Transport for NSW

Road User Handbook

The Road User Handbook covers the main road rules and
Introduction
requirements for driving on NSW roads. The handbook also aims
to help you get your licence, become a safe driver and register The Road User Handbook covers the main rules you need to know
your vehicle. to drive legally and safely on NSW roads. It’s essential reading for
It has been written in plain, easy to understand language and anyone learning to drive. It aims to prepare you for the challenges
should not be taken as a precise interpretation of the law. See the of driving and reduce your risk on the road.
current and complete set of Road Rules at legislation.nsw.gov.au This handbook is the main resource to get your Car (C) driver
This handbook is reviewed and updated periodically. Check our licence under the NSW Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS).
website at nsw.gov.au for the latest information. It covers the questions in the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT), which
you have to pass to get your learner licence. Read this handbook
In this handbook, the words ‘must’ or ‘must not’ are used for rules to prepare for the DKT, as well as other licensing tests.
that you have to follow. The words ‘should’ or ‘should not’ are used
when explaining safe and low-risk driving. This handbook can also be used by other drivers and road users
to check the rules, understand their legal responsibilities and learn
The Road User Handbook is also published in community safe driving behaviour.
languages.
There are also similar handbooks for bicycle riders, motorcycle
A free interpreter service is available if you need to take the Driver riders and heavy vehicle drivers available at nsw.gov.au
Knowledge Test (DKT) or Hazard Perception Test (HPT) in another
language. Call 13 22 13 to arrange an interpreter. Remember, we all have a responsibility to share our roads, use
them safely and look out for each other.
The statistics in this handbook are sourced from Transport for
NSW 2014–2018, unless otherwise stated.

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 Contents

Contents
Introduction1 Sharing with other road users 71
Pedestrians71
Licences6
Bicycle riders 75
Getting your driver licence 7 Motorcycle riders 77
Licence classes 15 Horse riders 79
Licence restrictions 19 Trucks and buses 80
Medical conditions and disability 24
Interstate and overseas licences 25
Stopping, giving way and turning 82
Driving without a licence 27 Stop signs and stop lines 82
Learner driver supervisor 28 Give way signs and give way lines 84
Traffic lights 85
Safe driving behaviour 30
Roundabouts91
Speed limits 32 Intersections98
Alcohol limits 39 Turning left and right 106
Drugs and medicines 43 U-turns and three-point turns 112
Seatbelts46 Indicating114
Child car seats 49 Pedestrian crossings 116
Mobile phones 54 Railway level crossings 120
Digital screens and GPS 57 Narrow bridges and roads 122
Fatigue58 One-way streets 123
Hooning and street racing 62
Negligent or dangerous driving 63
Overtaking and merging 124
Safe stopping distance 64 Overtaking124
Common crashes in NSW 69 Merging and changing lanes 132
Motorways and freeways 134

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 Contents

Road lanes, lines and markings 140 Vehicle safety and compliance 185
Road lines and markings 140 Vehicle registration 185
Slip lanes 148 Number plates 187
Median turning lanes 149 Roadworthiness189
Bicycle lanes 149 Vehicle safety features 190
Bus lanes 151 Towing192
Tramways and tram lanes 152 Driving posture 193
Truck lanes 153 Ecodriving194
Transit lanes 154
Penalties195
Shared paths 155
Keep left or right 155 Fines195
Demerit points 196
Parking156 Loss of licence 197
No parking 156 Alcohol interlocks 199
Restricted parking 160 Driver education courses 199
Ways to park 165 Vehicle impoundment 200
Prison200
Warnings and road hazards 167
Toll notices 201
Warning signs 167
Roadworks171
Index202
Wildlife and livestock 173
Crashes174
Breakdowns177
Police and emergency vehicles 179
Funeral processions 179
Driving in poor conditions 180
Driving distractions 181
Lights and horns 182

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 Licences

Licences Getting your driver licence

Getting your driver licence is a journey. In NSW, it starts with To get a full (unrestricted) Car (C) driver licence, you need to go
getting your learner licence. Your learning is spread over 3 or 4 through three licence stages:
years to help build experience to become a safe and skilled driver. • Learner licence (Ls)
A driver licence gives you freedom but also brings responsibility. • Provisional P1 licence (red Ps)
It’s a commitment between you and the NSW community to keep • Provisional P2 licence (green Ps).
the roads safe for everyone.
Along the way, you need to pass three tests:
There’s a set process and set fees for getting your driver licence.
• Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)
You must go through the process honestly and not bribe anyone
or cheat along the way. • Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
• Driving Test.
When you get your licence, do not abuse or misuse it. If you do,
you risk heavy penalties. You may lose your licence and your There’s a fee for each licence and test.
freedom to drive.
These licensing stages are called the Graduated Licensing Scheme
(GLS) and it aims to help you become a safe and low-risk driver. It
takes at least 4 years to get a full licence if you’re aged under 25,
or at least 3 years if you’re over 25.

Before you start, you must:

• be aged 16 or over
• have a residential address in NSW
• be able to prove who you are
• be medically fit to drive and able to pass an eyesight test.

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 Licences

7 Steps to getting your driver licence Step 1: Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)
The first step is to take the DKT. This test is often called
the ‘learner’s test’ because you need to pass it to get your
1. Driver Knowledge Test
learner licence.
DKT
• Minimum age for this stage is 16 years old
The DKT is a computer-based test about road rules and road
safety. You have to answer 45 questions selected at random from
2. Learner Licence (Ls) 90 600 questions. To pass, you need to correctly answer:

• Minimum 12 months* • 12 out of 15 general knowledge questions

• Valid for 5 years • 29 out of 30 road safety questions (including traffic signs).

• Log book (120 hours*) Preparing for the DKT

3. Hazard Perception Test Everything you need to know to pass the DKT is in this handbook.
Study it to give yourself the best chance to pass the test.
• Minimum 10 months on a learner licence* HPT
You can also:
• Valid for 15 months
• take the online NSW Practice Test at nsw.gov.au
4. The Driving Test • download the NSW Practice Tests app from the App Store or
DRIVING
• Minimum age for this stage is 17 years old TEST Google Play
• read the DKT questions at nsw.gov.au
• get help from the Driver Licensing Access Program, if you’re
5. Provisional P1 Licence
Aboriginal or a disadvantaged person.
• Minimum 12 months
You must pass the DKT honestly. If you cheat, you cannot re-sit the
• Valid for 18 months test for 6 weeks and must pay the fee again.

6. Provisional P2 Licence Booking the DKT

• Minimum 24 months** Book and pay for your test at service.nsw.gov.au
• Valid for 36 months
When you book, you can choose which service centre you want to
take the test at.
7. Full Licence FULL
LICENCE
• Issued for 12 months, 36 months, 5 or 10 years*** If you pass the DKT
You get a temporary learner licence on the day you take the test.
Your actual learner licence is posted to you. You can also apply for
a digital driver licence at service.nsw.gov.au
* Applies to under 25 year olds only.
**  2 drivers who receive a suspension for unsafe driving behaviour must stay
P A digital licence is optional and doesn’t replace the plastic card.
on their licence for an extra 6 months for every suspension they receive.
*** 10 years applies to full licence holders aged 21 to 44 years.

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If you fail the DKT Step 3: Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

Depending on availability, you can re-sit the test on the same day, The HPT is a computer-based test that measures your ability to
or book to do it another time. You have to pay for the test each recognise and respond to road hazards. The test uses film clips of
time you re-sit it. real driving situations. You respond by touching the screen to show
what you would do, for example, slow down or turn.
Step 2: Learner licence (Ls) If you’re over 25, you can do the test as soon as you have your
Once you’ve passed the DKT and have your learner licence, learner licence and feel ready.
you can start practising driving (with a supervisor who has a
If you’re under 25, you need to have your learner licence for at
full Australian driver licence).
least 10 months before you can take the test.
• If you’re over 25, you can go to step 3 as soon as you feel
ready. You do not need to log any driving hours. Preparing for the HPT
• If you’re under 25, you need to start logging hours. Visit nsw.gov.au to read more about the Hazard Perception Test
Your learner licence is valid for 5 years, so you can practice for and the Hazard Perception Handbook.
as long as you need. If you need to, you can renew it for another
5 years by taking the DKT test and paying the test and licence Booking the HPT
fees again. Book and pay for your test at service.nsw.gov.au

Logging driving hours When you book, you can choose which service centre you want to
take the test at.
You need to log at least 120 hours of driving, including 20 hours at
night, before you can take the driving test. If you pass the HPT
To help you gain experience and log your hours, you can: The next step is to prepare for the driving test for a provisional
• Do the Safer Drivers Course. This will help you develop P1 licence.
hazard perception and safe driving skills. You get 20 hours
log book credit once you complete the course. If you fail the HPT
• Have structured ‘3 for 1’ driving lessons with a licensed driving Depending on availability, you can re-sit the test on the same day,
instructor. For every 1 hour lesson, the driving instructor will or book to do it another time. You have to pay for the test each
record 3 hours driving experience in your log book. time you re-sit it.
• Get support from the Driver Licensing Access Program,
if you’re Aboriginal or a disadvantaged person.

Learner licence restrictions

There are licence restrictions that you need to follow. Examples
include always having someone with a full Australian driver licence
supervising you when you’re learning to drive, zero alcohol and
displaying your L plates. These restrictions are there to keep you
safe as you develop your driving skills.

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Step 4: Driving Test Step 5: Provisional P1 licence (red Ps)

You need to pass the Driving Test to get your provisional P1 Once you’ve passed the Driving Test, you can apply for your
licence. If you do not pass the Driving Test within 15 months of provisional P1 licence.
passing the HPT, you must pass the HPT again before you can take
the Driving Test. Once you have your P1 licence you no longer have to keep a
log book or have a supervisor in the car with you. As you drive
The Driving Test is a practical, on-road test that you take with a on your own, you continue to learn, build your driving skills and
Service NSW testing officer. The test assesses your driving skills, gain confidence.
decision-making and how you share the road with others.
P1 licence restrictions
You have to bring a suitable car to do the test. It needs to be
registered, safe for road use and ready to drive. There are licence restrictions that you need to follow.
Examples include the maximum speed you can drive, the
If you’re over 25, you can book your Driving Test as soon as you’ve vehicles you can drive and the number of passengers you
passed the HPT. can take. These restrictions are to help keep you safe as you
develop your driving skills.
If you’re under 25, you also need to have:
• had your learner licence for at least 12 months How long a P1 licence is valid
• logged at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including As long as you follow the restrictions of your P1 licence, it’s valid
20 hours of night driving. for 18 months. You can renew it (for a fee) for another 18 months
if you want to.
Preparing for the Driving Test
When you can progress to a P2 licence
Make sure you feel prepared and confident that you can pass
before taking the test. Read A Guide to the Driving Test at If you’re ready, you can apply for a P2 licence after 12 months.
nsw.gov.au to help you prepare.
If your P1 licence is suspended, the 12 months is extended by the
Booking the Driving Test length of the suspension, for example, by 3 months.

Book and pay for your test at service.nsw.gov.au If your P1 licence is disqualified, you will need to reapply for a P1
licence when your disqualification ends. This will re-start the P1
When you book, you can choose which service centre you want licence period and you can apply for a P2 licence after 12 months.
to take the test at.

If you pass the Driving Test

You can apply for your provisional P1 licence.

If you fail the Driving Test

If you fail the Driving Test, you can take it again after 7 days.
You need to pay for the test again.

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Step 6: Provisional P2 licence (green Ps) Licence classes

Once you’ve had your provisional P1 licence for at least 12 months,
This handbook is about getting a Car (C) licence. The vehicles
you can apply for a provisional P2 licence at service.nsw.gov.au
you can drive with a C licence are below.
P2 licence restrictions If you have a provisional P1 or P2 licence, there are restrictions on
There are still licence restrictions that you need to follow. Some the vehicles you can drive.
are the same as the P1 licence, but some are different, such as how
Other vehicles, such as motorcycles and heavy vehicles, need
many passengers you can take and what you can tow.
different licences. You must have your C licence before getting
How long a P2 licence is valid these licences – except for Rider (R) licences. You also have to
take tests, competency assessments and medical checks.
As long as you follow the restrictions of your P2 licence, it’s valid
for 36 months. You can renew it (for a fee) for another 36 months
if you want to.
Car (C) licence
Drivers with a C licence can drive vehicles:
When you can progress to a full licence
• up to 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass
If you’re ready, you can progress to a full licence after 24 months. (GVM)
If your P2 licence is suspended, the 24 months is extended by the • that seat up to 12 adults including
length of the suspension (for example 3 months) plus an additional the driver.
6 months. This is to give you time to refine your safe driving skills
and make sure you’re ready for a full licence. This includes:
• utes, vans and some light trucks
If your P2 licence is disqualified, you will need to reapply for a
P2 licence when your disqualification ends. This will re-start the • tractors, and implements such as
P2 licence period and you can progress to a full licence after road graders
24 months. • car-based motor tricycles (3-wheeled
vehicles made from car components).

Step 7: Full (unrestricted) licence Drivers with a C licence must not carry
passengers aged under 16 in a car-based
Once you’ve had your provisional P2 licence for at least 24 months, motor tricycle.
you can apply for your full driver licence at service.nsw.gov.au

You can apply for a full licence for 1, 3 or 5 years, or 10 years if

you’re aged between 21 and 44.

Your driver licence gives you a great sense of freedom, but it

comes with responsibility. Driving is one of the riskiest things we
do on a daily basis. Make sure you keep up your driving skills and
follow the road rules.

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Rider (R) licence Heavy Rigid (HR) licence

Riders with an R licence can ride any Drivers with an HR licence can drive C, LR and MR vehicles, as well
motorcycle, scooter or motor tricycle. as rigid vehicles and articulated buses with:
• 3 or more axles and over 8 tonnes (GVM)
• a towing trailer up to 9 tonnes (GVM).

Light Rigid (LR) licence

Drivers with an LR licence can drive C
vehicles as well as vehicles:
• over 4.5 tonnes (GVM) but not more Heavy Combination (HC) licence
than 8 tonnes (GVM) – for example,
small delivery trucks Drivers with an HC licence can drive C, LR, MR and HR vehicles,
• that seat more than 12 adults (including as well as:
driver) and are not more than 8 tonnes • prime movers attached to single semi-trailers (plus any
(GVM) – for example, minibuses unladen converter dolly)
• with a towing trailer up to 9 tonnes • rigid vehicles towing a trailer over 9 tonnes (GVM) (plus any
(GVM). unladen converter dolly).

Medium Rigid (MR) licence

Drivers with an MR licence can drive C and
LR vehicles as well as rigid vehicles with:
• 2 axles and over 8 tonnes (GVM) –
for example, buses
• a towing trailer up to 9 tonnes (GVM).

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Multi Combination (MC) licence Licence restrictions

Drivers with an MC licence can drive C, LR, MR, HR and HC There are restrictions you must follow when you drive with a:
vehicles, as well as: • Learner licence (Ls)
• B-double or road trains • Provisional P1 licence (red Ps)
• low loader dollies • Provisional P2 licence (green Ps).
• low loader trailer combinations.
These restrictions are in place to help keep you safe as you
develop your driving skills. They also apply when you drive in
another state or territory. If you do not follow these restrictions,
you’ll get a fine. You can also get demerit points or even lose
your licence.

Other licences Restriction Applies to

Once you have your full C licence, you can apply for a: Alcohol limit 90

• Passenger Transport (PT) licence code (taxis, chauffeur- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) must
driven hire cars and rideshare vehicles) be zero.
• Driving instructor licence This means you must not have any alcohol in your
• Tow truck driver certificate. system when you drive.

Once you have a licence for the class of bus you want to drive, you Maximum speed limit 90

can apply for a Bus Driver Authority. You can drive to a maximum of 90km/h.

You must observe all speed limits below 90km/h.

You can drive to a maximum of 100km/h.

You must observe all speed limits below 100km/h.

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Restriction Applies to Restriction Applies to

Mobile phone use 90
High-performance cars
You must not use a mobile phone while driving, You must not drive high-performance cars, such
even when you’re stationary, for example, stopped as those:
at lights or stuck in traffic. This includes:
• with a power to mass ratio greater than
• texting 130 kilowatts per tonne
• phone calls • with significant modifications made to the
• music vehicle’s engine
• emailing • that are listed as a banned high-performance
• social media vehicle.
• using the internet Visit nsw.gov.au for the full list of banned
• maps high-performance cars.
• photography.
The only time you can use your phone is to: There’s no restriction on learning to drive in a 90

high‑performance car.
• show your digital driver licence when
Displaying L or P plates 90

instructed by police
• use wallet functions to make a transaction or You must clearly display plates on the front
show a voucher, but only in areas such as a and back, or roof, of the exterior of the vehicle
car park, driveway or drive-through and if the you’re driving.
vehicle is stationary.
Learners must display an L plate.
Number of passengers 90

P1 drivers must display a red P plate.

You can carry only the number of passengers that
you have seatbelts and approved and suitable child P2 drivers must display a green P plate.
car seats for.
The whole letter (L or P) must be visible.
If you return to driving after being disqualified,
you can only carry one passenger at a time, for Secure your plates with a clip or holder so they do
12 months. not fall off. This ensures they do not become litter
and stay visible at all times.
If you are aged under 25, between 11pm and 5am,
only one of your passengers can be aged under 21. Location restrictions 90

Exemptions may apply. You must not drive in Parramatta Park, Centennial
Park or Moore Park when in Sydney.
There’s no location restriction.

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Restriction Applies to Restriction Applies to

Being supervised 90
Trucks and heavy vehicles 90

You must be supervised by a person with an You must not drive, or learn to drive, vehicles that
appropriate full (unrestricted) Australian driver need another class of licence, such as trucks and
licence (not a learner, provisional or overseas other heavy vehicles.
licence). They must sit next to you.
You can learn to drive the following vehicles that
You do not need to be supervised. need a different class of licence:

The exception is if you passed your Driving Test in • Light Rigid (LR) or Medium Rigid (MR)
an automatic car and want to drive a manual car. vehicles, as soon as you have your P2 licence.
• Heavy Rigid (HR) vehicles after 1 year.
You do not need to be supervised.
Motor tricycles 90

Supervising a learner 90
You must not drive car-based motor tricycles.
You must not supervise or instruct a learner driver.
Towing a trailer 90

You must not tow a trailer or any other vehicle.

You can tow light trailers that weigh up to 250kg
when empty.

A red P plate must be on the back of the trailer.

Full licence towing rules apply.

A green P plate must be on the back of the trailer.

Manual or automatic cars 90

You can learn to drive in either an automatic or a

manual car.
If you passed your Driving Test in a manual car, you
can drive either a manual or an automatic car.

If you passed your Driving Test in an automatic

car, you can only drive an automatic car, unless
supervised in a manual car by someone with a full
Australian driver licence.
There’s no restriction: you can drive either an
automatic or manual car.

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Medical conditions and disability Interstate and overseas licences

When you apply for your driver licence, you must state whether If you have a current interstate or overseas driver licence, you can
you have a medical condition or disability that could affect your use it to drive in NSW. The conditions and how long you can use it
driving. You also need to pass an eyesight test. for depend on your circumstances.
If you have a:
Medical conditions • provisional licence – you also need to follow the conditions
of your current interstate or overseas licence
For some medical conditions, such as epilepsy or cardiovascular • learner licence – you also need to follow the conditions of
conditions, you’ll need regular medical assessments to make sure your current interstate or overseas licence and the NSW
you’re fit to drive. learner licence restrictions.
If you develop a medical condition once you’ve got your licence,
you must tell Transport for NSW. This is because driving with a Interstate and New Zealand licences
medical condition can put yourself and other road users at risk.
Failure to follow medical direction can lead to losing your licence. You can drive in NSW using your interstate or New Zealand driver
licence for up to 3 months, as long as:
• your licence is not suspended or disqualified
People with disability • your licence is the correct licence class for the vehicle
Disability can have either a minor or serious effect on your you’re driving
driving ability. If Transport for NSW determines that a disability • you follow NSW road rules
has a serious effect, you’ll need to take a test. This is to show • your right to drive in NSW has not been withdrawn.
your driving ability and see if you need any aids or vehicle
modifications. You may have conditions placed on your driver To continue to drive in NSW after 3 months, you must transfer your
licence, for example, only driving automatic vehicles. licence to a NSW licence. You must do this within the 3 months.
Visit service.nsw.gov.au for information about transferring your
overseas learner, provisional or full licence.
As you get older
As you get older, changes to your health may affect your ability to
drive. From the age of 75, you’ll need to pass a medical assessment
Overseas licences (except New Zealand)
and eyesight test every year to keep your driver licence. From You can drive in NSW using your overseas driver licence as long as:
85, you’ll also need to take a practical driving assessment every 2
• your licence is current and is not suspended or disqualified
years. Alternatively, if you no longer require an unrestricted licence,
you can opt for a modified (ie. local area) licence, without the need • your right to drive in NSW has not been withdrawn
for a practical driving assessment. • your licence is the correct licence class for the vehicle
you’re driving
• you were not issued an Australian permanent resident visa
more than 3 months ago
• you follow NSW road rules.

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 Licences

If your licence is not in English, you must carry an International

Driver Permit or a translation of your licence when driving.
Driving without a licence
You’re encouraged to transfer to a NSW licence if you intend to live You must always carry your licence when driving.
in NSW for a long period of time.
Police can ask to see your licence anytime. If you’re using a digital
If you get an Australian permanent resident visa, you must transfer driver licence make sure your phone is charged and the screen is
to a NSW licence within 3 months. not cracked.

Visit service.nsw.gov.au for information about transferring your You can get a fine for driving without your licence with you or
overseas learner, provisional or full licence. refusing to show it when asked.

Once you have a NSW licence, your interstate or overseas licence Your licence must be:
is invalid. This is because in Australia you can only have one driver • current (not expired, suspended or disqualified)
licence.
• the correct licence class for the type of vehicle you’re driving
• a NSW licence, unless you’re complying with the current
Transferring your licence requirements and conditions for interstate and overseas
driver licences.
When you transfer your interstate or overseas licence, you transfer
to an equivalent NSW licence. Penalties for driving without the correct, current licence include
large fines and prison, and increase for repeat offences within
Interstate or overseas licence NSW equivalent licence 5 years.

Learner licence Learner licence You must not let anyone without a licence drive your vehicle.

You may be eligible to sit

the Hazard Perception Test
and the Driving Test without
getting a NSW learner licence.
Driver licence held for less Provisional P1 licence*
than 12 months
Driver licence held for more Provisional P2 licence*
than 12 months but less than
3 years
Driver licence held for more Full (unrestricted) licence*
than 3 years

* Depending where your overseas licence is from, you may need to take
the Driver Knowledge Test and the Driving Test.

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Learner driver supervisor

A learner driver must always drive with a supervisor sitting in the
Safety first
seat next to them. When you’re learning to drive, your supervisor is both a role model
and a mentor. They should support and help you become a safe
A learner can be immediately suspended if they drive without a
and skilled driver.
supervisor.
When you start learning, you should practice simple skills, such as
steering, accelerating and braking. It’s best to learn these on quiet
Supervisor requirements roads during the day. Once you’ve mastered those, you can move
on to more difficult tasks on busier roads and in more challenging
Licence conditions. When you start practising at night, drive on roads you
A supervisor must have a full (unrestricted) Australian driver know well.
licence. This means a driver with a learner, provisional P1 or P2,
or overseas licence must not supervise a learner driver.

Both the supervisor and the learner driver can be fined if the
supervisor does not have a full Australian driver licence.

Alcohol and drugs

When supervising a learning driver, a supervisor must:
• have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) under 0.05
• not have illegal drugs present in their system or be under
the influence of any drug.

Police can breath-test a supervisor involved in a crash.

If a supervisor is admitted to hospital after a crash, medical

practitioners can also take blood and urine tests.

Police can also test a supervisor who shows signs of being under
the influence of drugs, including prescription drugs.

The same severe penalties for alcohol and drugs that apply
to drivers also apply to supervisors.

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 Safe driving behaviour

Safe driving behaviour Learner, P1 and P2 drivers in casualty crashes

NSW crash data shows that Provisional P1 drivers are most likely
Every year around 350 people are killed on NSW roads. to be involved in a crash. This graph shows the number of learner
Another 22,000 are injured. and provisional drivers involved in crashes that have casualties and
The major behavioural factors that contribute to deaths on their months of driving experience.
the road are:
700
• speeding
• drink driving 600

• drug driving 500

Number of drivers
• fatigue 400

• not wearing seatbelts. 300

The graph below shows the major behavioural factors for young 200
drivers/riders (aged 17 to 25) involved in fatal crashes.
100

0
1 3 5 7 9 11 1 3 5 7 9 11 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23
Young drivers/riders involved in fatal crashes Number of months driving
50

40
43%
30

20
22%
17%
10 15%
0
Speed Illegal drugs Alcohol Fatigue

Of the fatal crashes involving young drivers/riders aged 17 to 25:

• 43% involved speeding
• 22% involved the presence of illegal drugs
• 17% involved alcohol
• 15% involved fatigue.

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 Safe driving behaviour

To make sure our roads are safe for all road users, it’s critical Licence restrictions
drivers understand and practice safe driving behaviours and follow
the road rules. You must not drive faster than the maximum speed allowed by
your driver licence, even when a speed limit sign is higher.
You can reduce your chances of being in a crash if you:
• follow the speed limits and drive to the conditions Driver licence Maximum speed

• do not drink or take drugs and drive Learner 90km/h

• get enough sleep and be aware when you’re too tired Provisional P1 90km/h
to drive
Provisional P2 100km/h
• make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seatbelt.
Heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes (GVM). This 100km/h
Your decisions can make a big difference to safety on the road. includes LR, MR, HR, HC, MC licence classes

Speed limits Radar detectors and jammers

It’s illegal to have a radar detector or jammer in your vehicle.
Speeding is the number one killer on NSW roads. On average,
it’s a factor in around 40% of deaths and 20% of serious injuries A radar detector or jammer is anything that detects, interferes
each year. with or reduces the effectiveness of speed-measuring devices.

The rules
Penalties
Speed limits
On roads where there’s a speed limit sign, you must not drive Penalties for speeding include:
faster than that speed limit. • fines

On roads where there’s no speed limit sign, you must not drive • demerit points (including double demerit points)
faster than the default speed limit: • loss of licence
• 50km/h in ‘built-up areas’ – areas with street lights and • taking away your vehicle or number plates.
buildings next to the road less than 100m apart
The penalty increases the more you’re over the speed limit,
• 100km/h for all other roads. and if you speed in school zones.

Learner and provisional P1 drivers will go over their demerit point

limit for any speeding offence and their licence will be suspended.

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 Safe driving behaviour

Speed limit signs Shared zone

Speed limit signs show you the maximum speed you can drive in A shared zone is where pedestrians, bicycles
good conditions. Slow down in poor conditions. and other vehicles can share the road safely.

Regulatory speed signs Shared zones have a speed limit of 10km/h.

You must not drive faster than this speed
Regulatory speed limit signs have a white limit. You must also give way to any
background with the speed limit in a red Shared Shared pedestrian in a shared zone. This includes
circle. You must not drive faster than the zone. zone ends. slowing down and stopping, if necessary,
speed limit shown on the sign. to avoid them.

School zone
You must not drive A school zone is the area around a school
faster than 50km/h.
between a ‘School zone’ sign and an
Variable speed limit signs ‘End school zone’ sign.

These are electronic signs placed in tunnels You must not drive faster than the speed
and on motorways and bridges where the limit in a school zone on school days during
speed limit changes based on the road the times shown on the sign. School days
conditions. You must not go faster than the are published by the NSW Department
speed limit shown on the sign. of Education.

Local traffic areas Every school has at least one set of flashing
lights, which operate during school zones
A local traffic area is an area of local streets times. ‘Dragon’s teeth’ are also painted on
with a speed limit of 40km/h. the road to make school zones more visible.
The lower speed limit means greater safety
for all road users and more peace and quiet The school zone ends,
the speed limit is now
for people living in the area.
60km/h.

High pedestrian activity areas

High pedestrian activity areas have a speed
limit of 30km/h or 40km/h.

This lower speed limit improves safety in

areas with high levels of pedestrian activity,
such as busy central business district zones
and small suburban shopping strips.
40km/h high
pedestrian
activity area.

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 Safe driving behaviour

School bus stop zone Areas without speed signs

A school bus stop zone is the area between Default speed limits apply on roads without speed limit signs
a ‘School bus stop zone’ sign and an or roads with an end speed limit sign.
‘End school bus stop zone’ sign. This area
is where school buses stop to drop off or
pick up children.

If you’re driving in a school bus stop zone

and see a bus with flashing lights on the
The speed limit in a
top, you must not pass or overtake it in any Reduce speed to
school bus stop zone End speed limit sign. State limit 100km/h
is 40km/h when bus direction at more than 40km/h while the conditions.
applies, drive to
lights flash. lights are flashing. conditions.

Buses with flashing lights Advisory speed signs

At any time when you are travelling in the Advisory speed signs are not regulatory signs.
same direction as a bus with a ‘40 when They show the recommended maximum
lights flash’ sign on the back and the lights speed to safely drive when there are hazards,
on top are flashing, you must not overtake such as curves, bends and crests.
it at more than 40km/h. This is because the
bus is picking up or dropping off children The advisory speed is for average vehicles in
Flashing lights on the who may be crossing or about to cross good driving conditions. You should drive at
top of a school bus. a slower speed if the conditions are poor.
the road.
Advisory speed signs have a yellow
Road work speed limit signs background. An advisory speed sign is
Roadwork signs alert you to the start and usually used with a warning sign.
end of roadworks and the speed limit for that
area. You must not go faster than the speed
limit shown on the sign.

The speed limit

is 40km/h for
roadworks.

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 Safe driving behaviour

Safety first Drive to road conditions

Even if you’re driving at or below the speed limit, you may be
There’s no such thing as safe speeding driving too fast for road conditions such as curves, rain, heavy
Speeding means driving over the speed limit or at a speed unsafe traffic or night-time.
for the road conditions.

Some people consider that going over the speed limit by 5 to

10km/h is ‘acceptable’ speeding. This is a dangerous way to think.
Research has shown that even a small increase in speed can lead
Alcohol limits
to a big increase in your chance of a crash.
Alcohol affects your driving. It puts your safety and the safety of
Even if your passengers encourage you to, do not go over the your passengers and other road users at risk.
speed limit.
Drink driving is one of the major causes of death on NSW roads.
Speeding increases the risk of death or injury
A small difference in speed can make a large difference to the The rules
risk of death or serious injury. If a car collides with a pedestrian at
50km/h, the impact is twice as likely to kill the pedestrian than if Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
the car had been travelling at 40km/h. Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) must be under the legal
limit when driving.
Speed cameras reduce the risk and severity of crashes
The legal limit depends on your driver licence or vehicle type:
Speed cameras are proven to change driver behaviour and reduce
road trauma.
Driver licence or vehicle type BAC
There are four types of speed cameras in NSW: • Learner (L) 0
1. Mobile speed cameras are moved around the road network • Provisional P1
and can detect speeding anywhere and any time. • Provisional P2
2. Red-light speed cameras capture both red-light running and • Full (unrestricted) licence (C) or (R) Under 0.05
speeding across multi-lanes at high-risk intersections. • Fully licensed driver from interstate
or overseas
3. Fixed speed cameras are in high-risk locations such as tunnels
or areas with a history of severe crashes. • Public passenger vehicles (for example, Under 0.02
4. Average speed cameras measure the average speed of heavy buses, coaches, taxis, rideshare vehicles
vehicles over long distances. and chauffeur‑driven hire cars)
• Heavy vehicles with a gross vehicle mass
Play your part in keeping our community safe. Slow down to (GVM) over 13.9 tonnes
save lives. • Vehicle and trailer combinations with
a gross combined mass (GCM) over
13.9 tonnes
• Dangerous goods vehicles

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 Safe driving behaviour

It’s impossible for you to estimate your own BAC, even if you think Penalties
you know how many drinks you’ve had. Your size and weight,
how tired you are, and variation in alcohol servings can all affect There are severe penalties for driving over the legal alcohol limit or
your BAC. under the influence of alcohol, or refusing a blood or breath test.
The only way to be sure you’re under the limit is to not drink Penalties can be fines, loss of licence, prison or an alcohol interlock
alcohol at all. on your vehicle. The penalty depends on how much you’re over
the limit and whether it’s a first or repeat offence.
Driving under the influence of alcohol
If you drink alcohol while driving, you can get a fine and demerit
You must not drive under the influence of alcohol.
points.
If you think you might be under the influence, do not drive.

Drinking alcohol while driving

You must not drink alcohol while in your vehicle and driving,
even if your BAC stays below your legal limit.

Random breath tests (RBT) Safety first

You must not refuse an RBT by the police. Alcohol affects your ability to drive
Police can stop you anytime and test your BAC by asking you Even if you feel unaffected, as few as one or two drinks will affect
to speak or blow into a breath-testing device. Police can also your reaction, judgement and ability to drive.
breath‑test any driver involved in a crash.
Alcohol is a depressant. It reduces your ability to drive safely
Blood and urine tests because it:
• slows your brain functions – you cannot respond to
You must not refuse a blood or urine test if asked to take one after
situations, make decisions or react quickly
a crash.
• reduces your ability to judge speed (yours and others) and
If you’re involved in a crash that’s fatal (or likely to be fatal), police your distance from other cars, people or objects
can arrest you to take blood and urine tests.
• gives you false confidence – you may take greater risks
If you’re admitted to hospital after a crash, medical practitioners because you think your driving is better than it really is
can take blood and urine tests for the police. • makes it harder to do more than one thing at a time – while
you concentrate on steering, you could miss things like traffic
lights, cars and pedestrians
• makes you drowsy – you could fall asleep at the wheel.

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 Safe driving behaviour

Alcohol increases crash risk Drugs and medicines

The more alcohol you have in your blood, the higher the risk of
being in a crash. Any drugs including illegal drugs, prescription and over-the-
counter medicines can affect your driving and put the safety
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights around 50% of fatal of passengers or other road users at risk. They can also change
crashes involve alcohol. Crashes involving drink driving are your behaviour, causing you to take risks you usually would
generally more serious. not consider.

It’s safest not to drink any alcohol If you think you might have illegal drugs in your system or be
under the influence of any other drug or medicine, do not drive.
The simplest way to drive safely is not to drink at all if you intend
to drive. After a heavy night of drinking you may still be over your
legal alcohol limit for much of the next day. It can take more than
18 hours for your BAC to get back to zero.
The rules
There’s no way you can speed up the rate at which your body gets Presence of illegal drugs
rid of alcohol. Black coffee, a shower or a large meal will not work. You must not drive with the presence of illegal drugs in
The only thing that reduces your BAC is time. your system.
If you’re planning to drink, make sure you organise a way to get Drugs can remain in your system for a long time after you’ve
home without driving. taken them. Police can test any driver or supervisor in NSW for
four common illegal drugs through Mobile Drug Testing (MDT):
• ecstasy
• cannabis
• cocaine
• methamphetamine (including speed and ice).

If you think you might have illegal drugs in your system,

do not drive.

Driving under the influence of drugs or medicine

You must not drive while under the influence of any drug,
including illegal drugs, prescription medicines and over-the-
counter medicines.

If you think you might be under the influence of a drug or

medicine, do not drive.

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 Safe driving behaviour

Drug testing Safety first

You must not refuse drug testing by the police.
Illegal drugs increase your crash risk
There are two ways to test for drug driving. Safe driving needs clear judgement and concentration. You have
to react quickly to changing situations on the road. Illegal drugs
1. Saliva (oral fluid) test cause changes in the brain that can impair your driving ability and
Police can randomly stop and test the saliva of any driver for the increase your risk of having a crash.
presence of illegal drugs. You’ll need to wipe a test stick down
your tongue to check if you have illegal drugs in your system. Stimulants such as ecstasy, cocaine or methamphetamine can
make you think you’re driving better than you actually are. They
2. Blood and urine test can also make you drive aggressively and take more risks.

Police can also stop and test drivers who show signs of being Heroin and other opiates such as morphine, codeine and methadone
under the influence of a drug, including prescription drugs. Police can make you drowsy and cause you to react more slowly.
will do a sobriety assessment – a test to determine if you’re
affected by drugs. If you fail, you can be arrested and taken to Cannabis can cause you to react more slowly, alter your perception
hospital to give samples of blood and urine for drug testing. of distance and time and your ability to make the right decisions.

If you’re involved in a crash that’s fatal (or likely to be fatal), police Other illegal drugs also affect your driving. Do not drive if you’ve
can arrest you to take blood and urine tests. If you’re admitted to taken any illegal drugs.
hospital after a crash, medical practitioners can also take blood
Medicines can affect your ability to drive
and urine tests.
Medicines can affect your ability to drive safely. They can cause
Blood and urine tests cover a large range of drugs and medicines drowsiness, blurred vision, poor concentration, slower reaction
that can impair drivers. times and changes in behaviour.

Some medicines that can affect driving are:

• pain killers
Penalties • medicines for blood pressure, nausea, allergies,
Drug driving is a serious offence. If you drive with illegal drugs inflammations and fungal infections
present in your system, you can get a fine and lose your licence. • tranquillisers, sedatives and sleeping pills

Penalties are even heavier if you drive while under the influence of • diet pills
a drug, including illegal and prescription drugs. You can get a fine, • cold and flu medicines.
lose your licence and even go to prison.

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 Safe driving behaviour

Read the labels on your medication to determine whether it could • there are not more passengers in the vehicle than it’s
affect your driving. If there’s a warning label that tells you not to designed to carry
drive, follow that advice. • no-one travels in an area of the vehicle not designed for
passengers, for example, the boot, the floor, the tray of a ute
or in a trailer or caravan
• passengers do not travel with any part of their body outside
Examples of warning labels on medication.
©Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Reproduced with permission 2020.
the vehicle.

Some labels say a medicine may affect your ability to drive. It’s also the responsibility of passengers aged over 16 to:
If you’re not sure, get advice from your doctor or pharmacist, • sit in their own seat and wear a properly secured and
and do not drive until you’ve done so. adjusted seatbelt

Do not mix drugs and alcohol • not travel in an area of the vehicle not designed
for passengers
While you should never drink drive or drug drive, it’s even more
• not have any part of their body outside the vehicle.
dangerous to take drugs while drinking alcohol, or to combine
drugs. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
The effects are unpredictable. Never drive if you’ve mixed drugs,
or if you’ve taken drugs while drinking alcohol.
Exemptions
Drivers with a full (unrestricted) licence do not have to wear a
seatbelt when they are:

Seatbelts • reversing their vehicle

• driving a garbage or delivery vehicle travelling below
Each year, around 30 people are killed and 90 are seriously 25km/h and need to get out regularly.
injured on NSW roads because they were not wearing a seatbelt.
Passengers travelling with a driver with a full licence do not have
These deaths and injuries can be prevented by wearing a seatbelt
to wear a seatbelt if they are:
properly.
• getting or giving urgent and necessary medical treatment
The rules • in a garbage or delivery vehicle travelling below 25km/h and
need to get out regularly.
Wearing a seatbelt
All drivers, including learner, provisional P1 and P2 drivers, and
Drivers must wear a seatbelt while driving. Drivers must not have their passengers may be exempt from wearing a seatbelt if
any part of their body outside the vehicle. they have a medical condition and are carrying an appropriate
Drivers are also responsible for making sure: medical certificate.
• each passenger is sitting in their own seat that’s fitted with Where possible, passengers exempt from wearing a seatbelt, or
a seatbelt (they must not share the seat or seatbelt with in a vehicle that does not have seatbelts fitted, should sit in the
another passenger) back seat.
• each passenger is wearing a properly secured and adjusted
seatbelt or is in an approved child car seat suitable for their
age and size
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 Safe driving behaviour

Penalties Child car seats

If you drive while not wearing a seatbelt, or fail to make sure that
Children aged under 7 years must use an approved suitable
your passengers are wearing a seatbelt, you will get a fine and
child restraint when travelling in a vehicle. A child restraint is a
demerit points. Double demerit points also apply.
forward‑facing or rear-facing child car seat (also referred to as
In addition to the driver, passengers aged over 16 will get a fine a baby car seat or baby capsule) or a booster seat.
for not wearing a seatbelt. They can also get a fine for travelling
To be approved, child restraints must meet Australian/New
with any part of their body outside the vehicle.
Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754.

The rules
Suitable child car restraint
Safety first The driver is responsible for children aged under 7 years being
secured by an approved child restraint suitable for their age
Seatbelts save lives and size.
You’re much more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash • Children up to the age of 6 months must use a rear-facing
if you do not wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts double the chance of child car seat.
survival and reduce the risk of injury in a crash. • Children aged between 6 months and 4 years must use
either a rear-facing child car seat or a forward-facing child
During a crash, wearing a seatbelt is the most effective way to car seat with an inbuilt harness.
prevent the driver and passengers from being thrown around in
the vehicle, being thrown out of the vehicle, or hitting each other. • Children aged between 4 and 7 years must use a
forward‑facing child car seat with an inbuilt harness or an
Wear your seatbelt properly approved booster seat.
For a seatbelt to work, you should adjust it ‘low, flat and firm’: Children aged 7 years and over who are too small to use a seatbelt
• low – placed on your hips to fully secure your body weight should use an approved booster seat or an anchored safety
harness. The suggested minimum height for using a seatbelt is
• flat – no twists, turns or folds 145cm or taller.
• firm – regularly pull the belt firm to remove any slack.

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Fitting child car seats

Child car seats must be properly fitted according to the
manufacturer’s instructions. This includes adjusting the seat
tightly and attaching it to an anchorage point designed for a child
car seat.

It’s recommended that child car seats are fitted by an Authorised

Restraint Fitter or at an Authorised Restraint Fitting Station.

Fitting booster seats

Booster seats must be used with either a standard lap-and-sash
type seatbelt or an approved child safety harness. Never use a
booster seat with a lap seatbelt alone.

Up to 6 months 6 months to 4 yrs Booster seats heavier than 2kg must be anchored to an
Approved rear facing child car seat. Approved rear or forward anchorage point.
facing child car seat.
Children in the front seat
Children aged under 4 years:
• must not sit in the front seat of a vehicle that has two or
more rows of seats
• can sit in the front seat of a vehicle with only one row of
seats, but must use an approved child car seat suitable for
their age and size.

Children aged between 4 and 7 years must not sit in the front seat
of a vehicle that has two or more rows of seats, unless the available
seats in the back row are occupied by other children aged under
7 years. They must use an approved child car seat suitable for
their age and size.

4+ years 145cm or taller

Approved forward facing child Suggested minimum height to
car seat or booster seat. use adult lap‑sash seatbelt.

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Exemptions Safety first

Travelling in a tow truck Children in child car seats are less likely to be injured
After a crash or vehicle breakdown, a child aged under 12 months or killed
can travel in a tow truck. A child who is in an approved child car seat suitable for their age
and size is less likely to be injured or killed in a car crash than one
If a suitable child car seat is not available, they can sit on the lap of
who is not.
another passenger. If the tow truck has two or more rows of seats,
they must sit in the back seat. The Child Restraint Evaluation Program independently tests
child car seats and rates their level of protection in a crash. See
Travelling in a taxi childcarseats.com.au for help choosing a safe child car seat.
While travelling in a taxi:
You must not put a seatbelt around both yourself and a child on
• children up to the age of 6 months must use a rear-facing your lap. The child can be easily crushed.
child car seat
• children aged between 6 and 12 months must use either a You must not carry a child in your arms in a vehicle. In a crash the
rear‑facing child car seat or a forward-facing child car seat child can be crushed, thrown around in the vehicle, or thrown out
with an inbuilt harness of the vehicle.

• children aged over 12 months must use a booster seat or

wear a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt.

Rules for children in the front seat continue to apply. You can ask
the taxi for a child car seat or booster seat when you book, or
ask to use your own. All taxis must be fitted with a child restraint
anchorage point.

Medical conditions and disability

Children aged under 7 years with a medical condition or disability
can use an alternative child restraint designed for them. They must
carry a certificate from a doctor saying they can use this restraint.

Penalties
If you drive with children aged under 16 years who are not using an
approved suitable child restraint, you can get a fine and demerit
points. Double demerit points also apply.

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 Safe driving behaviour

Mobile phones Drivers with a full licence

There are only two ways you can use a mobile phone while driving:
Using a mobile phone while driving affects your attention and
response time. This increases your chance of crashing. 1. Hands-free – you can only use your phone hands-free
(without touching it) to:
There are strict rules about how and when you can use a mobile • make or receive voice calls
phone while driving. These rules depend on whether you have a
full (unrestricted) licence, or a learner, provisional P1 or P2 licence. • play audio, for example, music and podcasts.

2. In a phone holder – you can only use and touch your phone to:
The rules • make or receive voice calls
• play audio, for example, music and podcasts
Using a mobile phone while driving
• use as a driver’s aid, for example, maps and navigation apps
Learner, P1 and P2 drivers or dispatch systems.
You must not use a mobile phone while driving, even when you’re Phone holders must be commercially manufactured and fixed to
stationary, for example, stopped at lights or stuck in traffic. your vehicle and must not obscure your vision.
This includes:
You must not use a mobile phone while driving for any other
• texting
function. This includes:
• phone calls
• texting
• music
• video calls
• emailing
• emailing
• social media
• social media
• using the internet
• using the internet
• maps and navigation
• photography.
• photography.
When driving, you must not hold a mobile phone in your hand.
This applies to mobile phones that are handheld, in a phone holder It must not rest on your leg, be between your shoulder and ear or
or hands-free, for example, via Bluetooth. any other part of your body.

Using a mobile phone when parked

All drivers, including learner, P1 and P2 drivers, can use a mobile
phone for any function when parked out of the line of traffic.
The ignition does not need to be off.

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Exemptions Safety first

All drivers, including learner, P1 and P2 drivers, can use a mobile Distractions cause crashes
phone to:
Being distracted when driving, such as by a mobile phone,
• show their digital driver licence when instructed by a increases the risk of a crash. A short lapse in concentration can
police officer have devastating consequences.
• use wallet functions to make a transaction or show a
voucher, but only in areas such as a car park, driveway or Research shows that using a mobile phone while driving can
drive‑through, and when the vehicle is stationary. increase in the risk of having a casualty crash by four times.
Texting, using the internet and social media can take your
attention away from the task of driving for longer periods of time
and further increase the risk.
Penalties Reducing distractions means reducing crash risk. Consider putting
your phone on silent, keeping it out of reach or even switching it
Mobile phone detection cameras target illegal mobile phone use off. Focus on reaching your destination safely.
in vehicles anywhere, anytime.

You can get a fine and demerit points for using a mobile phone
illegally. Double demerit points also apply.

If you have a learner or P1 licence, you’ll go over your demerit point

Digital screens and GPS
limit and lose your licence.
Digital screens, also known as visual display units, include devices
such as tablets and laptops, as well as dashboard screens.

The rules
You must not drive with a digital screen on if you can see it, or it
could distract another driver, unless you’re using it as a driver’s aid.
In this case, it must be in a holder fixed to the vehicle or built into
the vehicle.

Driver’s aids include:

• navigation devices, for example, GPS
• dispatch systems
• reversing screens
• CCTV security cameras
• vehicle monitoring devices.

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 Safe driving behaviour

Your passengers can use digital screens, but the screens must not: Safety first
• be visible to you from the normal driving position
• distract another driver.
Get at least 8 hours of sleep
Make sure you have a good night’s sleep. The average person
needs about 8 hours each night to function normally. Teenagers
need even more. When you get less hours than you need, you get
Penalties a ‘sleep debt’. The only way to treat your sleep debt is by sleeping.

You can get a fine and demerit points for using a digital screen Wait 30 minutes after waking before driving. There’s a high risk
illegally while driving. of fatigue immediately after waking up, when you still feel tired.
This is ‘sleep inertia’ and generally lasts between 15 to 30 minutes.

Avoid driving when you would normally sleep

Fatigue Avoid driving at night when your body naturally wants to sleep.

The risk of having a fatal fatigue-related crash is four times greater

Fatigue kills. Each year, it accounts for around 20% of road deaths late at night and early in the morning.
in NSW.
Know when it’s time to rest
Fatigue is the feeling of being sleepy, tired or exhausted. It’s your
body’s way of telling you that you need to stop and rest or sleep. You can avoid fatigue crashes by recognising the early
warning signs:
Fatigue-related crashes are twice as likely to be fatal. Drivers
• yawning
who are asleep cannot brake. Driver fatigue can be as dangerous
as drink driving. It affects your concentration and judgement, • poor concentration
and slows your reaction time. Research shows that being awake • tired or sore eyes
for about 17 hours has a similar effect on your driving as a
• restlessness
blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05.
• drowsiness
Fatigue can affect anyone, no matter how experienced a driver
• slow reactions
they are. Fatigue is not only a problem on long drives or at night.
It can affect you on shorter, everyday trips like heading off to work • boredom
in the morning or driving home after a long day. • feeling irritable
Groups at a higher risk of driving tired are shift workers, those who • making fewer and larger steering corrections
drive for a job, tradies who tend to start work early, students who • missing road signs
tend to be up late, and new parents who are sleep-deprived.
• having difficulty staying in the lane.
While there are no specific road rules to manage fatigue, when
If you show any of these signs, park in a safe place and take a
you’re driving it’s your responsibility to make sure you do not put
break or nap.
yourself and others at risk.

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 Safe driving behaviour

Take a nap Use rest areas where available

Sleep is the only way to overcome tiredness. As soon as you Rest areas (or rest stops) are places where
experience any of the signs of fatigue, park in a safe place and you can park safely, get out of your vehicle
have a nap (20 minutes works best). and refresh yourself. They’re available
24 hours a day, every day of the year. You
Do not wait for a microsleep – by then it’s too late.
must not camp in rest areas so if you need a
A microsleep is a brief and unintended loss of consciousness. longer rest, find a campsite, hotel or motel.
You’re approaching
It happens when you try to stay awake while doing a monotonous a rest area.
You can also take a break at a:
task, such as driving. It can last from a few seconds to a few
minutes. Signs of microsleep are: • petrol station
• head snapping • park
• nodding • country town
• closing your eyes for more than a couple of seconds. • Driver Reviver site.

A 4 second microsleep at 100km/h means you’ll drive more than Driver Reviver sites operate in NSW during
110m with your eyes off the road. peak holiday travel periods. These are places
to take a break during a long drive and have
Take regular breaks a free cup of tea or coffee and a snack.
Planning ahead is the best way to avoid becoming tired. Plan to For the location and operating times of rest
take regular breaks from driving, even if you don’t feel tired, and areas and Driver Reviver sites, see NSW Rest
share the driving with a friend or family member if you can. Areas map at nsw.gov.au

Watch what you eat and drink

Dehydration can cause fatigue. Some kinds of food and drink
remove water from your body. Avoid alcohol, fatty foods, too
much coffee and sweet soft drinks. Drink plenty of water instead.

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Hooning and street racing Negligent or dangerous driving

Hooning and street racing are irresponsible and dangerous. Negligent or dangerous driving causes many crashes on NSW
There are severe penalties for this behaviour. roads each year.

Your vehicle and your driver licence can be taken away on the spot Negligent or dangerous means driving without the due care and
if you take part in these activities. attention reasonably expected of a driver. It puts you, other drivers
and the public at risk and can result in serious injury or death.

The rules
The rules
You must not organise, take part in or promote (including take
photos or film) hooning or street racing. You must not drive a vehicle on a road negligently or at a speed or
in a manner dangerous to the public.
This includes:
• driving in a way that deliberately loses traction between your
vehicle and the road, for example, burnouts or donuts
• racing other vehicles Penalties
• speed trials or trying to break a speed record. If you drive negligently you can get a fine and demerit points.

If you drive at a speed or in a manner dangerous to the public, or

cause death or injury due to negligent driving, penalties include:
Penalties • large fines

Penalties for hooning and street racing include: • loss of licence

• large fines • prison.

• demerit points
• loss of licence
• impoundment (taking away your vehicle or number plates)
• prison.

Your vehicle can be impounded for up to 3 months and you must

pay storage fees to get it back. For a second offence, your vehicle
may be sold.

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 Safe driving behaviour

Safe stopping distance Safety first

Keeping a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in Road positioning
front (a three second gap) is essential for safe driving. Your speed Road positioning means keeping enough room around your
affects the distance you need to stop safely. When travelling at vehicle to avoid hazards. This is also referred to as buffering.
higher speeds, increase the distance to allow at least five seconds
so you have enough time to react and brake. This can mean keeping to the left at the top of a hill or a sharp
corner so oncoming vehicles can drive past you safely. Or it can
mean not getting too close to parked cars so you can avoid hitting
The rules opening doors.

You must keep enough distance between you and the vehicle Always check your mirrors before changing your position on
travelling in front so you can, if necessary, stop safely to avoid the road.
colliding with the vehicle.
Crash avoidance space
If you’re driving a long vehicle (over 7.5m, including towed
As a driver, you should adjust your speed and position to keep a
vehicles), you must drive at least 60m behind other long vehicles,
safe distance from vehicles in front and to the sides of your vehicle.
unless you’re:
This is called your crash avoidance space.
• driving on a multi-lane road
Many of the crashes that happen each day in NSW could be
• driving in a built-up area
avoided if drivers kept their crash avoidance space.
• overtaking.
To work out the crash avoidance space to the front of your vehicle,
you need to take into account two key factors – reaction time and
response time:
Penalties • Reaction time is the time a driver needs to see and
understand a situation, decide on a response, and then start
You can get a fine and demerit points if you drive too close to to take action. A driver who is fit and alert and not affected
another vehicle. by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, needs about 1.5 seconds to
react to a hazard. At higher speeds it increases to about 2.5
seconds.
• Response time is the time a driver needs to take action.
Most people need at least 1.5 seconds to respond, for
example, to brake.

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 Safe driving behaviour

In good driving conditions, most people need a 3-second crash Driving speed and crash avoidance space
avoidance space (often called the 3-second gap) to react and
respond to a situation safely and avoid a crash. The 3-second gap changes depending on your speed and the road
conditions. The faster you’re going, and in wet weather, the longer
3 seconds it takes to stop and avoid a crash.

Distance a car travels to stop on a wet or dry road

Keep at least 3 seconds’ distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Speed

You should increase your crash avoidance space to 4 or more 17m 10m 27m
40 14m 31m
seconds when driving in poor conditions, such as on unsealed
(dirt or gravel), icy or wet roads, or at night.
33m 23m 56m
You can help other vehicles, such as trucks and buses, to keep their 60 31m 64m
crash avoidance space by not cutting in front of them.

Working out your crash avoidance space 80

56m 41m 97m
55m 111m
To calculate your crash avoidance space when driving:
1. Select an object or mark on the left-hand-side of the road, for 69m 64m 133m
example, a power pole, tree or sign. 100 85m 154m
2. As the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes this object,
Reaction Braking distance Stopping
count 3 seconds (‘1 thousand and 1, 2 thousand and 2, 3
distance dry road distance
thousand and 3’).
wet road
3. If your vehicle passes the object after you’ve finished counting,
this is enough crash avoidance space. This diagram shows the distance travelled when you brake and stop,
depends on the speed you are going and if the road is wet or dry.
If your vehicle passes the object before you finish counting, you’re
following too closely. Slow down, and repeat the count until there’s
a 3-second gap between you and the vehicle in front.
Most drivers underestimate the distance needed to stop their
vehicle. When you drive just 5km/h over the speed limit, you need
much further to stop, even if you brake hard.
If there’s potential for another vehicle or hazard to enter your crash
avoidance space, slow down to create a buffer, and prepare to stop
if necessary. It’s important to keep your crash avoidance space
for all potentially hazardous situations, including blind corners
and crests.

Keep a 3-second gap behind the vehicle in front of you.

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 Safe driving behaviour

Common crashes in NSW

Almost 80% of all NSW casualty crashes (where a person is killed
or injured) fall into five crash types:

1. Colliding with the rear of another vehicle (rear-end).

Be careful and slow down if there’s a chance something might enter your crash
avoidance space, such as another vehicle turning from a side street.

Braking technique
2. Colliding with another vehicle coming from an adjacent
Correct braking is done in two stages: direction (the left or right).
1. Put light pressure on the brake pedal and pause (set up
the brakes).
2. Progressively apply the necessary braking pressure (squeeze).

Two-stage braking makes braking more effective, reduces the

chance of skidding and gives you better control.

Harsh or excessive braking pressure may cause skidding and a loss

of control, particularly on wet or gravel roads.

Scanning
Scanning is essential for safe driving. Scanning is keeping your 3. Colliding with another vehicle coming from the
eyes moving, checking in one area for a couple of seconds and opposite direction.
then moving your eye to another area.

When scanning look:

• in the distance
• at the road surface
• to your left and right
• regularly at your mirrors and instruments.

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 Sharing with other
4. Running off the road on a straight section and hitting an
object or parked vehicle.

road users
Everyone who uses the roads to drive, ride or walk has a
responsibility to share the road with others.

Be aware of who you’re sharing the road with and how you can
take care around them. Allow enough time to stop safely for
pedestrians. Give other vehicles enough room to stop and turn.
Keep an eye out for bicycle and motorcycle riders.

5. Running off the road on a curve or bend and hitting an object If somebody does something that startles you, or is aggressive,
or parked vehicle. stay calm. You must not respond in a threatening or aggressive
manner. This kind of behaviour, often called ‘road rage’, is
dangerous and illegal.

By respecting other road users, you can help make the roads
safer for everyone.

Pedestrians
Pedestrians include people who are:
• walking or running
These crashes are also the most common crash types for • pushing a bicycle
provisional drivers. They can be avoided if you follow the road • in a wheelchair
rules and:
• using a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair
• manage your speed and fatigue
• using a skateboard, foot scooter or rollerblades.
• keep a safe stopping distance
Pedestrians are vulnerable road users because they have no
• take extra care at intersections and when overtaking.
protection if a vehicle collides with them. As a driver, it’s your
responsibility to help keep them safe.

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Give way to pedestrians People affected by alcohol or drugs

As a driver, you must give way to pedestrians: People who have been drinking or taking drugs are one of the
most common groups involved in road crashes.
• at pedestrian and children’s crossings
• when turning at intersections Alcohol and drugs slow brain functions, increase risk-taking and
reduce people’s ability to judge speed and distance. This also
• when doing a U-turn applies to drink or drug affected pedestrians and their ability to
• in shared zones cross the road safely.
• when entering or leaving a driveway. Take extra care when driving near licensed clubs, hotels,
restaurants, festivals and other events.
Always slow down and be prepared to stop if there’s any danger
of colliding with a pedestrian even if they do not have right of way
or are jaywalking (crossing the road illegally).
Slow down and take extra care
Near shopping centres and transport
Look out for vulnerable pedestrians
Pedestrians may not be paying attention around shopping centres
Children and transport hubs, such as bus and tram stops. Slow down and
watch out for anyone that might step onto the road.
Children have not developed the skills to understand and react
to danger. They’re still learning where to cross safely, and they Watch out for pedestrians walking between parked vehicles or
can find it hard to judge the speed and distance of vehicles. This opening car doors.
means they can act unpredictably around traffic.
In poor visibility and conditions
Take extra care near:
More than half of all pedestrian fatalities occur in darkness or
• children playing, walking or riding bikes near the edge of
at dusk.
the road
• schools, particularly when children are arriving or leaving Slow down and prepare to stop when visibility is poor, for example,
in rain or fog, or at night, dawn or dusk. Pedestrians are harder to
• school buses or school bus zones where children may be
see and they’re also more likely to hurry and take risks.
getting on or off the bus.

Older people When pedestrians are walking on the road

Pedestrians must use a footpath or nature strip if there’s one.
Older people may be slower than other pedestrians and may not
If there’s not one, or it’s not practical to use, they can walk on
see you until you’re very close. Slow down and give them extra
the road as long as they:
time to cross.
• walk in the direction of oncoming traffic, if practical
• keep to the far side of the road
• do not walk alongside more than one other person,
unless overtaking.

People using mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs can do

the same.
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 Sharing with other road users

Watch out for people using skateboards, foot scooters and They can use the road, but only during daylight hours, if:
rollerblades. They can use roads with speed limits up to 50km/h • the speed limit is 50km/h or less
and no white dividing line.
• the road has no white dividing line or it’s a single-lane,
When reversing one‑way street.
Pedestrians, particularly children, are at greater risk when vehicles As a driver, you should take care when you see people using
are reversing. This is because the driver cannot see them as well. skateboards, foot scooters and rollerblades on the road. If the
road is uneven or slippery, they may be unstable. Be careful when
Take extra care when you’re reversing, particularly when you’re entering or leaving a driveway, as they can be difficult to see and
entering or leaving a driveway. Only reverse for the distance move faster than other pedestrians.
that’s necessary.
Skateboards and scooters with a motor must only be used on
private land.
Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs
People with a disability who cannot walk or find it difficult to walk
may use mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs. They must
Bicycle riders
follow the same rules as pedestrians. To share the footpath safely Bicycle riders have a right to use the road and have the same
with other pedestrians, the vehicles must not be able to go faster responsibilities as other road users. They generally follow the same
than 10km/h. road rules as drivers, but have additional rules they must follow,
such as wearing an approved bicycle helmet.
Drivers should look out for mobility scooters or motorised
wheelchairs. Take particular care when entering or leaving a For rules and safety advice for bicycle riders, see the Bicycle Rider
driveway, as they can be difficult to see and move faster than Handbook at nsw.gov.au
other pedestrians.
Bicycle riders are vulnerable users and do not have the same
protections as people in vehicles and can be seriously injured or
Skateboards, foot scooters and rollerblades killed in a crash.

People who use skateboards, foot scooters and rollerblades have As a driver, it’s your responsibility to help keep bicycle riders safe.
the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians. They must
follow the same road rules, but also have some special rules.
Keep a lookout
On footpaths, they must keep to the left and give way to
other pedestrians. Bicycles can be harder to see than other vehicles. Watch out for
them at all times, especially at dawn and dusk and at night.
On bicycle and pedestrian paths, they must use the bicycle section
and keep out of the way of bicycles. Bicycle riders often ride in the far left of the left lane. As a driver,
it’s your responsibility to check your surroundings. Take extra care
and check your blind spots for bicycles when changing lanes or
turning left.

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 Sharing with other road users

Be aware that bicycle riders can: Take care at intersections

• overtake on the left of vehicles
Look out for bicycles before turning at intersections and
• ride to the left of the line that marks the edge of the road roundabouts.
(edge line)
• ride in bus lanes, tram lanes, transit lanes and truck lanes Bicycle riders can do hook turns when turning right at
(but not in bus-only lanes or tramways) intersections, unless a sign says they must not. This means they
use the left lane to turn right. Bicycle riders must give way to
• ride on motorways and freeways, unless a sign says they vehicles leaving the intersection. As a driver, you must take care to
must not. avoid colliding with them.
Sometimes bicycle riders can ride as fast as or faster than a car, Some intersections have places for bicycle riders to stop at a
particularly in slow traffic. Never underestimate their speed. traffic light when the traffic lights are red. These are called bicycle
storage areas and vehicles must not enter them while the traffic
lights are red.
Allow riders a full lane
Bicycle riders must use bicycle lanes (part of the road dedicated
to bicycles) where there’s one. If there’s not, or it’s not practical to
Check before opening doors
use, they have the right to ride on the road. This includes riding in You must not open your door into the path of a bicycle. Before
the middle of a lane. getting out of your vehicle, check your rear view and side mirrors.
Sometimes they may need the full lane because of rough road
edges or gravel. Be prepared to slow down and give them room to
ride away from the kerb.
Motorcycle riders
Bicycle riders can ride two abreast (side by side) as long as they’re Motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other
within 1.5m of each other. Another bicycle rider can overtake them. drivers on the road. They generally follow the same road rules,
but have additional rules they must follow, such as wearing an
approved motorcycle helmet.
Keep your distance when overtaking For rules and safety advice for motorcycle riders, see the Motorcycle
When overtaking bicycles, you must allow a distance of at least 1m Rider Handbook at nsw.gov.au
between you and the rider when the speed limit is 60km/h or less,
Motorcycle riders are much more vulnerable than people in cars.
or 1.5m if it’s more than 60km/h.
Per kilometre travelled, they’re 25 times more likely to be killed in
If other drivers beep their horns to pressure you to pass a bicycle, a road crash. They’re harder to see and do not have the body of
stay calm. Only pass when you’re sure it’s safe. a car to protect them. They’re also less stable because they only
have two wheels.
You can cross single and double white lines to pass bicycles, but
only if you have a clear view of approaching traffic and it’s safe to Motorcycle riders are most at risk:
do so. • on busy city roads – at intersections and when changing lanes
• on country roads – particularly around bends.

As a driver, it’s your responsibility to help keep motorcycle riders safe.

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 Sharing with other road users

Keep a lookout Keep a safe distance

Always look out for motorcycles as they’re smaller than cars and Drive at a safe distance from motorcycles. They may need to avoid
harder to see. Motorcycles can be hidden behind a truck or car. hazards such as flying debris, oil slicks and poor road conditions.
They may also need extra time to stop.
Check your side and rear mirrors and your blind spots by looking
over your shoulder regularly, especially before:
• merging or changing lanes Horse riders
• turning at intersections.
Horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles have the right to share
our roads.
Watch out for lane filtering They have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers,
motorcycle riders and bicycle riders. They follow the same road
Lane filtering is when motorcycle riders ride at low speeds
rules, but also have some special rules.
between traffic moving in the same direction.
Horse riders can ride on any road, unless a sign says they must
A motorcycle rider can lane filter if:
not. They can ride two abreast (side by side) as long as they’re
• they have a full motorcycle rider licence within 1.5m of each other. More than two horse riders can ride
• they’re travelling at less than 30km/h side by side, but only if one is overtaking the others or they are
droving stock.
• the traffic is stopped or moving slowly, and
• it’s safe to do so. Drivers should be mindful that horses can be unpredictable.
If you’re passing a horse, whether it’s being ridden or led, or is
Motorcycles riders must not lane filter next to kerbs or parked pulling a vehicle, you should:
vehicles, or in school zones.
• slow down and leave plenty of room
• stop if the rider is having difficulty with their horse
Leave space when overtaking • never use your horn or rev your engine.
When overtaking motorcycles, leave as much space as you would
when overtaking a car.

Do not drive alongside

Do not drive alongside and in the same lane as a motorcycle.
They have a right to a full-width lane to ride safely.

Motorcycle riders can ride two abreast (side by side) as long as

they’re within 1.5m of each other. Another motorcycle rider can
overtake them.

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Trucks and buses Give them enough room to turn

Trucks and buses are heavy vehicles. A crash involving a heavy Heavy vehicles may need to take up more
vehicle is more likely to cause serious injury or death because of than one lane when turning at intersections
its size, weight and length. and roundabouts. Make sure you give them
enough room. Do not assume they can stay
All road users need to take extra care and be aware of completely in their own lane.
heavy vehicles.
Do not put your vehicle in the path of a large,
For rules and safety advice for heavy vehicles, see the Heavy heavy vehicle when it’s turning – you may
Vehicle Driver Handbook at nsw.gov.au be crushed. It’s safest to stay behind and
wait until the vehicle has completed the turn.
There are also rules that must be obeyed.
Give them plenty of room to stop See Overtaking for rules about overtaking
A long vehicle can use
Heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses cannot stop quickly. long vehicles with a ‘Do not overtake turning
more than one lane
to turn left. vehicle’ sign.
In traffic, bus and truck drivers try to keep a safe distance from
the vehicle in front. Do not cut in front of a truck or bus. Give them
enough room to stop safely. Slow down for buses with flashing lights
When a bus or truck is approaching a traffic light that’s changing If you’re travelling in the same direction as a bus with a ‘40 when
to red, do not pull in front of it. It may not be able to stop in time to lights flash’ sign on the back , you must not overtake it at more
avoid a crash. than 40km/h while the lights on top are flashing. This is because
the bus is picking up or dropping off children.
Be aware of truck and bus blind spots
Blind spot Due to their size and length, trucks and Take extra care around oversize vehicles
area
buses have larger blind spots than an
Oversize vehicles are longer, wider or heavier than standard trucks.
average vehicle. This means a truck or bus
Blind Blind They move slowly, take up more road (sometimes more than one
spot spot driver may not be able to see your vehicle.
area area lane) and take longer to stop.
Take care when driving next to or behind
them. Pilot vehicles with yellow flashing lights and an ‘Oversize load
ahead’ sign may drive with an oversize vehicle. If the vehicle is
Trucks and buses also have a large blind
unusually large, police may also escort it and direct traffic.
Blind
spot at the front of their vehicle. This
spot means the driver may not always see When approaching an oversize vehicle:
area
pedestrians, bicycles or motorcycles in
• take care and reduce speed
front of them.
• keep to the left of the centre line
Blind spots in front,
beside and behind • be prepared to move to the left side of the road, if necessary.
a truck.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Stopping, giving way You must stop at a ‘Stop’ sign held by a

traffic controller, for example, at roadworks

and turning
and children’s crossings. You must remain
at a complete stop until the controller stops
showing the sign or signals you can go.

Signs, road markings, traffic lights and roundabouts help everyone Some intersections with traffic lights have
share the road safely. They make it clear who has right of way. a ‘Stop’ sign with three black dots. If the
Signs showing when you must stop, give way or turn are regulatory lights are not working or are flashing yellow,
signs and must be obeyed by law. you must follow the same rules as for a
‘Stop’ sign.
Where there are no signs or traffic lights, there are rules for who
must give way in different situations. Stop here when traffic
lights are not working.

Stop signs and stop lines The ‘Stop sign ahead’ sign warns you that
you’re approaching a ‘Stop’ sign. You should
‘Stop’ signs and ‘Stop’ lines control traffic at intersections. slow down and prepare to stop.

A ‘Stop’ sign is a regulatory sign and must be obeyed by law.

When you approach a ‘Stop’ sign and ‘Stop’ Stop sign ahead.
line (single unbroken line), you must come to Slow down.
a complete stop. You must stop before the
line, and as close as possible to the line.

If there’s a ‘Stop’ sign but no line at an

intersection, you must stop before, and as
close as possible, to the intersection. At all
other places where there’s a ‘Stop’ sign but
no line, you must stop before, and as close as
possible, to the sign.

There are different rules for stopping and

giving way at ‘Stop’ signs and ‘Stop’ lines at:
• intersections
• railway level crossings
• pedestrian crossings.

At other places with a ‘Stop’ sign or line, you

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

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Give way signs and give way lines Traffic lights

‘Give way’ signs and ‘Give way’ lines are used at intersections to Traffic lights regulate traffic flow and make intersections safer for
control traffic. drivers and pedestrians. You must always obey traffic lights, even
when there are no other vehicles on the road or it’s late at night.
A ‘Give way’ sign is a regulatory sign and
must be obeyed by law.
Stopping at traffic lights
When you approach a ‘Give way’ sign or
‘Give way’ line (single broken line), you must A red light means you must stop. You must
slow down and prepare to stop. stop as close as possible behind the
‘Stop’ line.
There are different rules for giving way at
‘Give way’ signs and ‘Give way’ lines at:
• intersections
• narrow bridges and roads A yellow (amber) light means you must stop.
• pedestrian crossings. You can only go through a yellow light if you
cannot stop safely before the ‘Stop’ line.
At other places with a ‘Give way’ sign or
line, you must give way to any vehicle or You should not stop suddenly, and you
pedestrian at or near the sign or line. should not speed up to get through a
yellow light.
The ‘Give way sign ahead’ sign warns you
that you’re approaching a ‘Give way’ sign. A green light means you can go through
You should slow down and prepare to stop. the intersection if it’s safe to do so.

Give way sign ahead.

Slow down.
You must also follow these rules for temporary traffic lights
at roadworks.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Turn signals Turning left on a red light

Some traffic lights have arrows to control traffic turning right When you see this sign at traffic lights, you
or left. must stop at the red light, and then turn left
when it’s clear. When turning, you must give
A red arrow means you must not turn. way to traffic approaching from the right.
You must stop behind the ‘Stop’ line until
the arrow turns green or disappears.
You can turn left
on a red light after
stopping.
When there’s a red
right arrow and a
green light, you must
not turn right. You can
Turning right at traffic lights
go straight ahead or When there’s a green traffic light but no right arrow signal, wait
turn left.
until oncoming traffic clears or breaks, and then turn. If the lights
A green arrow means you can turn in change to yellow or red while you’re in the intersection, you must
that direction. turn right as soon as it’s safe to do so.

You must not make a U-turn at traffic lights, unless there’s a ‘U-turn
permitted’ sign.

When there’s a green

right arrow and a red
light, you can turn
right. You must not
go straight ahead or
turn left.

A yellow (amber) arrow means you must

stop. You can only go through a yellow light
if you cannot stop safely before the ‘Stop’
line.

When a yellow (amber) arrow is flashing,

When there’s a this means you can turn in that direction.
flashing yellow You must give way to pedestrians crossing
right arrow, you can the road you’re turning into.
turn right as long Only turn right at traffic lights when there’s a break in the oncoming traffic.
as you give way to
pedestrians.

See Turning left and right for rules for turning when there are
no signals.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Signals for other vehicles Bicycle riders

Buses Some traffic lights have bicycle signals
for bicycle riders. These signals are used
Some traffic lights have a ‘B’ signal for buses driving in a bus where bicycles are allowed to ride across
lane or bus-only lane. The ‘B’ signal is usually white on a black a pedestrian crossing and also at some
background (some traffic lights also have red and yellow ‘B’ intersections.
signals).
Green bicycle When the ‘Bicycle’ symbol turns green,
When the ‘B’ signal lights up, only buses can go through the crossing light. bicycle riders can go through the crossing
intersection. This signal lights up shortly before the usual traffic or intersection. They must stop when the
lights change. ‘Bicycle’ symbol turns red.
When the ‘B’ signal turns red or yellow, buses must stop at
the intersection.

White ‘B’ means only Red bicycle

buses can go through crossing light.
the intersection.
Vehicles must not stop in the area reserved for bicycles at traffic
lights (bicycle storage area).

Trams (light rail)

Some traffic lights have a ‘T’ signal for
trams. The ‘T’ signal is usually white on a
black background.

When the ‘T’ signal lights up, only trams

can go through the intersection.

When the ‘T’ signal turns red or yellow,

the tram must stop or prepare to stop.

Red ‘T’ signal means

trams must stop at
the intersection. Bicycle storage area at traffic lights.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Pedestrian signals Red-light speed cameras

Most traffic lights have areas where pedestrians can cross. Red-light speed cameras detect both red light and speeding
Red and green pedestrian symbols or lights show them when offences at high-risk intersections.
to cross. Pedestrians must follow these signals.
The camera detects your vehicle if you cross over the ‘Stop’ line
Some signals have pedestrian countdown timers which show how or enter the intersection after the traffic light has turned red.
many seconds a pedestrian has left to cross the road.
The camera also detects your vehicle if you go over the speed limit
When you’re turning at an intersection, you must give way to at any time, whether the traffic light is red, amber or green.
pedestrians crossing the road that you’re turning into. Even if the
pedestrian symbols or lights are flashing red, you must give way
to any pedestrians still crossing. Roundabouts
You must also stop for pedestrians crossing at a pelican crossing. Roundabouts manage the traffic flow at intersections. They move
traffic in one direction around a central island. Vehicles can turn
left or right, go straight ahead, or make a full turn (U-turn).

When you approach a roundabout, you must slow down or stop

to give way to all vehicles already in the roundabout. This means
giving way to vehicles already in the roundabout on your right, and
vehicles that have entered the roundabout from your left or from
Red pedestrian Flashing red Green pedestrian directly opposite you.
symbol. Pedestrians pedestrian symbol. symbol. Pedestrians
must not start Pedestrians must not can start to cross. So other drivers know what you intend to do, you must indicate
to cross. start to cross, but can
when turning at a roundabout. Continue to indicate as you turn.
finish crossing.
When you leave, you must indicate left, if practical. Stop indicating
as soon as you have left the roundabout.

On multi-lane roundabouts, you must follow the direction of the

arrows or signs on the road.

Pedestrians can walk Pedestrian

in any direction when countdown timers
the green pedestrian show the number
symbol is showing. of seconds until the
lights change.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Roundabout signs Going straight ahead

These signs warn you that you’re approaching a roundabout. On approach, you can use any lane to go straight ahead, unless
arrows show the lane is for left or right turns only.

You must give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout.

When you leave, you must indicate left, if practical to do so.

Roundabout ahead. Give way to vehicles

on the roundabout.

Turning left
On approach, you must indicate left and turn using the left lane,
unless arrows show you can use other lanes to turn left.

You must give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout.

You must continue to indicate left as you turn.

Going straight ahead at a roundabout.

Turning left at a roundabout.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Turning right or making a full turn (U-turn) Changing lanes

On approach, you must indicate right and turn using the right lane, Plan ahead when approaching a roundabout to avoid changing
unless arrows show you can use other lanes to turn right. lanes when you’re in the roundabout.

You must give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout. If you need to change lanes, you must indicate and give way to any
vehicle in the lane you’re moving into.
You must continue to indicate right as you turn. When you leave,
you must indicate left, if practical.

Changing lanes in a multi-lane roundabout.

Turning right or making a full turn (U-turn) at a roundabout. You can only change lanes where there’s a broken white line.
You must not change lanes if the line is unbroken.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Exiting Pedestrians and roundabouts

When exiting a roundabout you must signal left, if it is practical When turning left or right at a roundabout, you do not have to give
to do so. You must stop indicating as soon as you have exited way to pedestrians unless there’s a pedestrian crossing. However,
the roundabout. you must always take care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian.

When you travel straight ahead on a small single lane roundabout,

it may not be practical to indicate left when exiting. Bicycles and roundabouts
Look out for bicycles on a roundabout. They are entitled to use a
full lane.

Bicycle riders must follow the same rules as other drivers on

roundabouts. However, on a multi-lane roundabout, they can use
the left lane to turn right. When turning, they must give way to
vehicles leaving the roundabout.

Look out for bicycles stopped in the left lane who are giving way
to vehicles leaving the roundabout.

Using a multi-lane roundabout with arrows marked on the road.

Bicycle at a roundabout turning right from left lane.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Intersections Stop sign and line at intersections

When you stop at a ‘Stop’ sign or ‘Stop’ line, you must give way
Around half of all crashes on NSW roads happen at intersections.
to vehicles driving in, entering or approaching the intersection
You should approach an intersection at a speed that allows you to
except for:
stop and give way to vehicles in or approaching the intersection.
• an oncoming vehicle that’s also at a ‘Stop’ sign or line and is
Look out for motorcycle riders. More than half of all motorcycle turning right
crashes involving other vehicles happen at intersections.
• an oncoming vehicle that’s at a ‘Give way’ sign or line and is
Different rules control traffic and make it clear who has right turning right
of way at intersections. The rules depend on whether the • a vehicle turning left using a slip lane
intersection has:
• a vehicle making a U-turn.
• ‘Stop’ signs
When you’re turning left or right at a ‘Stop’ sign or line, you
• ‘Give way’ signs
must also give way to pedestrians crossing the road that you’re
• no signs or lines turning into.
• traffic lights
• a roundabout.

If you see police or a traffic controller at an intersection, you must

follow their hand signals and directions.

Two cars are at a ‘Stop’ sign at opposite sides of an intersection. The car turning
right (Car A) must give way to the car going straight ahead (Car B).

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Give way sign and line at intersections Give way rules at intersections without signs
When you’re at a ‘Give way’ sign or ‘Give way’ line, you must Some intersections do not have signs, traffic lights or a
give way to vehicles driving in, entering or approaching the roundabout. At these intersections, when you turn across another
intersection except for: vehicle’s path, you must give way to that vehicle.
• an oncoming vehicle that’s also at a ‘Give way’ sign or line You must also give way to pedestrians crossing the road that
and is turning right you’re turning into.
• an oncoming vehicle that’s at a ‘Stop’ sign or line and is
turning right If another driver does not give way to you, do not force them or
yourself into a dangerous situation.
• a vehicle turning left using a slip lane
• a vehicle making a U-turn.
Turning right at an intersection
When you’re turning left or right at a ‘Give way’ sign or line, you
must also give way to pedestrians crossing the road that you’re When you’re turning right at an intersection without signs, you
turning into. must give way to:
• a vehicle approaching from the right
• an oncoming vehicle going straight ahead
• an oncoming vehicle turning left
• pedestrians crossing the road you’re turning into.

When you and another vehicle are turning right at an intersection,

both vehicles can turn at the same time and pass in front of
each other.

Two cars are at a ‘Give way’ sign at opposite sides of an intersection. The car
turning right (Car B) must give way to the turning left (Car A).

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Turning left at an intersection

When you’re turning left at an intersection without signs, you
must give way to vehicles on your right. You must also give way
to pedestrians crossing the road you’re turning into.

See Slip lanes for rules for turning left at an intersection with a
slip lane.

Two cars are travelling in opposite directions. The car turning right (Car A)
must give way to the car going straight ahead (Car B).

A car (Car A) is turning left at an intersection and another car (Car B) is travelling
straight across the intersection from the right. Car A must give way to Car B.

T-intersections
Two cars are travelling in opposite directions. The car turning right (Car A) If you’re driving on a road that ends at a
must give way to the car turning left (Car B). T-intersection, you must give way to all
vehicles driving on the continuing road,
unless a sign says otherwise.

If you’re turning right from the continuing

You’re approaching road, you must give way to oncoming
a T-intersection. vehicles on the continuing road going
straight ahead or vehicles turning left at
the intersection. This is also the rule for
T-intersections where the continuing road
goes around a corner, rather than straight.

When two cars are at opposite sides of an intersection and are both turning right,
they can pass in front of each other while turning.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Keeping intersections clear

You must not enter an intersection unless there’s space for
your vehicle in your lane on the other side of the intersection.
This includes all intersections and crossings, including intersections
with traffic lights, railway level crossings and pedestrian crossings.

Some intersections and roads have ‘Keep clear’ markings on the

road. You must not stop in a ‘Keep clear’ area.

The car turning right from the road ending at a T-intersection (Car A) must give
way to the car going straight ahead on the continuing road (Car B).

Keep intersection clear at all times.

At a T-intersection where the continuing road goes around a corner, the car
leaving the continuing road (Car B) must give way to the oncoming car on the
continuing road (Car A).

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Turning left and right Turning left

Before turning, you should always check for other vehicles on When making a left turn, you must:
your left and right. You must always give way to pedestrians
• indicate left
crossing the road you’re turning into.
• move close to the left side of the road
Signs showing where you must or must not turn or enter are
• keep to the left side of the road you’re turning into
regulatory signs and must be obeyed by law.
• use a slip lane where there’s one.
See Intersections for the rules for giving way when turning
at intersections. See Traffic lights for rules when turning at When driving on a multi-lane road, you must turn left from the left
traffic lights. lane, or from a lane with an arrow pointing left.
When you see a ‘No left turn’ sign, you must
not turn left.
Plan ahead when turning
Plan your turns early so you’re in the correct lane or part of the
road and have enough time to indicate.

When you’re driving in the left lane and you

see a ‘Left lane must turn left’ sign, you must
turn left.

The ‘Left only’ sign means you must turn left.

When a car (Car A) is turning right and then wants to turn immediately left
(into the road marked X), it should turn right from the left lane.

If necessary, you can drive on, across, or outside edge lines for up
to 100m when turning left or right.

You must follow the lane lines when turning. If there are no lines,
you should stay in the same lane while you turn.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Turning right When you see a ‘No right turn’ sign, you
must not turn right or make a U-turn.
When making a right turn, you must:
• indicate right
• follow any road markings for turning, such as lane lines and
painted arrows
When you’re driving in the right lane and you
• move as close as possible to the dividing line on the road
see a ‘Right lane must turn right’ sign, you
you’re turning from
must turn right.
• stay in the same lane as you turn from one road to another.

When driving on a multi-lane road, you must turn right from the
right lane, or from a lane with an arrow pointing right.
The ‘Right only’ sign means you must
You can turn right across any type of dividing line to enter or leave turn right.
a road, or a road-related area such as a driveway or car park.

Before you turn right, your front wheels and car should face
straight ahead so they do not block oncoming traffic.

You can cross a single or double dividing line when entering or leaving a road.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Long and oversize vehicles Bicycles and hook turns

Some oversize or long vehicles have a ‘Do Bicycles can use a hook turn to turn right.
not overtake turning vehicle’ sign. These This means they use the left lane to turn right.
vehicles may use more than one lane when
turning right or left. When doing a hook turn, a bicycle rider must:
• approach the intersection from the far
Do not put your vehicle in the path of a large, left side
heavy vehicle when it’s turning – you may be
crushed. It’s safest to stay behind and wait • keep to the far left side while entering
until the vehicle has completed the turn. the intersection
• keep clear of any marked pedestrian
See Overtaking for rules about overtaking crossing
Stay behind heavy long vehicles with a ‘Do not overtake turning
vehicles that are
vehicle’ sign. • give way to vehicles approaching from
turning. their right
• if there are traffic lights, stay to the left
side and wait until the light changes
No entry to green.
When you see the ‘No entry’ sign, you must not turn into or enter As a driver, you must take care to avoid colliding with bicycles
the road. turning at intersections.

Bicycle riders must give a hand signal when turning right.

However, they do not have to give a hand signal when making
a hook turn to turn right.

You must not drive

beyond the sign.
B C
The ‘No bicycles’ sign means that bicycle riders must not ride
beyond the sign.

The bicycle rider waits at the far left side of the road. (A)
The bicycle rider keeps to the far left as they turn. (B)
The bicycle rider turns when it’s safe. (C)

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

U-turns and three-point turns When making a U-turn, you must:

• have a clear view of approaching traffic
You should take extra care when making a U-turn or a three-point • start your U-turn from the marked lane nearest to the centre
turn. of the road
Before you turn, indicate and check your mirrors and blind spots • start your U-turn to the left of the centre of the road if there
to make sure there’s no traffic approaching from any direction. are no lane markings
• make the turn without obstructing traffic
After you turn, check your mirrors and blind spots again, indicate,
and only pull out when it’s clear and safe. • give way to vehicles and pedestrians
• indicate before you start to turn.
U-turns
You must not make a U-turn:
Three-point turn
• at intersections without traffic lights where there’s a You can do a three-point turn when a road is not wide enough to
‘No U-turn’ sign do a U-turn. It’s called a three-point turn because you usually need
to do at least three turns to face the opposite direction.
• at intersections with traffic lights, unless there’s a ‘U-turn
permitted’ sign A three-point turn generally takes longer to do than a U-turn.
• across a single unbroken dividing line or double unbroken When you’re in heavy traffic or on a busy road, it’s safer to drive
dividing line around the block or use a roundabout to turn around.
• across double dividing lines with an unbroken line closer
to you
• on motorways and freeways.

The ‘No U-turn’ sign is a regulatory sign and must be obeyed

by law.

A three-point turn usually involves at least three turns.

You must not make You can make a U-turn

a U-turn. at traffic lights where
this sign is displayed.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Indicating Hand signals

Indicating (also called signalling) is when you use your indicator If your vehicle is fitted with indicators, they must be working and
to warn other drivers that you intend to move left or right, for clearly visible. If they’re not working, you can get a Defect Notice.
example, when you turn, overtake or change lanes.
If your indicators are not working or not clearly visible or your
Plan your turns, lane changes and moves early so you’re in the vehicle is not fitted with them, you must give a hand signal when
correct lane and have enough time to indicate. Always check turning right or stopping.
for other vehicles by looking in your mirrors and checking your
Bicycle riders must give a hand signal when turning right.
blind spots.

When to indicate
You must indicate before you:
• turn right or left
• move to the right or left
• make a U-turn or three-point turn
• change lanes, including when overtaking Extend your arm to the right Extend your arm to the right to signal
and bend at the elbow to signal you’re turning right.
• merge with another lane
you’re stopping.
• pull over to stop or park
• pull out from the side of the road
• turn right or left at a roundabout
• go straight ahead at a T-intersection where the continuing
road curves to the right or left
• leave a roundabout, if practical.

Make sure your indicator is turned off after each turn or

lane change.

Before pulling out from the side of the road or a parking area,
you must indicate for at least 5 seconds.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Pedestrian crossings
You must give way to pedestrians crossing at a pedestrian crossing.

Pedestrian crossings are marked by signs and lines on the road.

There are different types of pedestrian crossings, each with
different rules for drivers.

When approaching a pedestrian crossing, you should drive at a

speed that allows you to slow down and stop before the crossing.

If children or elderly people are crossing, you may need to give

them extra time to cross.
Pedestrian crossing with zig-zag lines.
Always slow down and prepare to give way to pedestrians.
At a pedestrian crossing:
Pedestrian crossing lines and signs • you must give way to pedestrians crossing
• you must not overtake a vehicle that’s stopping or has
Pedestrian crossings are usually marked stopped to give way to pedestrians who are crossing
by white parallel stripes on the road. They
can also have a yellow sign showing a pair • you must not drive onto the crossing if the road ahead
of legs. is blocked.

Pedestrian crossings are also called If there’s a ‘Stop’ sign close to the crossing, you must stop at the
Pedestrian crossing. zebra crossings. sign, even if you just stopped at the crossing.

Some pedestrian crossings have signs Pelican crossings

warning you that you’re approaching
a crossing. A pelican crossing is a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights.
Pedestrians push the button when they want to cross.
Zig-zag lines are sometimes marked on
the road leading up to pedestrian crossings. Most pelican crossings have the same lights and pedestrian signals
Pedestrian crossing These lines increase visibility and warn as normal traffic lights. You must stop at a red light and give way
ahead. you that you’re approaching a crossing. to pedestrians crossing the road.

Some pelican crossings have a different colour sequence for the

traffic lights. After the red light, a yellow (amber) light flashes for
vehicles and a red pedestrian signal flashes for pedestrians.

When the yellow light starts flashing, you can drive through the
crossing if there are no pedestrians.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Children’s crossings School Crossing Supervisors

Children’s crossings are part-time crossings. They usually Some children’s crossings are controlled by School Crossing
operate during school zone hours, and at other approved times Supervisors. When you see a supervisor holding a ‘Stop – children
and locations. crossing’ sign, you must slow down and stop.

When a children’s crossing is operating it’s marked by red‑orange You must remain at a complete stop until:
flags at both sides. When you see the flags, you must slow • all pedestrians have left the crossing, and
down and stop before the white stripes or ‘Stop’ line to give • the School Crossing Supervisor is no longer showing
way to pedestrians. You must remain at a complete stop until the sign.
all pedestrians have left the crossing.

If the flags are not displayed, it’s not operating as a children’s High pedestrian activity areas
crossing.
Some areas have more pedestrians than
Some children’s crossings are combined with a pedestrian others, such as shopping strips and near
crossing. When the flags are displayed, children’s crossing schools, parks or swimming pools.
rules apply. When the flags are removed, pedestrian crossing
rules apply. These areas may have a lower speed limit
and signs warning you to look out for
Children may be pedestrians.
crossing ahead.
When you see these signs, you should
prepare to slow down.

Pedestrian refuges
A pedestrian refuge is an island in the middle
of the road. The island allows pedestrians to
cross the road in two stages.

Pedestrian refuges have signs to warn you to

slow down and look out for pedestrians.
Pedestrians may be
crossing ahead.

Flag at a children’s crossing.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Railway level crossings Stopping at level crossings

You must stop at a level crossing when:
Railway level crossings can be dangerous. Trains are fast and
heavy and cannot stop quickly. • there’s a ‘Stop’ sign
• a gate is closed or boom gate is down
When approaching a level crossing, always
RA • red lights are flashing
IL G slow down and look and listen for trains.
IN
S SW You must not drive onto a level crossing • a railway employee signals you to stop.
C RO AY while a train is approaching or if the road on
the other side of the crossing is blocked.
Level crossing sign.

Level crossing warning signs

Most level crossings have signs to warn you that you’re
approaching a crossing.

Level crossing sign Stop if the red lights Stop if the boom gate
with stop sign. are flashing. is closed or is opening
or closing.

When there’s a ‘Give way’ sign at a level

crossing, you must slow down, look both
ways and stop if a train is coming.
Level crossing with Level crossing ahead. Level crossing on
flashing lights ahead. side road.
You must not drive through a level crossing
until the signals have stopped flashing and
the gates or boom gates are fully open.
Queuing on level crossings If you have stopped at a ‘Stop’ or ‘Give way’
You must not block a level crossing. Know the length of your sign at the crossing, do not drive through
vehicle and never cross unless your vehicle can clear the until it’s safe.
Give way at the level
track completely. crossing, be prepared
to stop.

Parking near level crossings

You must not stop or park on a level crossing or within 20m of
either side of a crossing.

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 Stopping, giving way and turning

Level crossings without signals

One-way streets
Take extra care where there are no gates, boom gates or flashing
lights at a crossing, particularly in the country. ‘One way’ and ‘Two way’ signs are regulatory signs and must be
obeyed by law.
When you see a warning sign, slow down and look and listen for
trains in both directions. When you see a ‘One way’ sign, you must only drive in the
direction shown by the arrow on the sign.
If you stop for one train, always check that another one is not
approaching before you drive through. When turning right from a one-way street, you must turn from the
far right side of the road.

Narrow bridges and roads When you see a ‘Two way’ sign, the road has lanes travelling in
both directions and you can drive in either direction.
When you approach a narrow bridge or a narrow road with a ‘Give
way’ sign, you must slow down and prepare to stop. You must give
way to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.

B You can only travel Lanes travelling in

A in the direction of opposite directions.
the arrow.

Car B must give way to Car A on a bridge.

If there’s no ‘Give way’ sign, you should still give way to

approaching vehicles.

Look out for oversize vehicles as they may drive down the centre
of a bridge and take up more than one lane. Be prepared to stop
and wait for the vehicle to exit the bridge.

Keep to the right when turning right from a one-way street.

Narrow bridge. Narrow bridge ahead. Road narrows ahead.

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 Overtaking and merging

Overtaking and merging When you must not overtake

You must not overtake another vehicle:
• across an unbroken dividing line (single or double)
Take care when overtaking, changing lanes and merging. If you
have any doubts, wait until it’s safer. • when you do not have a clear view of approaching traffic,
for example, before a crest or curve or if you have
Before overtaking, changing lanes or merging, always check your limited visibility
mirrors and blind spots. Especially look out for motorcycle riders,
• when a vehicle is stopping or has stopped at a pedestrian
bicycle riders and large vehicles. Make sure you indicate to let
crossing, intersection or railway crossing
others know your intention.
• where a road narrows.
Always give other vehicles enough room to overtake, merge or
change lanes.

Overtaking
Be careful when overtaking. You need to accurately judge the
space you need to pass another vehicle safely. If you have any
doubts, wait until it’s safer.

Before overtaking, always check your mirrors and blind spots.

Motorcycles and bicycles can also be easily hidden behind
another vehicle.

You must not cross a You must not cross

single unbroken line double unbroken lines
to overtake. to overtake.

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 Overtaking and merging

Overtaking safely When you’re being overtaken

The faster a vehicle is travelling, the more distance and time you You must not increase your speed when the other vehicle is
need to overtake. crossing a dividing line or the centre of the road to overtake you.

Before overtaking another vehicle: When being overtaken, you should:

• Check the road ahead is clear, with enough distance for you • stay in your lane
to safely overtake. • keep left
• Check side streets and other lanes to make sure nothing • allow room for the overtaking vehicle to pass and move
will enter your overtaking space. back into the lane.
• Check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles and
other vehicles.
Overtaking on the left
• Indicate to warn other drivers you intend to overtake.
The only time you can overtake on the left is when the vehicle
When overtaking: you’re overtaking is:
• Stay under the speed limit. • waiting to turn right or make a U-turn from the centre
• Make sure there’s room to move back into the lane (you of the road
should be able to see the vehicle in your rear vision mirror). • stopped
• Indicate when you move back into your lane. • travelling on a multi-lane road.

To overtake a vehicle turning right or making a U-turn from the

centre of the road, you can:
• use the left lane
• drive on, across or outside edge lines for up to 100m
No lines marked on
• drive in a bus lane, transit lane or truck lane for a maximum
the road. Take care
when overtaking. of 100m
• drive in a bicycle lane or tram lane for a maximum of 50m.

You can cross a You can cross a

single broken line to double line with a
overtake if the road broken line closer to
ahead is clear. you to overtake if the
road ahead is clear.

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 Overtaking and merging

Some long vehicles have a ‘Do not overtake turning vehicle’ sign.
Keep left unless overtaking These vehicles may use more than one lane when turning right
or left.
On a road where there’s a ‘Keep left unless
overtaking’ sign or a speed limit of more than
80km/h, you must not drive in the right lane,
unless you’re:
• overtaking
• turning right
• making a U-turn
• not turning left and there’s a ‘Left lane
must turn left’ sign or traffic lights with
a left arrow signal
• avoiding an obstruction
• driving in traffic that’s stopped or
travelling slowly in the left lane Do not overtake to the left of a long vehicle which is turning left.

• driving a bus or a truck and the right

lane is for buses or trucks only When a vehicle displays a ‘Do not overtake turning vehicle’ sign,
you must not:
• overtaking a slow vehicle making
a left turn. • overtake on the left when the vehicle is turning left
• overtake on the right when the vehicle is turning right, unless
it’s safe to do so.
Overtaking long vehicles When a vehicle displays a ‘Do not overtake turning vehicle’ sign,
you must not overtake on the left, unless it’s safe to do so and:
You should take extreme care when
LONG VEHICLE • you’re driving on a multi-lane road
overtaking long or oversize vehicles such as
A long vehicle a truck or bus or a vehicle towing a caravan • the vehicle is stationary
is longer than a or trailer. You should allow more time to pass • the vehicle is turning right or making a U-turn.
normal vehicle. and make sure you can see the road ahead.
OVERSIZE
An oversize vehicle
is wider, longer and/
or higher than a
normal vehicle.

Overtake a long vehicle on the

left when its safe to do so and
when on a multi-lane road.

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 Overtaking and merging

Overtaking motorcycles Overtaking bicycles

When overtaking a motorcycle, follow the same rules and give When overtaking bicycles, you must allow
them as much space as a car. a distance between you and the rider of
at least:
• 1m when the speed limit is 60km/h
or less
• 1.5m when the speed limit is more
than 60km/h.

To overtake a bicycle, you should have

a clear view of approaching traffic. Only
You can cross double overtake if it’s safe to do so. If necessary,
dividing lines when
when overtaking a bicycle you can:
overtaking a bicycle.
• drive to the right of the centre of
the road
• cross or straddle dividing lines
(broken or unbroken, single or double)
• drive on flat painted islands and
median strips.
Give motorcycles plenty of room when overtaking.
Bicycles can overtake a vehicle on the left.

Overtaking on bridges
When there’s a ‘No overtaking or passing’
sign on a bridge, you:
• must give way to vehicles approaching
in the opposite direction
• must not overtake any vehicle
travelling in the same direction.

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 Overtaking and merging

Merging and changing lanes When a bus changes lanes

Always check your mirrors and blind spots when changing or You must give way to a bus displaying a
merging lanes. Especially look out for motorcycles and bicycles. ‘Give way to buses’ sign when you’re driving
in the left lane or line of traffic and the bus:
You must indicate to let others know when you plan to move into
• has stopped or is moving slowly at the
another lane. Make sure your indicator is off after you’ve merged
far left side of the road
or changed lanes.
• is indicating right, and
• is about to move in front of you.
Changing lanes
When changing lanes, you must give way to vehicles in the lane Merging lanes
you’re moving into.
When you’re driving on a road and the number of lanes or lines
Changing lanes when a lane ends of traffic reduces and there are no longer any road markings, you
When the lane you’re driving in is ending and you need to cross must give way to the vehicle that’s ahead of you. This is called a
a broken line to move into another lane, you must give way to zipper merge.
vehicles already in that lane – for example, when you’re joining
a motorway.

Slow down and look for a suitable gap so you can change
lanes safely.

If a vehicle is moving into your lane, you should leave a

suitable gap.
When two lanes reduce to one lane, the car trailing behind (Car B) must give way
to the car ahead (Car A).

When a car is crossing a broken line to change into another lane (Car A), it must
give way to vehicles already in that lane (Car B).

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 Overtaking and merging

Motorways and freeways Ramp metering signals

A motorway (also referred to as a freeway or expressway) is usually Some motorways have ramp metering
a high-speed road with more than one lane in each direction. signals to help you join the motorway.
ONE VEHICLE These are quick-change traffic lights that
Bicycles can travel on motorways, unless a sign says they must not. ONLY
manage the flow of vehicles entering the
PER LANE
ON GREEN motorway. A sign at the start of the ramp
Before driving on a freeway, make sure your vehicle has enough SIGNAL
shows if the signals are on.
fuel, oil and water and the correct tyre pressure. Sign at ramp
metering signals on The green signal only stays green long
Joining a motorway a motorway. enough for the first vehicle in each lane to
join the motorway. When the signal is red,
Generally, when you join a motorway, the you must stop behind the ‘Stop’ line.
lane you’re driving in ends and you need to
cross a broken line to move into a lane on
the motorway.

You must give way to vehicles already in

that lane.

Slow down, check your mirrors and blind

spots, and look for a suitable gap so you can
change lanes safely.

These signs shows You must stop at a red ramp metering signal on a motorway.
the start of a
motorway.

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 Overtaking and merging

Driving on a motorway Lane-use signals

When driving on a motorway with a speed limit of 80km/h or Some motorways have overhead lane-use signals. You must follow
more and two or more lanes, you must not drive in the right lane, these signals.
unless:
A lane-merge signal shows a white arrow
• overtaking
pointing to the bottom left or right of
• avoiding an obstruction the signal. This warns you that you’re
• the traffic in each lane is congested approaching a hazard. You must change
Left and right lanes in the direction of the arrow.
• a sign says you can. lane‑merge signals.

You must not make a U-turn or reverse your vehicle on a

motorway. A closed-lane signal shows a red cross.
This signal is a warning that the lane is
Always keep a safe stopping distance between you and the vehicle closed and you’re approaching a hazard.
in front. Take extra care when vehicles are joining the motorway as You must not drive in this lane.
this can change your crash avoidance space. Closed-lane signals
on a motorway.
Some motorways have overhead signals that show the speed
limit or direct you to change lanes. These signals improve traffic
flow, ease congestion, manage incident response and improve A lane-exit signal shows a white arrow
road safety. pointing to the upper left or right of the
signal. This warns you that the road ahead is
Speed limit signals closed and the next exit is a detour. You must
Left and right change lanes in the direction of the arrow.
lane‑exit signals.
Some motorways have overhead electronic
speed limit signs (called variable speed limit
signs) that show the speed limit. You must
not drive over the speed limit shown.

Left lane merge and closed-lane signals. You must not drive in the right lane.
If you’re in the second lane from the right, you must change lanes to the left.

136 Road User Handbook Road User Handbook 137

 Overtaking and merging

Driver information signs Leaving a motorway

Some roads have large electronic information signs (called variable
message signs). These signs show information such as travel times
and changes to traffic conditions – for example, ramp closures and
road conditions.
Signs show you when you can exit a
motorway and when it’s ending.
M4 MEDIUM MINS
CUMBERL AND HW Y 10
PROSPECT HW Y 15 When exiting a motorway, you should:
WALLGROVE RD 20
• move to the lane closest to the exit in
plenty of time
• reduce your speed
• indicate before you exit.

These signs
indicate the end
Variable message sign showing of a motorway.
travel times.

If you miss your exit, continue driving and

Stopping on a motorway take the next exit.
You must not stop or park on a motorway, unless in an emergency
– for example, to avoid a crash or if you’ve broken down.
Exit from a motorway.
If you have to stop, move to the emergency stopping lane. Motorway signs show the alpha-numeric
DOYALSON LINK RD numbering for significant national and
Doyalson interstate routes:
A43 S w a n s e a
EXIT • ‘M’ – motorways of national
significance, for example, M2
An exit to the
motorway is coming. • ‘A’ – routes of national significance
• ‘B’ – routes of state significance.

Toll roads
MOTORWAY TOLL You must pay a toll to drive on some
M5 A i rpo rt motorways. If you do not pay, you get sent a
Sydney
toll notice. Signs warn you when there’s a toll.
You can pay the toll
by electronic tag or
electronic pass.

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 Road lanes, lines and markings

Road lanes, lines Single dividing line

and markings You can cross a single broken dividing line to:
• overtake another vehicle
• make a U-turn
Road lanes, lines and other markings guide traffic and help keep • enter or leave the road
road users safe. You need to know what these lanes, lines and
• angle park on the opposite side of the
markings mean to drive safely.
road (without making a U-turn).
They help you understand where you can and cannot go on the
road. For example, where to stop, keep left or turn right, or which Single broken
dividing line.
lane you should be in.
You can cross a single unbroken dividing
Road lanes separate the traffic. You should keep in the middle of
line to:
the lane when you’re driving. Where there are no lanes marked
or if you’re approaching the top of a hill, keep to the left side of • enter or leave the road
the road. Look out for lanes dedicated to bicycles, buses, trams • angle park on the opposite side of the
and trucks. road (without making a U-turn).

Road lines and markings

Single unbroken
dividing line.
White dividing lines
White dividing lines separate vehicles travelling in opposite
directions.

Generally, you must always drive to the left of dividing lines,

whether they’re single or double, broken or unbroken.

You can cross a white dividing line to avoid an obstruction if:

• you have a clear view of approaching traffic
• it’s necessary and reasonable
• you can do so safely.

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 Road lanes, lines and markings

Double dividing line Edge lines

You can cross double unbroken lines to enter Edge lines mark the edge of the road to help you see where you’re
or leave the road by the shortest route. going. They also help to keep vehicles off soft road edges and out
of breakdown lanes.

Edge lines can be broken or unbroken.

There are rules for overtaking and turning near edge lines.

Double unbroken
dividing line.

You can cross double lines with a broken line

close to you to:
• overtake another vehicle
• make a U-turn
• enter or leave the road
• angle park on the opposite side of the
road (without making a U-turn).
Double line with a
broken line closer
to Car A.
Unbroken edge line.
You can cross double lines with an unbroken
line closer to you to:
• enter or leave the road
Rumble strips
• angle park on the opposite side of the Rumble strips are raised pieces of material on or near edge lines
road (without making a U-turn). or dividing lines. When you drive over them they make a rumbling
sound and your vehicle vibrates to warn you that you’re leaving
your lane.
Double line with an When your wheels run over edge lines or rumble strips, slow down
unbroken line closer
to Car B.
and ease back onto the road.

Some roads have wide centrelines that are

up to 1.5m apart. They increase the distance
between oncoming lanes of traffic to help
prevent head-on crashes. The road rules for
wide centrelines are the same as for other
dividing lines.

Wide centrelines.

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 Road lanes, lines and markings

Yellow kerb lines Painted islands

Yellow kerb lines painted near the edge of the road show there are
A painted island is a striped section of road
stopping restrictions.
surrounded by double or single lines.
Broken kerb line (clearway) You can drive on a painted island surrounded
by single broken or unbroken lines for up to
A broken kerb line marks a clearway. 50m to:
You must not stop in a clearway between
the hours shown on the sign, except in • enter or leave the road
an emergency. • enter a turning lane that begins
immediately after the painted island
See Restricted parking for clearway
parking rules. • angle park on the opposite side of the
road (without making a U-turn).

You must not drive on a painted island that:

• separates 2 lines of traffic travelling in
You must not
drive or stop on a the same direction,
painted island that’s • is surrounded by double lines, or
surrounded by
double lines. • separates the road from a slip lane.
Clearway kerb lines.
When you enter a turning lane from a
painted island, you must give way to any
Unbroken kerb line (no stopping) vehicle:
• already in the turning lane, or
An unbroken kerb line means you must not
stop here, except in an emergency. • entering the turning lane from
another lane.

The car entering a

turning lane from a
painted island (Car B)
must give way to the
car already in the
No stopping turning lane (Car A).
kerb lines.

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 Road lanes, lines and markings

Traffic islands Painted arrows

A traffic island is a raised area on a road to direct traffic. Painted arrows show you which direction you can take in a lane.
When the arrows show more than one direction, you can go in any
You must not drive on a traffic island, unless it’s designed for of those directions.
vehicles to drive on it.
You must always indicate when you’re turning, even when there’s
a painted arrow.
Median strips
When there are turn lines, you must stay in the same lane.
A median strip is an area that separates vehicles travelling in
opposite directions. It can be raised, painted or covered in grass
and/or trees.

You must not stop or park on a median strip, unless a sign says it’s
a median strip parking area.

S-lanes
An S-lane creates a right-turn lane by making
the other lanes follow an S-shape and merge
with the kerb-side lane.

A single unbroken white line separates the

S-shaped lanes. You must not cross this line
when turning into an S-lane.

Follow the painted arrows and stay in your lane when turning.

Keep clear
‘Keep clear’ markings are used to keep
the road clear outside particular areas so
vehicles can enter or exit – for example, at
You must not cross hospitals, fire stations and car parks.
the unbroken line to
turn into an S-lane.
Area with ‘Keep clear’
‘Keep clear’ markings are also used at
marked on the road. intersections to:
• stop vehicles blocking the intersection
• make it easier for vehicles to exit or
enter a side road.

You must not stop in a ‘Keep clear’ area.

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 Road lanes, lines and markings

Dragon’s teeth Median turning lanes

Dragon’s teeth are painted triangles A median turning lane is a shared lane for
arranged in pairs on each side of a lane vehicles driving in either direction to turn
or road. right into a side road (or a driveway or
property access).
They help to make school zones more visible
and alert drivers to the 40km/h speed limit. It’s usually in the middle of the road and is
Dragon’s teeth marked by signs or arrows on the road.
road markings in a
school zone. If there’s an oncoming vehicle already in a
median turning lane, you can enter the lane,
Slip lanes but you must give way to that vehicle by
slowing down and, if necessary, stopping.
Slip lanes improve safety and traffic flow for vehicles turning left.
Slip lanes are marked by a painted island or traffic island.

You must use a slip lane to turn where one is provided.

When you’re turning left in a slip lane (with or without a ‘Give way’
sign), you must give way to:
• vehicles on the road you’re turning into
• oncoming vehicles turning right into the road you’re
turning into
• any other vehicle or pedestrian in the slip lane.

You must not stop in a slip lane, unless a parking sign says you can. You can enter and share a median turning lane with an oncoming vehicle.

Bicycle lanes
Bicycle lanes are designed for bicycles. Signs
and road markings show you where they are.

When a bicycle lane is marked on the road,

bicycle riders must use it, unless it’s not
practical to do so.

Bicycle lanes start with either a sign or a road

marking with both a picture of a bicycle and
the word ‘Lane’.

When a car is turning left in a slip lane (Car A), they must give way to vehicles
Bicycle road markings are displayed along the
turning right into the road they’re turning into. bike lane to remind drivers and bicycle riders.

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 Road lanes, lines and markings

A bicycle lane ends with a sign or a road

marking with a picture of a bicycle and the
Bus lanes
words ‘Lane end’. A bicycle lane also ends at
Bus lanes are for buses but can also be used by:
an intersection (unless it’s at the unbroken
side of the continuing road or continued • taxis (but not rideshare vehicles)
END
across the intersection by broken lines) or at • hire cars with HC number plates
a dead end.
• special purpose vehicles (operated by
You can drive in a bicycle lane to avoid an or under the direction of Transport for
obstruction. You can also drive in a bicycle NSW) responding to an emergency
lane for up to 50m to: • bicycles and motorcycles.
• enter or leave the road
You must not stop in a bus lane. The only
• overtake another vehicle turning right vehicles that can stop in a bus lane are buses
or making a U-turn at a bus stop, or taxis and chauffeur-driven hire
• enter a lane from the side of the road. cars picking up or dropping off passengers.

If you need to drive in a bicycle lane, take Other vehicles can drive in bus lanes to avoid
extra care and check your surroundings an obstruction or if there’s a sign saying they
for bicycles. can. They can also drive in a bus lane for a
maximum of 100m to:
Bicycle paths • enter or leave the road
Bicycle paths are different from bicycle • overtake another vehicle turning right
lanes. It’s optional for bicycle riders to use or making a U-turn
a bicycle path. • enter a lane from the side of the road.
ONLY
Bicycle paths start with a ‘Bicycle path’ sign Bus-only lanes
or a road marking. They run alongside a road
or on off-road areas. When a sign or lane markings show
Bicycle paths can also be used by: ‘Bus only’ or ‘Buses only’, only buses can
drive in these lanes.
ONLY • people using skateboards, foot
END scooters and rollerblades
• people who use wheelchairs or
mobility scooters
T-way lanes
• postal workers on motorcycles.
T-way lanes are special lanes for authorised
Other vehicles can only drive on a bicycle
buses and service vehicles.
path if they’re entering or leaving a road, or if
there’s a sign saying they can. When driving You must not drive in a T-way lane.
on a bicycle path, you must give way to all
other road users on the path.

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 Road lanes, lines and markings

Tramways and tram lanes Truck lanes

Truck lanes are for vehicles over 4.5 tonnes
Tramways gross vehicle mass (GVM) but can also
be used by:
Only trams (light rail vehicles), tram recovery
vehicles, some buses, and special purpose • bicycles
vehicles can drive in tramways. • special purpose vehicles

These lanes are marked with a ‘Tramway’ • Transport for NSW vehicles doing road
sign, and two unbroken yellow lines and traffic surveys
alongside the tracks, or by a structure such Other vehicles can drive in a truck lane to
as a traffic island, pedestrian refuge, or avoid an obstruction, or if there’s a sign
bollards. saying they can.
Other vehicles can drive in a tramway to They can also drive in a truck lane for a
avoid an obstruction, but only if they do maximum of 100m to:
not move into the path of an approaching
tram or bus. • enter or leave the road
• overtake another vehicle turning right
or making a U-turn
Tram lanes • enter a lane from the side of the road.
Only trams, tram recovery vehicles and
some buses can travel in lanes marked with
a ‘Tram lane’ sign.
Trucks use left lane
Other vehicles can drive in tram lanes to Where a sign says ‘Trucks must use left lane’,
avoid an obstruction, or if there’s a sign trucks must use the left lane until a sign says
saying they can. They can also drive in a tram they must not.
lane for a maximum of 50m to:
Trucks must also do this when a sign says
• enter or leave the road ‘Buses’ or ‘Trucks & buses’. All other vehicles
• overtake another vehicle turning right can also use this lane.
or making a U-turn
• enter a lane from the side of the road.

You must not move into the path of a tram

travelling in a tram lane.

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 Road lanes, lines and markings

Transit lanes Shared paths

Transit lanes can be used by vehicles containing a certain number Shared paths can only be used by bicycle
of people. riders and pedestrians.

Public buses and minibuses, taxis, hire cars with HC number plates, On shared paths, bicycle riders must:
motorcycles and bicycles, as well as emergency, special purpose • keep to the left (unless it’s not
and breakdown vehicles, can also use transit lanes, regardless of practical).
the number of people in their vehicles.
• give way to pedestrians. This means
You can only drive in this lane during the slowing down and even coming to a
times and days specified on the sign when stop if necessary.
there are two or more people in your vehicle, • keep to the left of any oncoming
including the driver. bicycle rider.

Riders of skateboards, foot scooters and

Only vehicles with rollerblades must:
two or more people
during the specified • keep to the left (unless it’s not
day or time. practical)

You can only drive in this lane during the • give way to all other pedestrians.
times and days specified on the sign when
there are three or more people in your Keep left or right
vehicle, including the driver.
When you see a ‘Keep left’ sign, you must
stay to the left of the sign.
Only vehicles with
three or more people ‘Keep right’ and ‘Keep left’ signs are
during the specified
regulatory signs and must be obeyed by law.
day or time.

Drive to the left of

When you see a ‘Keep right’ sign, you must
If you have less than the required number of people in your vehicle, stay to the right of the sign.
the sign.
you can only enter a transit lane for a maximum of 100m to:
• enter or leave the road
• overtake another vehicle turning right or making a U-turn
• enter a lane from the side of the road.

Any vehicle can drive in a transit lane to avoid an obstruction, or if

a sign says you can.
Drive to the right of
the sign.

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 Parking

Parking
In some places, you must not park at certain times or under
certain conditions.

No parking signs
Parking rules help you park where it’s safe and convenient
for others. You must not park on a road or in an area
where there’s a ‘No parking’ sign. This may
There are different ways to park, as well as safe places to stop or be all the time or at certain times, as shown
park. There are times and places where you can stop for short on the sign.
periods but you must not park. Read parking signs carefully to
check restrictions. You can stop for less than 2 minutes if you
Do not park to the left stay within 3m of your vehicle, if you’re:
You can get a fine and, in some situations, demerit points for of this sign.
parking illegally. • dropping off or picking up passengers
• loading or unloading items.
You must never leave children or animals alone in a vehicle.
They’re in danger of: If you have a Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS)
• dehydration and burns in a hot vehicle permit, you can stop for up to 5 minutes.
• playing with controls, such as the handbrake, gears and
power windows Parked vehicles
• being harmed if the vehicle is stolen.
You must not park within 1m of another vehicle parked in front or
behind (but not when angle parking).
No parking
Bus stops
You must not stop or park your vehicle:
• alongside another parked vehicle (double park) You must not park within 20m before and 10m after a bus stop unless
a sign says you can. This includes the sign showing the location of
• across a driveway, unless you’re picking up or dropping the bus stop and bus zone signs. Bus stop locations are indicated
off passengers with a sign that says ‘Bus Stop’ and/or has an image of a bus.
• on a median strip, unless a sign says you can
• on a traffic island
• within an intersection
• on a children’s crossing or pedestrian crossing
• on a railway level crossing
• on footpaths and nature strips, unless a sign says you can
• in a slip lane, unless a sign says you can.
Example of a bus stop sign
Your parked vehicle must not block the flow of traffic or become
a danger to other road users.

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 Parking

Intersections You must not stop or park within 10m before and 3m after traffic
lights that aren’t at an intersection but have:
You must not park within 20m of an intersection with traffic lights, • pedestrian signals unless a sign says you can
unless a sign says you can.
• bicycle crossing lights unless a sign says you can.
You must not park within 10m of an intersection without traffic
lights, unless:
• a sign says you can
• it’s a T-intersection and you park along the continuous side
of the continuing road.
3m 10m
10m

You must not stop or park within 20m before and after a railway
10m
10m

level crossing unless a sign says you can.

Crossings
You must not stop or park within 20m before and 10m after a Double dividing lines
children’s crossing or pedestrian crossing unless a sign says you
can. You must not park within 3m of any double dividing lines.

Fire hydrants
You must not park within 1m of a fire hydrant, fire hydrant indicator
or fire plug indicator.

On or near a crest or curve

You must not stop or park on a hill or a curve outside a built‑up
area, unless drivers are able to see your vehicle from at least
100m away. If there’s a parking sign, follow the instructions shown.

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 Parking

Restricted parking Restricted parking areas

You can stop or park in some places that have restricted times Restricted parking areas are used in large public areas that
or conditions. have limited entry and exit points, such as Darling Harbour and
Homebush Bay.
Restrictions may be on a sign or marked on the road. Check
carefully to avoid a parking fine or having your vehicle towed. You must not stop or park between the ‘Restricted parking area’
and ‘End restricted parking area’ signs, except where a sign says
No stopping you can. You can stop to pick up or drop off goods or passengers.

The ‘No stopping’ sign means you must

not stop at any point on the road or kerb
in the direction of the arrow, unless in an
emergency.

‘No stopping’ areas are sometimes marked

by an unbroken yellow edge line.
Hourly parking
Restrictions may apply at certain times only,
as shown on the sign. You can park on the days of the week and during the hours shown
on the sign.
Clearway and special event clearway
A broken yellow line can also be used to
show a clearway.

Clearways improve traffic flow and safety

during busy periods or at special events.
You must not stop or park between these
Accessible parking
signs during the times shown, unless in You can park in an area reserved for people with disability if you
an emergency. have a current Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permit, or if you’re
driving a person with the permit. The permit must be displayed in
Buses and taxis (but not rideshare vehicles)
the vehicle.
can stop in a clearway to pick up or drop
off passengers. MPS permit holders can also park for longer in areas with time
You must not
restrictions.
park between a
‘Clearway’ and ‘End
clearway’ sign.

You must not park in a special event

clearway during the times and dates
shown on the sign.

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 Parking

Resident parking Australia Post box

You can park without charge or time restrictions if you have a valid You must not park within 3m of an Australia Post letter box.
parking permit for that area. You must display your parking permit You can stop to post mail or drop off or pick up passengers.
at all times.

Special event parking

Special event parking areas are used near major sporting or
entertainment venues. You must not park for longer than the
period on the signs, unless you have a parking permit.

SPECIAL EVENT
PARKING AREA
Taxi zone
2P NOT
CURRENTLY
IN USE

PERMIT HOLDERS EXCEPTED You must not stop in the direction of the
AREA XXXX arrow or arrows on the sign, unless driving
You must not park for more than the a taxi. Some taxi zones have times shown.
time shown in the special event parking You can stop or park your vehicle outside
area during the period shown on the those times.
sign, unless you have a parking permit.
Taxi zone on both
Motorcycle parking sides of the sign.

You must not park between these signs, unless you’re a motorcycle Bus zone
rider. You can stop to drop off or pick up passengers.
You must not stop in the direction of the
arrow or arrows on the sign, unless you’re
driving a public bus. Some bus zones have
times shown. You can stop or park your
vehicle outside those times.

Bus zone on both

sides of the sign.

Pay parking
You must pay for parking if a sign says a fee is payable and or
reads ‘Meter’, ‘Ticket’, ‘Phone’ or ‘Coupon’ parking. You can park
for the length of time shown on the sign.

For example, a ‘2P meter’ sign means you can park for up to
2 hours and you must pay using the meter.

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 Parking

Loading zone Truck zone

Vehicles primarily designed to carry goods You must not stop or park during the hours
can stop in a loading zone for up to 30 shown on the sign, unless dropping off or
minutes to drop off or pick up goods. Goods picking up goods in a truck over 4.5 tonnes
do not include personal items or shopping. gross vehicle mass (GVM).

Public buses can stop for up to 30 minutes Any vehicle can stop to pick up or drop
Loading zone to the to pick up or drop off passengers. Truck zone to the left off passengers.
left of the sign. of the sign.
Any vehicle can stop briefly to pick up or Restrictions may apply for certain times,
drop off passengers. as shown on the sign.

Restrictions may apply for certain times only

as shown on the sign. Ways to park
Works zone There are two main ways to park – parallel and angle. Once you’ve
parked, follow the parking checks to stay safe.
You must not park in a works zone, unless
your vehicle is being used in construction
work in or near the zone. Parallel parking
Any vehicle can stop to pick up or drop This is the usual way to park, unless a sign says otherwise.
off passengers.
Works zone to the left You must park:
of the sign. Restrictions may apply at certain times only, • in the same direction as traffic
as shown on the sign.
• parallel and as close as possible to the kerb
• within any line markings
• at least 1m in front of and back from any other parked
vehicle.

On a one-way street, you can also park on the right side of

the road.

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 Angle parking
Warnings and
road hazards
You can angle park where signs or line markings show you can.
Unless a sign or road marking says otherwise, you must park:
• at a 45-degree angle
• with the front of the vehicle to the kerb.
While driving, look out for potential hazards. A hazard is any
possible danger that might lead to a crash. It could be a pedestrian
waiting to cross, a wet road, or something blocking your view of
oncoming vehicles. Also look out for approaching vehicles and
parked vehicles pulling out.

If you cannot see at least 5 seconds ahead, you should slow down.
When you see a potential hazard, slow down and prepare to stop.

Scanning helps you see what’s happening on the road and any
potential hazards.

Parking checks Look out for warning signs alerting you to dangers or changed
road conditions ahead.
Before leaving your vehicle, make sure the parking brake is on.

If you move more than 3m away from your vehicle you must also: Warning signs
• remove the key from the ignition Warning signs alert you that there may be dangers or changed
• lock all doors and windows (if there’s no-one in the vehicle). road conditions ahead. The signs are usually diamond-shaped
with pictures, diagrams, symbols or words in black on a
Before opening your door, you must check your mirrors and blind yellow background.
spots for pedestrians, bicycles and other vehicles.
These are some of the most common warning signs.
Before pulling out from the side of the road or a parking area,
you must:
• indicate for at least 5 seconds
• check mirrors
• look over your shoulder to check blind spots.

Crossroads You’re approaching a Road conditions

ahead. T-intersection where the are changing
road you’re driving on to two lanes of
ends. You must give way oncoming traffic.
to all vehicles.

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 Warnings and road hazards

Side road Road ahead Sharp right Sharp bend to Beware of slow Temporary Narrow bridge. You’re
ahead. A side curves to turn ahead. the left ahead. moving vehicles emergency approaching a
road meets the right. crossing or situation ahead, narrow bridge –
the road you’re entering traffic. such as an oil spill, slow down and
driving on. fallen tree, snow or prepare to stop.
landslide.

Winding road Road divides Divided road Road narrows The road dips Hump ahead Look out for As you approach the
ahead. ahead. ends ahead. ahead. ahead (a sudden (a sudden slope kangaroos. top of the hill ahead,
slope down, up, then down). you cannot see a safe
then up). distance in front of
you. Drive carefully.

‘Give way’ sign ‘Stop’ sign Pedestrian Pedestrians Livestock may be crossing ahead. Road ahead is Grid ahead
ahead. ahead. crossing ahead. may be crossing under water (a row of metal
ahead. (for example, bars across
a stream). the road).

m
ROA D SUB JECT TO 2

FLOODING
1.8

1.6 A measure
showing the
INDICATORS SHOW DEPTH 1.4

1.2 depth of
1 floodwater
Children may be Look out for Road is slippery Steep descent Causeway ahead may Road ahead may be covered 0.8 across a
crossing ahead. bicycles. when wet. (down grade) be covered in water by floodwater. 0.6 road.
ahead. (a causeway is a raised 0.4

road across a low or wet 0.2

area or a body of water).

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 Warnings and road hazards

Sometimes an advisory speed sign is used

with a warning sign. For example, to show
Roadworks
the maximum speed that’s safe in good Temporary signs warn you that roadworks are ahead. When
conditions, or how long you should look out approaching roadworks, slow down, look out for any hazards and
for a particular hazard. be prepared to stop.

You must obey the regulatory signs and traffic lights at roadworks.
Look out for road workers on the road and obey signals from
traffic controllers.

Road ahead curves

to the right. 55km/h
maximum speed in
good conditions.

Some roads have large electronic signs (called variable message

signs). These signs warn you of changes in traffic conditions ahead
– for example, fog, a crash, roadworks, congestion, road closures
or police operations.

Temporary traffic lights on a road. You must stop on a red signal.

‘Stop’ and ‘Slow’ signs are used at roadworks to control traffic.

You must stop before reaching a handheld ‘Stop’ sign.

‘Stop’ and ‘Slow’ signs are held

Variable message sign on a motorway.
by traffic controllers. You must
obey these signs.

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 Warnings and road hazards

Speed signs are regulatory signs. You must not drive faster than
the speed limit shown on the sign. Wildlife and livestock
On country roads, look out for unfenced
livestock and wildlife. Animals on the road
can be dangerous and can cause serious
crashes. They can move quickly and can
be unpredictable.

40km/h speed Slow down and be Traffic controller When you see a stock warning sign, you
limit for roadworks. prepared to stop. ahead. Be prepared to may be approaching farm animals on or
This speed limit must stop. near the road.
be obeyed.
Slow down when you see animal warning
signs. Animals are more active near
Stock may be waterholes and creeks, and are harder to
crossing ahead. see at sunrise and sunset.

If you see an animal on or near the road, slow

down and apply your brakes in a controlled
Road workers ahead. Approaching roadworks. Roadworks have
Slow down. Slow down and be ended.
way. Never swerve to avoid an animal. This
prepared to stop. may cause you to lose control of your vehicle
or to collide with oncoming traffic.

Look out for If you collide with an animal, only stop if it’s
kangaroos ahead. safe to do so.

If the animal is injured:

No lines marked on Closed lane ahead. Watch for loose • For a native or wild animal, contact
the road. Take care Merge to the right. stones. Slow down. the Wildlife and Information Rescue
if overtaking. Service (WIRES) at wires.org.au
• For a domestic pet, contact the owner,
police or the RSPCA at rspca.org.au

A temporary arrow on a roadwork vehicle warns you that a road hazard is ahead.
Change lanes.

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 Warnings and road hazards

Crashes When to call an ambulance and police

If anyone is injured or killed in a crash, call an ambulance and
If you’re involved in a crash you must always stop and give as
then the police on triple zero (000).
much help as possible. You must provide your details to the other
people involved or to police. The police attend and investigate crashes when:
If you’re involved in a crash that causes death or injury and you do • a person is trapped, killed or injured
not stop and help, you can get a fine and be sent to prison. • any driver is believed to be under the influence of alcohol
or drugs
Driving safely reduces your chances of being involved in a crash.
• a person fails to stop or exchange information
• they need to direct traffic or deal with hazards
What to do after a crash • a bus or truck needs to be towed away.
If you have a crash:
You must always give police at a crash scene:
• Turn off your ignition to reduce the risk of fire.
• your driver licence
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• details of the crash and vehicles involved
• If safe to do so, check whether there’s anything on the road
• your name and address
from the crash that could be dangerous or cause another
crash, such as debris or broken glass. Move it off the road if • information about any witnesses and other drivers involved.
it’s safe to do so.

If you’re involved in a crash with a truck carrying a dangerous load: When not to call the police
• Call the police or fire brigade on triple zero (000). You do not need to call the police to attend a crash when:
• Warn people away from the crash. • there are no injuries
• Avoid touching spilled chemicals or breathing the fumes • vehicles do not need to be towed.
or dust.
If someone involved in the crash is later treated for an injury,
• Look for an Emergency Procedures Guide attached to the call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
truck driver’s door. Follow these procedures, if it’s safe to
do so. If police do not attend the crash scene, you must report the crash
soon as possible (within 24 hours) if:
• a vehicle is towed away
Exchanging details
• property is damaged or animals are injured
If you’re involved in a crash you must give the other person or
• you’re unable to provide your details to the other driver.
people involved:
• your name and address Report the crash to the nearest police station or the Police
Assistance Line on 131 444.
• your vehicle registration number
• the name and address of the owner of the vehicle, if you’re
not the owner.

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 Warnings and road hazards

First aid after a crash Breakdowns

First aid is a skill that everyone should learn. For details on first aid
To reduce the risk of a breakdown, plan ahead. Check your fuel,
courses contact:
oil, water and tyre pressure (including the spare) regularly. Carry a
• St John Ambulance Association at stjohnnsw.com.au high-visibility vest and a torch inside your vehicle.
• Australian Red Cross at redcross.org.au
• National Safety Council of Australia at training.nsca.org.au
When you break down
When you break down:
Calling a tow truck • find a safe spot to pull over such as the side of the road
If your vehicle needs to be towed after a crash, you have the right (shoulder), an emergency stopping lane, or a breakdown lane
to decide: • park your vehicle as far to the left and away from other
• who will tow your vehicle traffic as possible
• where your vehicle will be towed to. • turn on your hazard lights (and parking lights, if there’s
poor visibility)
To be authorised, NSW tow trucks attending an accident scene must:
• stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and call
• have a number plate with four numbers and ending in ‘TT’ roadside assistance
• be driven by a driver with a valid driver certificate. • if you have a flat tyre, drive to a safe spot away from the
traffic, if possible.

Do not use a tow truck that does not meet these requirements. It’s
your responsibility to check the tow truck is authorised.

Before a tow truck tows your vehicle, you (as the owner and/or
driver) must sign a Towing Authorisation Form. This gives the tow Emergency stopping
lane only.
truck driver permission to tow your vehicle.
If you have to get out of your vehicle:
You have the right to:
• check for traffic before getting out
• contact someone before you sign the Towing Authorisation
• get out on the safest side of the road, away from the traffic
Form for assistance – for example, a mechanic, so you know
where to tow your vehicle • stand clear of the road and move behind a safety barrier,
if it’s safe to do so
• get a copy of the Towing Authorisation Form.
• avoid crossing the road
If you’re unable to organise a tow truck or sign the form, a police
• do not change a tyre unless it’s safe to do so.
officer or authorised officer can organise a tow truck for you.

If you have comprehensive car insurance, the towing fee may be

covered. Check with your insurer.

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 Warnings and road hazards

If you break down in a tunnel:

Police and emergency vehicles
• pull over to the breakdown bay or the side of the lane
• turn on your hazard lights Look out for emergency vehicles on the road, such as police cars,
fire trucks and ambulances. You can get a fine and demerit points
• stay in your vehicle for not giving way to an emergency vehicle.
• wait for help to arrive (major tunnels are constantly monitored).
You must obey directions given by police on the road, including
police signs and hand signals. If the police direct you to pull over,
When you see a breakdown you must stop in a safe place as soon as you can.

Take extra care when you see a vehicle that has broken down. Slow
down and keep a safe distance. Passing a stopped emergency vehicle
When passing a stopped tow truck or breakdown assistance When passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing blue or
vehicle with flashing lights: red lights:
• If the speed limit is 80km/h or less, you must slow down to • If the speed limit is 80km/h or less, you must slow down to
40km/h. 40km/h.
• If the speed limit is over 80km/h, you must slow down safely • If the speed limit is over 80km/h, you must slow down safely
and move over. This includes changing lanes on a multi-lane and move over. This includes changing lanes on a multi-lane
road, if it’s safe to do so. road, if it’s safe to do so.
You must not increase your speed until you’ve passed all vehicles You must not increase your speed until you’ve passed all vehicles
and people involved. and people involved.
If you stop to help, find a safe spot to pull over and check for traffic
before getting out. Giving way to an approaching emergency vehicle
Some heavy vehicles use warning triangles when they break down. When you hear a siren or see the flashing blue or red lights of an
If you see these on the road, slow down. emergency vehicle, you must give way so it can pass.

You may need to move to the left, stop or pull over out of the line
of traffic.

Funeral processions
When you see a funeral or an official procession, you must not
interrupt it. You can get a fine if you interfere with the procession.

Slow down and stay behind it.

Warning triangle on the road. Slow down.

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 Warnings and road hazards

Driving in poor conditions It’s difficult to assess how deep and fast water is when it’s moving
over a road. The road surface under the water may be damaged or
there may be debris, or the water level may be rising.
You should avoid driving during unpredictable and severe weather
events and conditions. Before you drive, check for storms, Floodwater is extremely dangerous. Find another way or wait
bushfires, hail, snow, dust storms and heavy fog. until the road is clear. It’s safer to turn around than to drive in
floodwater.
If you’re driving and conditions get worse, pull over to a safe place.
Wait until conditions improve.

When you cannot avoid driving in poor conditions, slow down, Driving distractions
drive carefully and increase your visibility by using your day
running lights or headlights. Stay informed about the weather by Distractions take your attention away from driving. They can
listening to the radio. You may need to change your route to avoid significantly increase your risk of crashing.
driving into danger.
A distraction is anything that takes your eyes off the road, your
Stay alert by taking regular rest breaks. hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving. Distractions can
come from both inside and outside your vehicle.

Taking your eyes off the road for 2 seconds doubles the risk of a
Driving in wet weather crash or near crash. For example, when driving at 50km/h, if you
When driving in wet weather, the road can become slippery and take your eyes off the road for 2 seconds, you’ll travel 28m.
your vehicle takes longer to stop.
When you’re distracted or your attention is divided, you’re more
If it starts to rain, you should turn on your headlights (if they don’t likely to make mistakes. A short lapse in concentration can have
come on automatically), break gently to slow down, and increase lifelong consequences.
the gap between you and the vehicle in front (crash avoidance
space).
Passengers
Passengers can be helpful when you’re driving, by identifying
Driving on unsealed roads hazards and risky situations. They can also help with other
Take extra care and slow down when driving on unsealed roads activities such as changing music and navigating.
(dirt or gravel). Your vehicle takes longer to stop and is harder
However, the noise and behaviour of passengers can distract you
to control. If you drive too fast, your vehicle may skid, slide or
while driving. Some passengers may encourage you to take risks,
roll over.
such as speeding or breaking road rules.

Young drivers have a higher risk of crashing when driving with

Driving through water passengers of a similar age.
You should avoid driving through water. It can be very risky.
There’s a limit to the depth of water that your vehicle can drive
through safely.

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 Warnings and road hazards

Animals in your vehicle At night or when there’s not enough daylight to see a person
wearing dark clothing at a distance of 100m, your vehicle must
Animals in your vehicle can be distracting when you’re driving. have clearly visible:
They should travel in an appropriate area of your vehicle. • headlights
You must not drive: • tail lights
• with an animal in your lap • number plates
• while an animal is being led from the vehicle, including being • clearance lights and side marker lights, if fitted to your vehicle.
led by you or a passenger
Headlights
• while an animal is tied to the outside of the vehicle.
Using your vehicle’s day running lights improves the likelihood of
other road users seeing you. If your vehicle is not fitted with day
Reducing distractions running lights, you can use your headlights on low beam.

Avoiding or reducing distractions when you drive can reduce your Your headlights must be on:
risk of crashing. • when driving between sunset and sunrise
To reduce distraction: • at any other time where there’s not enough daylight to see a
person wearing dark clothing at a distance of 100m.
• turn off the radio or music, particularly in new or challenging
traffic situations High beam lights
• put loose items in a bag or box or in the boot You can use your headlights on high beam if you need to see
• ask your passengers not to distract you further ahead, even if there are street lights.
• do not adjust the radio or music when driving You must turn your headlights from high beam to low beam:
• limit the number of passengers and animals you carry • when a vehicle coming towards you is within 200m
• if you have a learner or provisional P1 or P2 licence, put your • when driving 200m or less behind another vehicle.
mobile phone on silent or out of reach, or switch it off
You can also flash your high beam lights before you overtake
• if you have a full (unrestricted) licence, avoid using your
another vehicle.
mobile phone.

Lights and horns

Lights Turn your headlights to low beam when driving behind another vehicle.
About a third of car crashes occur at night. Pedestrians, bicycles
and motorcycles are harder to see at night than during the day.

Turn your headlights to low beam when a vehicle is coming towards you.

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 Fog lights
You must only use your fog lights in fog or rain, or when other Vehicle safety and
conditions limit your vision, such as smoke or dust.

Once conditions improve and you can see more clearly, you must
compliance
switch the fog lights off.
The age and condition of your vehicle contribute to road safety.
If your vehicle does not have fog lights, you can use your low beam There are checks and rules in place to keep every vehicle on the
headlights and hazard lights in fog or rain. road as safe as possible.
Hazard lights Your vehicle must be safe to drive and registered. Keep your
Hazard lights (or hazard warning lights) are flashing orange or red vehicle well maintained by regularly checking everything is
lights on a vehicle. working correctly.

You must only use your hazard lights when your vehicle is stopped Adjust your seat and controls so you’re comfortable and can drive
in a hazardous position, for example, when obstructing other with confidence.
vehicles or pedestrians, or when you’re driving in hazardous Think about the environment when driving. Do not throw rubbish
conditions such as fog or rain. or lit cigarettes from your vehicle. When towing, make sure your
load is secure.
Avoid lights that dazzle
Do not use or fit lights to your vehicle that could dazzle or distract
other road users. Vehicle registration
Avoid looking straight at the headlights of oncoming vehicles. All vehicles must be registered to drive in NSW.
If you’re dazzled or your vision is blurred by the glare of high
beam lights, look to the left side of the road and drive to the left All vehicles (except trailers and caravans) must have CTP insurance
of your lane. Slow down or stop out of the line of traffic until your (a green slip) to be registered.
eyes recover.
Driving a vehicle that’s not registered and not insured is illegal. You
can get a fine and demerit points.
Horns and other warning devices If you’re driving a vehicle that’s not registered and have a crash,
You must not use your horn or any other warning device, unless: you’re not covered by CTP insurance and there are severe
penalties.
• you need to warn other road users about the position of
your vehicle There are penalties for parking a vehicle that’s not registered on
• you need to warn others that you are approaching a road.

• you need to warn animals to get off the road You can only drive a vehicle that’s not registered if you’re getting
• it’s part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device. or renewing your registration, or if you have an unregistered
vehicle permit.
Never use your horn to scare or intimidate other road users,
particularly bicycle riders, pedestrians and horse riders.

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 Vehicle safety and compliance

Getting a new registration Number plates

What you must do to register your vehicle in NSW depends on its
Your vehicle must have number plates permanently attached to
age and whether it’s currently registered.
the front and back. Motorcycles only need a number plate on
the back.
Transferring registration The plates must be issued by Transport for NSW. The numbers
must match the numbers on the vehicle’s Certificate of
When you buy a vehicle that’s currently registered, you must
Registration. You must not attach your number plates to another
transfer the registration into your name within 14 days to avoid a
vehicle.
late surcharge.
You must not change or deface the number plates in any way.
You must not obscure them, for example, with L plates or P plates.
Renewing registration Number plate covers must be clear, clean, untinted, non reflective
and flat.
You must renew your vehicle registration on or before the due
date. It’s important to renew on time to avoid driving a vehicle The number plates must be clean and not damaged. The numbers
that’s not registered and getting a fine and demerit points. must be readable from a distance (at least 20m), from above
and from the side (within a 45-degree arc from the centre of
If you do not renew your registration within 3 months of the due
the vehicle).
date, it’s automatically cancelled. To drive your vehicle again, you
must get a new registration.

Generally, vehicles older than 5 years must have a safety check

to renew the registration.

If your vehicle fails the safety check, you must not drive it unless
you’re getting it repaired or inspected. You must not drive it again
until it passes the inspection and is registered.
Visible to 20m
Visible to 20m

Number plate Number plate

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 Vehicle safety and compliance

Roadworthiness
To be registered, your vehicle must be suitable for safe use
(roadworthy) and meet the standards required by law.

Number plate Number plate Defect Notices

Visible to 20m Visible to 20m
Police can stop your vehicle and inspect it at any time. If your
vehicle is not safe to drive, they can give you a Defect Notice.
For example, you can get a Defect Notice if your vehicle:
• is too noisy, drips oil or blows too much smoke
• has a bull bar that’s not safe or does not meet standards –
for example, if it has pointed corners or sharp edges
All rear number plates must have a light so they can be seen
at night. • has an accessory that is not fitted correctly – for example,
a fishing rod holder, spotlight mount, or winch.
If you’re towing a trailer, the trailer must also have a number plate
on the back. If you get a Defect Notice, you must repair your vehicle by the due
date on the notice. Some repairs must be cleared by an authorised
If your vehicle has a bicycle rack or tow bar, the rear number plate person, such as a vehicle inspector.
must be clearly visible.
Your registration can be suspended if you do not repair the defect
You can buy a smaller copy of your number plate (with the same by the due date.
letters and numbers) from a service centre. See Order auxiliary
plates at service.nsw.gov.au

There are penalties for hiding any part of a number plate.

Modifications
A vehicle with a significant modification must be assessed and
certified before it can be registered. This must be done by a
licensed certifier under the Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification
Scheme (VSCCS). They’ll make sure the modification and vehicle
meet the standards and do not cause a safety risk.

Modifications may also affect your vehicle insurance and

warranty cover.

Provisional P1 and P2 drivers must not drive vehicles with

modifications that increase engine performance.

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 Vehicle safety and compliance

Checking your vehicle Electronic driver assist systems

Regularly check that your windscreen wipers and washers, horn Electronic driver assist systems are standard on most vehicles.
and seatbelts are working. While these systems improve safety, they do not prevent you from
losing control or crashing if you drive dangerously.
Check your lights are working, including headlights, brake lights
and indicators. You must not drive at night if your lights are Electronic stability control (ESC)
not working.
ESC systems help you keep your intended direction by detecting
Your tyres (including the spare) must be in good condition. if your vehicle is not responding correctly to your steering.
They must not be smooth and must have a tread at least 1.5mm The system selectively applies the brakes to individual wheels
deep. They must be inflated to the recommended pressure, and or changes engine power.
must not have any cracks or bumps or be worn unevenly.
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)

Vehicle safety features ABS is an ESC system that controls braking force to prevent your
tyres from skidding – for example, when you break heavily or in
slippery conditions. An ABS may cause the brake pedal to pulse
Vehicle safety features can significantly improve safety and are
or shudder when in use.
becoming more widely available. Technologies like autonomous
emergency braking (AEB) and lane support systems can reduce Traction control systems (TCS)
the risk of a crash. Side curtain airbags can reduce the severity of
an injury if a crash cannot be avoided. TCS is an ESC system that stops your wheels spinning by reducing
engine power or temporarily applying the brakes. TCS lets the
Whether you’re looking for a new or used car, consider safety vehicle speed up smoothly, even on slippery surfaces.
features and look for cars that are rated highly by the Australasian
New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) or the Used Car Safety Emergency brake assist (EBA)
Ratings Buyer’s Guide.
EBA detects sudden braking. It automatically increases the force
being applied to the brakes to minimise your stopping distance.
It’s also known as a brake assist system (BAS).
Airbags
Airbags are a supplementary restraining system (SRS). They are Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
designed to work together with seatbelts. For the driver’s airbag to AEB warns you of close objects in your vehicle’s path.
work best, adjust your steering wheel low, facing your chest. It automatically reduces the speed of your vehicle if you
do not respond to the warning.
It’s important that your airbags work and comply with the
regulations. A faulty airbag means your vehicle is not safe. Lane support systems (LSS)
An LSS recognises lane markings. The system either alerts you
when you’re close to a lane boundary, or takes over the steering
to guide your vehicle away from the boundary.

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 Vehicle safety and compliance

Reverse collision avoidance (RCA) Driving posture

RCA uses cameras to improve your view when reversing. If sensors
are fitted, it alerts you when a person or object crosses your path Good driving posture reduces fatigue and improves comfort,
as you reverse. control and safety. It’s important to adjust the driver’s seat and
controls to suit your height and build.
Blind spot monitoring (BSM)
For good driving posture:
BSM alerts you to other vehicles in your blind spots when you
change lanes. • adjust your seat so you have a clear view of the road and
can easily reach the controls
• adjust the steering wheel low, facing your chest
Towing • adjust the head restraint for your height
Be careful when towing a trailer or caravan. You need more • adjust your seatbelt low on your hips and with no twists
knowledge and skill than for normal driving. • adjust the mirrors so you have a good view of the rear and
sides of the vehicle
When towing:
• have the seat upright to support your back and shoulders
• you must not tow more than one trailer at a time
• keep your arms bent; thumbs should be on the rim of the
• you must not have any person travelling in a trailer or steering wheel
caravan you’re towing
• keep your knees slightly bent
• you must secure and cover your load, making sure it does
not overhang. • sit back in your seat
• brace your body using your left foot.
Learner and provisional P1 drivers have restrictions on what they
can tow.

You can get a fine and demerit points for towing illegally.

Use your left foot to brace your body when driving.

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 Your vehicle and the environment Penalties
Littering
Road laws and road rules help keep our roads safe for everyone.
You must not throw any rubbish out of your vehicle. You’re If you break them, you put yourself and other road users at risk.
responsible for anything that’s thrown or dropped and anything That’s why penalties apply – to encourage drivers to follow the
that falls from your vehicle or from a trailer you’re towing. rules and keep driving safely.
If somebody reports you, you can get a heavy fine.
Penalties range from fines and demerit points to losing your
If it’s possible that the item could injure a person, or obstruct or licence and going to prison. The penalty reflects the safety risk
damage a vehicle or the road surface, you must remove it from of the offence. For example, offences that can cause serious
the road as soon as it’s safe to do so. If you do not, you can get a injury or death, such as speeding or drink driving, have more
fine and demerit points. severe penalties.
Cigarette butts
You must not throw cigarette butts out of your vehicle. Lit Fines
cigarettes are especially dangerous. You can get demerit points
and a heavy fine if you throw a lit cigarette from a vehicle. There are fines for every type of driving offence – for example,
parking illegally, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving
a vehicle that’s not registered, or not complying with your
Ecodriving licence restrictions.
Things you can do to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse You can get a penalty notice on the spot or in the post and you
gas emissions (ecodriving) include: have to pay a fine. The fine amount depends on the offence. If it’s
• Do not overfill your petrol tank. This leaves room for the fuel a serious offence, you may have to go to court.
to expand and reduce emissions.
See Pay your fine at revenue.nsw.gov.au
• Only use air conditioning when necessary. It’s most efficient
when you’re driving above 60km/h.
• Check the tyre pressures regularly. Under-inflated tyres Unpaid fines
increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
If you do not pay a fine by the due date, your driver licence can be
• Turn the engine off when you stop for long periods. suspended and/or your vehicle registration can be cancelled.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight. Remove things like roof
racks, bike racks and golf clubs when you’re not using them. If you cannot pay the full amount, you may be able to set up a
payment plan at revenue.nsw.gov.au
• Service your vehicle regularly and use the correct amount of
engine oil and coolant. Once you’ve paid, the suspension ends and you get your
• When driving a manual car, change gears at a lower engine licence back.
speed (revs).
• Avoid over-revving when you take off.
• Maintain a steady speed.

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 Penalties

If you do not pay or set up a payment plan within 6 months of Some driving offences attract double demerit points during
your suspension, your licence can be cancelled and you will have holiday periods. These offences include:
to apply to have your licence reissued. You can only do this when • driving over the speed limit
you’ve paid all outstanding fines. Any demerit points are carried
over when your suspension ends or you get a new licence. • not wearing a seatbelt (you or your passengers)
• not using an approved and suitable child car seat

Demerit points • using a mobile phone illegally.

Demerit points are penalty points that you get if you commit
certain driving offences.
Loss of licence
All drivers start with zero demerit points. If you drive safely and do There are two main ways you can lose your driver licence –
not break any rules, you continue to have zero demerit points. suspension and disqualification.

Each time you commit an offence that carries demerit points, Driving when you’ve lost your licence is a serious offence.
the points are added to your driving record.

Your licence is suspended when you reach a certain point limit. Suspension
The limit depends on your driver licence type.
When your licence is suspended, you must not drive at all for a
Driver licence type Demerit point Suspension time period of time.
limit (3-year Your licence can be suspended for offences such as:
period)
• going over the demerit point limit within a 3-year period
Learner licence 4 points 3 months
• driving more than 30km/h over the speed limit
Provisional P1 licence 4 points 3 months • driving over the alcohol limit (under 0.08, first offence)
Provisional P2 licence 7 points 3 months • not paying a fine

Full (unrestricted) 13 points 3 months (13–15 points) • being medically unfit to drive.
licence
4 months (16–19 points)

5 months (20 or more

points)

Suspension for exceeding your demerit point limit applies

in addition to any other suspensions you get for committing
an offence.

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 Penalties

For some offences, police can suspend and take away your licence
immediately. These include:
Alcohol interlocks
• driving without a supervisor (learner licence) If you’re convicted of a drink-driving offence, you may have to
• driving more than 30km/h over the speed limit (learner and have an alcohol interlock fitted to your vehicle. This is an electronic
provisional P1 and P2 licence) breath-testing device linked to your vehicle’s ignition. It prevents
• driving more than 45km/h over the speed limit (all licences) the vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.

• driving over the alcohol limit Drink-driving offences that can result in an interlock include:
• hooning or street racing. • driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or over
When your suspension ends, you can drive again. If your licence • any repeat drink-driving offence
was taken away by police, you have to apply for a replacement • driving under the influence of alcohol
at a service centre before you can drive. If you go to court, your
• refusing blood or urine tests.
suspension might end and be replaced by a disqualification.

Disqualification Driver education courses

If a court convicts you of an offence and disqualifies you from driving, You can be required to complete a driver education course such
your licence is cancelled. This means you must not drive at all. as the Traffic Offender Intervention Program if you exceed the
demerit point limit for your licence twice within 5 years. The course
The court will decide how long you’ll be disqualified. Offences
aims to ensure that drivers understand the road rules and the risks
often have minimum and maximum disqualification periods.
of unsafe driving, and change their behaviour.
Once the disqualification ends, you can apply to have your
The Sober Driver Program is a program that aims to change the
licence reissued at a service centre. Depending on the length of
disqualification, you may have to re-sit the Driver Knowledge Test attitudes and behaviours of drink drive offenders. You may be
(DKT) and/or the Driving Test. required to complete the Sober Driver Program if a court convicts
you of driving over the alcohol limit but does not require you to
All drivers, including learner, P1 and P2 drivers, can have their get an alcohol interlock.
licence disqualified. You will be disqualified if you’re convicted of:
• driving with a suspended licence
• driving over the alcohol limit
• driving under the influence of alcohol
• driving with illegal drugs in your system
• driving under the influence of drugs or medicines
• driving more than 30km/h over the speed limit
• negligent or dangerous driving causing injury or death
• hooning or street racing
• not stopping after a crash in which someone was injured
or killed.

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 Penalties

Vehicle impoundment Toll notices

Police can impound (take away) your vehicle, or remove the If you use a road with a toll and you do not have an electronic tag
number plates if you commit a high-risk offence, such as: or pass, you must pay a fee. If you do not pay within 3 days, you
• driving more than 45km/h over the speed limit get a toll notice. You must pay the toll plus an administration fee.

• driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or over If you do not pay the toll notice, you get a reminder notice with
(repeat offences) extra administration fees or overdue fees.
• hooning or street racing If you still do not pay, you get a final notice with overdue fees. If
• driving when you do not have a licence (2 or more offences) you do not pay this by the due date, you may have to go court.
• driving while your licence is disqualified (2 or more offences)
• driving to get away from police.

Combined with loss of licence, taking away your vehicle or number

plates aims to keep high-risk drivers off the road.

Prison
You can be sent to prison if a court finds you guilty of a high-risk
driving offence, such as:
• driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or over
• driving under the influence of alcohol
• driving under the influence of drugs or medicines
• refusing blood or urine tests
• negligent or dangerous driving causing injury or death
• driving while your licence is suspended or disqualified
• hooning or street racing.

The prison term can increase for repeat offences.

200 Road User Handbook Road User Handbook 201

 Index

Index
crossings 118–119, 158 Driver Licensing Access
in parked vehicles 156 Program 9, 10
pedestrians 72 Driver Reviver sites 61
at traffic lights 89 school bus zones 35, 36, 72 driving in poor conditions
A 180–181
in transit lanes 154 in front seat 51
accessible parking 161 driving hours, logging 10
turning 111 cigarette butts 194
age to get a licence 7–8 driving instructors 10, 18
blind spots clearways 144, 160
airbags 190 driving posture 193
changing or merging lanes crash avoidance space 65–67,
alcohol 132 136 driving test 12
interlocks 199 trucks and buses 80 crashes drugs
limits for L and P licences when overtaking or procedure after 174–176 learner supervisor 28
19 merging 124 pedestrians affected by 73
types of 69–70
limits for learner blood alcohol concentration rules 43–46
supervisors 28 young drivers 30
(BAC) 19, 28, 39, 199, 200 testing 43, 44
limits 39–42 booster seats 50–51
tests 40 D
braking technique 68 E
animals breakdowns 177–178 dangerous driving 63
ecodriving 194
injured or on the road 173 breath tests 40 dashboard screens 57–58
edge lines 106, 143
in vehicles 156, 182 bridges 122, 131 day running lights 183
emergency stopping lanes
average speed cameras 38 buses see also heavy vehicles defect notices 189 138, 177
bus zones 163 demerit points 196–197 emergency vehicles 179
B with flashing lights 36, 81 digital screens 57–58 emissions 194
bicycles lanes 151 disability parking 157, 161 eyesight test 7, 24
in bus lanes 151 traffic lights 88 disqualification 198–199
rack on car 188 distance between vehicles F
64–68, 136
hand signals 111, 115 C fatigue 58–61
distractions 57, 181
lanes 149–150 car (C) licence 7, 15 fines 195–196
dividing lines 140–142
on motorways 134 centrelines 140–142 first aid after a crash 176
double demerit points 197
no bicycle signs 110 changing lanes 132–133 fixed speed cameras 38
double dividing lines 142, 159
overtaking 131 chauffeur‑driven hire cars floodwater 169, 181
double parking 156
paths 150 alcohol 39 fog lights 184
dragon’s teeth 148
at roundabouts 97 licence 18 freeways and motorways 112,
driver education courses 199
sharing the road with 75–77 children 134–139
Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)
storage areas 77, 89 car seats and restraints 9–10 full driver licence 14
49–53 funeral processions 179
202 Road User Handbook Road User Handbook 203
 Index

G horns 184 changing 132–133 full (unrestricted) 14

horse riders and horse-drawn dividing lines 140–142 heavy combination (HC) 17
giving way vehicles 79 emergency stopping 177 heavy rigid (HR) 17
to emergency vehicles 179 hourly parking 161 ending 132 interstate and overseas
at intersections 100–101 25–27
lane-use signals 137
left turns 103 I light rigid (LR) 16
median turning 149
to pedestrians 72, 99, 101, loss of 197–199
106, 116–117 impoundment of vehicle 200 merging 133
roundabouts 95–96 medical conditions 24
right turns 101 indicating
rules 140–142 medium rigid (MR) 16
slip lanes 148 at roundabouts 91
S-lanes 146 multi combination (MC) 18
at stop signs 99–100 rules 114–115
slip lanes 148 restrictions 19–23
at T-intersections 103 International Driver Permit 26
tram 152 rider 16
GPS 57–58 intersections
transit 154 steps for getting 7–14
Graduated Licensing Scheme bicycles at 77
(GLS) 7 truck 153 suspension 196–198
parking near 158–159
T-way 151 light rail see trams
rules 98–106
H learner licence light rigid (LR) licence 16, 23
interstate licences
alcohol limit 39 lights, vehicle 182–184, 190
hand signals 111, 115 driving in NSW 25
interstate or overseas lines and markings
hazard lights 184 transferring 26
25–27 arrows 147
Hazard Perception Test
mobile phone use 54 dragon’s teeth 148
(HPT) 11 J
hazards 167–173 getting 10 give way lines 84
jammers 33 restrictions 19–23 keep clear 147
headlights 183, 190
heavy combination (HC) speed limit 33 rules 140–145
licence 17 K left turns stop lines 82–83, 99
heavy rigid (HR) licence 17 kerb lines 144 at intersections 103 littering 194
heavy vehicles 33, 80–81 on red light 87 livestock signs 173
high beam lights 183 L at roundabouts 92 loading zones 164
high-performance cars 21 rules 107 local traffic areas 34
L plates, displaying 21
hire cars at slip lanes 148 logging driving hours 10
lane filtering by motorcycles
in bus lanes 151 78 licence long vehicles
transit lanes 154 lanes classes 15–18 overtaking 128–129
hook turns 111 bicycle 149–150 disqualification 198–199 turning 110
hooning 62 bus 151 driving without 27

204 Road User Handbook Road User Handbook 205

 Index

M O rules 156–166 police

special events 162 calling after a crash 175
median strips 146 one-way streets
passengers vehicles 179
median turning lanes 149 parking in 165
as distractions 181 practising driving 10
medicines 43–46 rules 123
dropping off in restricted prescription drugs 43
medium rigid (MR) licence 16, overseas licences 25–27 zones 164–165
23 provisional licences
oversize vehicles transit lanes 154
merging lanes 133 alcohol limit 39
sharing the road with 81 pay parking 162
minibuses 16, 154 mobile phones 54
turning 110 pedestrian crossings
Mobile Drug Testing (MDT) 43 P1 13
overtaking and passing parking near 158
mobile phone rules 20, 54–58 P2 14
bicycles 76, 131 rules 116–119
mobile speed cameras 38 restrictions 19–23
breakdowns 178 pedestrians
Mobility Parking Scheme speed limit 33
on bridges 131 giving way to 72, 99, 101,
(MPS) permit 157, 161
emergency vehicles 179 106, 116–117
mobility scooters 71, 74, 150
horses 79 at roundabouts 97
R
modified vehicles 21, 189–190
on the left 127 refuges 119 radar detectors 33
motorcycles
long vehicles 128–129 shared zones 35 railway level crossings 159,
in bus lanes 151 120–122
motorcycles 78, 130 sharing the road with 71–75
at intersections 98 ramp metering signals 135
rules 124–131 traffic lights 90
licences 16 random breath tests (RBTs)
pelican crossings 90, 117–118
overtaking 130 40
parking 162
P penalties 195–201
reaction time 65
drink driving 41
rules 77–79 P plates, displaying 21 red-light speed cameras 38, 91
driving too close 64
in transit lanes 154 P1 licence (red Ps) 13 resident parking 162
driving without a licence 27
motorways and freeways 112, P2 licence (green Ps) 14 rest areas 61
134–138 drug driving 44
painted islands 145 restricted parking 160–165
multi combination (MC) failure to use child
parking reversing 74
licence 18 restraint 52
angle 166 rider (R) licence 16
failure to use seatbelts 48
on median strip 146 rideshare vehicles 18, 39
N hooning and street
mobile phone use 55 racing 62 right turns
narrow bridges and roads 122 motorcycles 162 mobile phone use 56 at intersections 101–102
navigation devices 57 on motorways 138 negligent or dangerous from one-way street 123
negligent driving 63 parallel 165 driving 63 at roundabouts 94
New Zealand licences 25, 27 residents only 162 for speeding 33 rules 108–109
number plates 187–188 using digital screens 58 at traffic lights 87

206 Road User Handbook Road User Handbook 207

 Index

road positioning 65 near pedestrian crossings traffic lights V

roadworks 36, 85, 71–172 117 pedestrians at 90
roadworks 171 variable message signs 138,
roadworthiness 189–190 pelican crossings at 117–118 170
rollerblades 74–75, 150 rules 82–83 rules 85–90 variable speed limit signs 34
roundabouts 91–97 stopping distance 64–68, 136 trams 88, 152 vehicle impoundment 200
rubbish 194 street racing 62 transferring interstate or vehicle registration 185–186
rumble strips 143 supervising a learner 22, 28 overseas licence 26–27
vehicle safety features 190–192
suspension of licence 196–198 transit lanes 154
trucks see heavy vehicles
S W
T lanes 153
safe stopping distance 64–68 warning signs 167–172
zones 165
school buses 36, 81 taxis
turning warning triangles 178
school crossing supervisors in bus lanes 151
bicycles 111 wet weather 73, 180–181, 184
119 children in 52
at intersections 98–105 wheelchairs, motorised 74
school zones 35 in clearways 160
median turning lanes 149 wildlife signs 173
seatbelts in transit lanes 154
rules 106–111 works zone 164
children 53 zones 163
at traffic lights 86–87
rules 46–48 tests
shared paths 155 alcohol 40
three-point turn 113 Y
U-turns 112 yellow kerb lines 144
shared zones 35 blood and urine 40, 44
skateboards 74–75, 150 breath 40
S-lanes 146 driver knowledge 9–10 U Z
slip lanes 148 driving 12 unpaid fines 195 zebra crossings see
Sober Driver Program 199 drugs 43–44 urine tests 40, 44 pedestrian crossings
speed cameras 38, 91 hazard perception 11 U-turns zig-zag lines 116
speed limits three-point turn 113 at roundabouts 94
L and P licences 19 3-second gap 66–67 rules 112–113
on motorways 136 T-intersections 103–104 at traffic lights 87
rules 32–39 tiredness 58–61
signs 34–37, 172 tow trucks
speeding penalties 33 calling after a crash 176
stop lines 82–83, 99 children in 52
stop signs towing 22, 188, 192
at intersections 99–100 traffic islands 45, 146

208 Road User Handbook Road User Handbook 209

nsw.gov.au
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with respect to the accuracy of any information, data or representation. This work is
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expressly disclaims all liability in respect of the consequences of reliance on the contents
of this work.

© Transport for New South Wales (2022) ISSN 1038-1724

Users are welcome to copy, reproduce and distribute extracts from this work for Pub. 20.208
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copyright owner and the title of this work is referenced as the source. 03/22