  • (a)

    2 or more vehicles travelling in line along a road (whether or not the vehicles are actually moving, but not including vehicles in a marked lane); or

  • (b)

    a single vehicle, other than a vehicle that is part of a line of traffic under paragraph (a), that is travelling along a road (whether or not the vehicle is actually moving, but not including a vehicle in a marked lane).

Examples

  • 1

    A vehicle travelling along a road (except in a marked lane) in line behind another vehicle (the leading vehicle) forms part of a line of traffic with the leading vehicle.

  • 2

    A vehicle travelling along a road (except in a marked lane) with no other vehicles in the vicinity constitutes a line of traffic by itself.

  • 3

    Two vehicles travelling in the same direction on a road (except in a marked lane), but not in line, are 2 lines of traffic.

loading zone, see rule 179.

low-beam, for a headlight fitted to a vehicle, means that the headlight is built or adjusted so, when the vehicle is standing on level ground, the top of the main beam of light projected is:

  • (a)

    not higher than the centre of the headlight, when measured 8 metres in front of the vehicle; and

  • (b)

    not over 1 metre higher than the level where the vehicle is standing, when measured 25 metres in front of the vehicle.

Note

Vehicle is defined in rule 15.

mail zone see rule 186.

marked foot crossing means an area of a road:

  • (a)

    at a place with pedestrian lights facing pedestrians crossing the road and traffic lights facing vehicles driving on the road; and

  • (b)

    indicated by a different road surface, or between 2 parallel continuous or broken lines, or rows of studs or markers, on the road surface substantially from one side of the road to the other.

Example of a different road surface

The area of road could be indicated by brick paving across a bitumen road.

Note

Pedestrian lights and traffic lights are defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

marked lane means an area of a road marked by continuous or broken lines, or rows of studs or markers, on the road surface that is designed for use by a single line of vehicles.

Note

Vehicle is defined in rule 15.

mechanical signalling device means a device that is declared to be a mechanical signalling device for the Australian Road Rules under another law of this jurisdiction.

median strip means a dividing strip designed or developed to separate vehicles travelling in opposite directions.

Note

Dividing strip is defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

median strip parking area means a parking area on or in a median strip.

Note

Parking area is defined in this dictionary.

medical certificate means a certificate that:

  • (a)

    is signed by a medical practitioner; and

  • (b)

    states a date of issue; and

  • (c)

    if another law of this jurisdiction does not exempt the medical certificate from displaying an expiry date – states an expiry date that is not more than 1 year after the date of issue; and

  • (d)

    has not expired.

medical practitioner, see section 17 of the Interpretation Act 1978.

minibus zone, see rule 184.

motor bike means a motor vehicle with 2 wheels, and includes:

  • (a)

    a 2‑wheeled motor vehicle with a sidecar attached to it that is supported by a third wheel; and

  • (b)

    a motor vehicle with 3 wheels that is ridden in the same way as a motor vehicle with 2 wheels.

motorised scooter, see rule 244A.

motor vehicle means a vehicle (other than a motorised scooter) that is built to be propelled by a motor that forms part of the vehicle.

multi-lane road, for a driver, means a one-way road, or a two-way road, with 2 or more marked lanes (except bicycle lanes) that are:

  • (a)

    on the side of the dividing line or median strip where the driver is driving; and

  • (b)

    for the use of vehicles travelling in the same direction.

Note

Bicycle lane is defined in rule 153, dividing line, marked lane, median strip, one-way road and two-way road are defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

nature strip, except in rule 13(1), means an area between a road (except a road-related area) and adjacent land, but does not include a bicycle path, footpath or shared path.

Notes

  • 1

    Adjacent land and footpath are defined in this dictionary, bicycle path is defined in rule 239, road is defined in rule 12, and shared path is defined in rule 242.

  • 2

    Rule 13 defines a road-related area.

night means the period between sunset on one day and sunrise on the next day.

no bicycles road marking means a road marking consisting of a bicycle symbol with a diagonal line across it, or the words "no bicycles", or both the symbol and the words.

Note

Bicycle symbol and road marking are defined in this dictionary.

no filtering sign, see rule 151A(7).

obstruction includes a traffic hazard, but does not include a vehicle only because the vehicle is stopped in traffic or is travelling more slowly than other vehicles.

Note

Vehicle is defined in rule 15.

oncoming vehicle, for a driver, means a vehicle approaching the driver travelling in the opposite direction to the direction in which the driver is driving.

Note

Vehicle is defined in rule 15.

one-way road means a road with one or more marked lanes, all of which are for the use of vehicles travelling in the same direction.

Note

Marked lane is defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

overhead lane control device means an overhead lane control sign or signal.

overhead lane control sign means a traffic sign displaying a red diagonal cross that is installed on a structure over a road or part of a road.

Note

Traffic sign is defined in this dictionary.

overhead lane control signal means:

  • (a)

    an illuminated red diagonal cross (whether or not flashing); or

  • (b)

    an illuminated white, green or yellow arrow pointing downwards or indicating one or more directions.

overhead lane control signals means a device on a structure over a road, or part of a road, that is designed to display an overhead lane control signal, or 2 or more overhead lane control signals.

oversize vehicle means a vehicle that is declared to be an oversize vehicle for the Australian Road Rules under another law of this jurisdiction.

Note

Vehicle is defined in rule 15.

overtake, for a driver, means the action of:

  • (a)

    approaching from behind another driver travelling in the same marked lane or line of traffic; and

  • (b)

    moving into an adjacent marked lane or part of the road on which there is room for a line of traffic (whether or not the lane or part of the road is for drivers travelling in the same direction); and

  • (c)

    passing the other driver while travelling in the adjacent marked lane or line of traffic.

Note

Marked lane is defined in this dictionary.

painted island means an area of a road:

  • (a)

    that has painted on it stripes or chevrons in white or another colour that contrasts with the colour of the road; and

  • (b)

    that is surrounded either:

    • (i)

      by a line or lines (whether broken or continuous); or

    • (ii)

      partly by a combination of a line or lines (whether broken or continuous) and partly by a kerb or by a structure on or next to the road.

park, in Part 12 and for a driver, includes stop and allow the driver’s vehicle to stay (whether or not the driver leaves the vehicle).

Notes

  • 1

    Driver’s vehicle is defined in this dictionary.

  • 2

    Part 12 deals with restrictions on stopping and parking.

parking area means a length of road or area designed for parking vehicles.

Note

Vehicle is defined in rule 15.

parking area for people with disabilities, see rule 203.

parking bay means an area for parking a single vehicle (other than a combination) that is indicated by:

  • (a)

    road markings consisting of lines, studs or other similar devices; or

  • (b)

    a different road surface.

Note

Combination and road marking are defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

parking control sign means any of the following:

  • (a)

    a bicycle parking sign;

  • (b)

    a bus zone sign;

  • (c)

    a clearway sign;

  • (ca)

    an electric vehicle parking sign;

  • (d)

    a loading zone sign;

  • (e)

    a mail zone sign;

  • (f)

    a minibus zone sign;

  • (g)

    a motor bike parking sign;

  • (h)

    a no parking sign;

  • (i)

    a no stopping sign;

  • (j)

    a people with disabilities parking sign;

  • (k)

    a permissive parking sign;

  • (l)

    a permit zone sign;

  • (m)

    a taxi zone sign;

  • (n)

    a truck zone sign;

  • (o)

    a works zone sign.

parking permit for people with disabilities means a permit, issued under another law of this jurisdiction or the law of another jurisdiction, that includes a people with disabilities symbol.

Note

People with disabilities symbol is defined in this dictionary.

part of the road used by the main body of moving vehicles means the area of the road, except:

  • (a)

    any road-related area; and

  • (b)

    if the road has one or more service roads – the area of any service road.

Notes

  • 1

    Road-related area is defined in rule 13, and service road is defined in this dictionary.

  • 2

    A road-related area includes any shoulder of the road – see rule 13.

pedestrian, see rule 18.

pedestrian crossing, see rule 81.

pedestrian lights means a device designed to show, at different times, a green or red pedestrian light.

Note

Green pedestrian light and red pedestrian light are defined in this dictionary.

pedestrian symbol means a symbol consisting of a picture of a pedestrian.

Note

The symbol is, for example, used in a separated footpath sign – see Schedule 2.

people with disabilities road marking, see rule 203.

people with disabilities symbol means a picture of a person seated in a wheelchair as shown in the diagrams in Schedule 4.

permit zone, see rule 185.

police officer, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means a person who is a police officer for the Rules, or the provision, under another law of this jurisdiction.

police vehicle, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means any vehicle driven by a person who is:

  • (a)

    a police officer for the provision; and

  • (b)

    driving the vehicle in the course of his or her duties as a police officer.

Notes

  • 1

    Police officer is defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

  • 2

    Drive includes be in control of – see the definition in this dictionary.

portable warning triangle means a portable warning triangle approved, for the Australian Road Rules, under another law of this jurisdiction.

postal vehicle, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means a vehicle driven by a person who is:

  • (a)

    a postal worker for the provision; and

  • (b)

    driving the vehicle in the course of his or her duties as a postal worker.

Notes

  • 1

    Postal worker is defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

  • 2

    Drive includes be in control of – see the definition in this dictionary.

postal worker, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means a person who delivers letter mail and parcels within Australia, on behalf of Australia Post, as an employee or as a contractor.

public bus, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means a vehicle that is declared to be a public bus for the Rules, or the provision, under another law of this jurisdiction.

Note

Vehicle is defined in rule 15.

public holiday, for a place, means a public holiday at the place under the law of this jurisdiction.

public minibus, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means a vehicle that is declared to be a public minibus for the Rules, or the provision, under another law of this jurisdiction.

Note

Vehicle is defined in rule 15.

red bicycle crossing light means an illuminated red bicycle symbol (whether or not flashing) as shown in the diagram in Schedule 4.

Note

Bicycle symbol is defined in this dictionary.

red B light means an illuminated red B.

red pedestrian light means:

  • (a)

    an illuminated red pedestrian symbol (whether or not flashing); or

  • (b)

    the words "dont walk" illuminated in red (whether or not flashing).

Note

Red pedestrian symbol is defined in this dictionary.

red pedestrian symbol means a symbol consisting of a picture of a pedestrian as shown in the diagram in red in Schedule 4.

red T light means an illuminated red T.

red traffic arrow means an illuminated red arrow.

red traffic light means an illuminated red disc.

ride, for the rider of a motor bike or animal-drawn vehicle, includes be in control of.

Note

Motor bike is defined in this dictionary.

rider, see rule 17.

right, for a person or in relation to something, see rule 351(2) and (3).

right change of direction signal means a change of direction signal given in accordance with rule 49.

right traffic lane arrows means traffic lane arrows applying to a marked lane that indicate only a direction to the right.

Note

Marked lane and traffic lane arrows are defined in this dictionary.

road see rules 11(2) and 12.

road marking means a word, figure, symbol, mark, line, raised marker or stud, or something else, on the surface of a road to direct or warn traffic, but does not include a painted island.

Note

Painted island is defined in this dictionary.

road-related area, see rule 13.

road user, see rule 14.

roundabout, see rule 109.

safety zone, see rule 162.

school zone, see rule 23.

scooter, see rule 244A.

separated footpath, see rule 239.

separated footpath road marking, see rule 239.

service road means the part of a road that:

  • (a)

    is separated from other parts of the road by a dividing strip that is not designed or developed, wholly or mainly, to separate vehicles travelling in opposite directions; and

  • (b)

    is:

    • (i)

      designed or developed to be used, wholly or mainly, by traffic servicing adjacent land; or

    • (ii)

      indicated to be a service road by information on or with a traffic control device on the road.

Note

Adjacent land, dividing strip, traffic, traffic control device and with are defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

shared path, see rule 242.

shared zone, see rule 24.

sheriff’s officer, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means a person who is a sheriff’s officer for the Rules, or the provision, under another law of this jurisdiction.

sheriff’s vehicle, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means any vehicle driven by a person who is:

  • (a)

    a sheriff’s officer for the provision; and

  • (b)

    driving the vehicle in the course of the person’s duties as a sheriff’s officer.

Note

sheriff’s officer is defined in this dictionary.

shoulder, see rule 12.

slip lane means an area of road for vehicles turning left that is separated, at some point, from other parts of the road by a painted island or traffic island but not by a median strip.

Note

Median strip, painted island and traffic island are defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

special purpose lane means a marked lane, or the part of a marked lane, that is a bicycle lane, bus lane, emergency stopping lane, tram lane, transit lane or truck lane.

Note

Bicycle lane is defined in rule 153, bus lane is defined in rule 154, emergency stopping lane is defined in rule 95, marked lane is defined in this dictionary, tram lane is defined in rule 155, transit lane is defined in rule 156, and truck lane is defined in rule 157.

speed-limited area, see rule 22.

stop, in Part 12 and for a driver, includes park, but does not include stop to reverse the driver’s vehicle into a parking bay or other parking space.

Notes

  • 1

    Driver’s vehicle, park and parking bay are defined in this dictionary.

  • 2

    Part 12 deals with restrictions on stopping and parking.

stop line means a continuous line that:

  • (a)

    is marked across all or part of a road; and

  • (b)

    is not part of a marked foot crossing, a keep clear marking or a bicycle storage area for hook turns.

Notes

  • 1

    Keep clear marking is defined in rule 96, and marked foot crossing is defined in this dictionary.

  • 2

    There is an example of a stop line in rule 67.

straight ahead includes substantially straight ahead.

T-intersection means an intersection, other than a roundabout, where 2 roads meet (whether or not at right angles) and one of the roads ends.

Note

Intersection is defined in this dictionary.

T light means a red, white or yellow T light.

Note

Red T light, white T light and yellow T light are defined in this dictionary.

T lights means a device designed to show a T light, or 2 or more T lights at different times.

taxi, for a provision of the Australian Road Rules, means a vehicle that is declared to be a taxi for the Rules, or the provision, under another law of this jurisdiction.

Note

Vehicle is defined in rule 15.

taxi zone, see rule 182.

terminating road, for a T-intersection, means:

  • (a)

    if a road (except a road-related area) at the intersection is designated by traffic signs or road markings, or in another way, as a road that ends at the intersection – that road; or

  • (b)

    in any other case – a road (except a road-related area) that ends at the intersection.

Note

Road is defined in rule 12, road-related area is defined in rule 13, and T‑intersection is defined in this dictionary.

tractor does not include a motor vehicle built to tow a semi-trailer.

Note

Motor vehicle is defined in this dictionary.

traffic includes vehicles and pedestrians.

Note

Pedestrian is defined in rule 18, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

traffic arrow means a green, white or red traffic arrow, or a yellow traffic arrow (whether or not flashing).

Note

Green traffic arrow, red traffic arrow, white traffic arrow and yellow traffic arrow are defined in this dictionary.

traffic arrows means a device designed to show a traffic arrow, or 2 or more traffic arrows at different times.

traffic control device means a traffic sign, road marking, traffic signals, or other device, to direct or warn traffic on, entering or leaving a road.

Note

Various terms used in this definition are defined in this dictionary.

traffic island means a structure on a road to direct traffic, but does not include a road marking or painted island.

Note

Painted island and road marking are defined in this dictionary.

traffic lane arrows means a traffic sign, road marking or device that displays arrows indicating one or more directions and is designed to apply to one or more marked lanes, but does not include traffic arrows.

Note

Marked lane, road marking, traffic arrow and traffic sign are defined in this dictionary.

traffic light means a green traffic light, or a red or yellow traffic light (whether or not flashing).

Note

Green traffic light, red traffic light and yellow traffic light are defined in this dictionary.

traffic lights means a device designed to show a traffic light, or 2 or more traffic lights in a vertical arrangement and at different times, and includes any traffic arrows installed with or near the device.

traffic lights pole means a pole or other structure on which traffic lights are installed.

traffic-related item means any of the following:

  • (a)

    a do not overtake turning vehicle sign;

  • (b)

    a give way to buses sign;

  • (c)

    a fire hydrant indicator or fire plug indicator.

Note

Examples of a fire hydrant indicator and fire plug indicator are shown in Schedule 4.

traffic sign means a board, plate, screen, or another device, whether or not illuminated, displaying words, figures, symbols or anything else to direct or warn traffic on, entering or leaving a road, and includes a children crossing flag, a hand-held stop sign, a parking control sign and a variable illuminated message sign, but does not include traffic signals.

Note

Various terms used in this definition are defined in this dictionary.

traffic signals means bicycle crossing lights, B lights, overhead lane control signals, pedestrian lights, T lights, traffic arrows, traffic lights or twin red or yellow lights.

Note

Various terms used in this definition are defined in this dictionary.

trailer means a vehicle that is built to be towed, or is towed, by a motor vehicle, but does not include a motor vehicle that is being towed.

Note

Motor vehicle is defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

tram includes a light rail vehicle.

tram lane, see rule 155.

tram recovery vehicle means a vehicle used by a tram operator to access and recover disabled trams for which the tram operator is responsible.

tram stop means a place on a road at which there is a sign indicating that trams will stop to enable people to get on or off.

tram tracks includes a rail designed for a light rail vehicle to run on.

tramway, see rule 155A.

transit lane, see rule 156.

travelling along tram tracks, for a bus, means being driven along the area where the tram tracks are laid.

Note

Bus and tram tracks are defined in this dictionary.

trolley includes a shopping trolley and any other kind of handcart.

truck means a motor vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes, except a bus, tram or tractor.

Note

Bus, GVM, motor vehicle, tram and tractor are defined in this dictionary.

truck lane, see rule 157.

truck zone, see rule 180.

turning lane means a marked lane, or the part of a marked lane, for vehicles travelling in one direction to which:

  • (a)

    a left turn only sign, a left lane must turn left sign or left traffic lane arrows apply; or

  • (b)

    a right turn only sign, a right lane must turn right sign or right traffic lane arrows apply; or

  • (c)

    a U-turn permitted sign or U-turn traffic lane arrows apply.

Note

Left traffic lane arrows, marked lane, right traffic lane arrows and U-turn traffic lane arrows are defined in this dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

turn line means a road marking, at an intersection, consisting of a line (whether broken or continuous) that is designed to indicate how a turn is to be made at the intersection.

twin red lights means a device showing, in a horizontal or diagonal arrangement, 2 illuminated red discs that flash alternately.

twin yellow lights means a device showing, in a horizontal or diagonal arrangement, 2 illuminated yellow discs that flash alternately.

two-way road means a road for use by vehicles travelling in opposite directions.

Note

Vehicle is defined in rule 15.

U-turn means a turn made by a driver so that the driver’s vehicle faces in approximately the opposite direction from which it was facing immediately before the turn was made, but does not include a turn made at a roundabout.

Note

Driver’s vehicle is defined in this dictionary, and roundabout is defined in rule 109.

U-turn traffic lane arrows means traffic lane arrows applying to a marked lane that indicate only a U-turn direction.

Note

U-turn is defined in this dictionary.

variable illuminated message device means a device designed to display, and to change or turn off from time to time by electronic or optical means, illuminated words, figures, symbols, or anything else, to direct or warn traffic on, entering or leaving a road, but does not include traffic signals.

Note

Traffic is defined in this dictionary.

variable illuminated message sign means the illuminated words, figures, symbols, or other things, displayed at any relevant time on a variable illuminated message device.

vehicle, see rule 15.

wheelchair means a chair mounted on 2 or more wheels that is built to transport a person who is unable to walk or has difficulty in walking, but does not include a pram, stroller or trolley.

Note

Trolley is defined in this dictionary.

wheeled recreational device means a wheeled device, built to transport a person, propelled by human power or gravity, and ordinarily used for recreation or play, and:

  • (a)

    includes rollerblades, rollerskates, a skateboard, scooter, unicycle or similar wheeled device; but

  • (b)

    does not include a golf buggy, pram, stroller or trolley, a motor-assisted device other than a motorised scooter (whether or not the motor is operating), or a bicycle, wheelchair or wheeled toy.

Note

Bicycle, trolley, wheelchair and wheeled toy are defined in this dictionary.

wheeled toy means a child’s pedal car, scooter (other than a motorised scooter) or tricycle or a similar toy, but only when it is being used only by a child who is under 12 years old.

white B light means an illuminated white B as shown in the diagram in Schedule 4.

white T light means an illuminated white T as shown in the diagram in Schedule 4.

white traffic arrow means an illuminated white arrow.

window, in relation to a vehicle, includes any sunroof fitted to the vehicle.

with, for information about the application of a traffic control device, includes accompanying or reasonably associated with the device.

works zone, see rule 181.

yellow bicycle crossing light means an illuminated yellow bicycle symbol (whether or not flashing) as shown in the diagram in Schedule 4.

Note

Bicycle symbol is defined in this dictionary.

yellow B light means an illuminated yellow B.

yellow T light means an illuminated yellow T.

yellow traffic arrow means an illuminated yellow arrow.

yellow traffic light means an illuminated yellow disc.

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