Part 1 Introductory

Division 1 General

1   Name of Rules

These Rules are the Road Rules 2008.

2   Commencement

These Rules commence on 1 July 2008.

3   Objects of these Rules

The objects of these Rules are:

(a)  to consolidate in a single instrument the road rules that are applicable in New South Wales, and

(b)  to provide for road rules that are based on the Australian Road Rules so as to ensure that the road rules applicable in this State are substantially uniform with road rules applicable elsewhere in Australia, and

(c)  to provide for other road rules to be observed in this State in relation to matters that are not otherwise dealt with in the Australian Road Rules.

Note. This rule is not uniform with the corresponding rule 3 of the Australian Road Rules.

Division 2 Some features of these Rules

4   Definitions—the Dictionary etc

(1)  The Dictionary at the end of these Rules defines certain words and expressions, and includes references to certain words and expressions defined elsewhere in these Rules (signpost definitions).

Example. The signpost definition “road related area—see rule 13” means that the expression road related area is defined in rule 13 of these Rules.

Note. The Dictionary only includes a signpost definition for a word or expression if the word or expression is used in 2 or more rules of these Rules.

(2)  The Dictionary is part of these Rules.

(3)  A definition in these Rules applies to each use of the word or expression in these Rules, unless the contrary intention appears.

(3–1)  If a word or expression used in a provision of these Rules is defined in the Act, it has the same meaning as in the Act, unless the word or expression is defined in these Rules for the purposes of the provision or these Rules generally.

Note 1. The Act is defined in the Dictionary. A number of words or expressions used in these Rules are also defined in the Dictionary to the Act.

Note 2. This subrule is an additional NSW subrule. There is no corresponding subrule in rule 4 of the Australian Road Rules.

5   Diagrams

A diagram in these Rules is part of these Rules.

Note 1. If a diagram of a traffic control device, traffic-related item or symbol is in black and white in a rule of these Rules, the diagram may be a black and white version of the device, item or symbol—see rule 314. If so, the colour version of the device, item or symbol will be in Schedule 2, 3 or 4.

Note 2. A diagram may be an example—see rule 6 (1).

6   Examples

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

(2)  If these Rules include an example of the operation of a provision of these Rules:

(a)  the example is not exhaustive, and

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

7   Australian Road Rule not reproduced

*     *     *     *     *

Note. Rule 7 (Headings) of the Australian Road Rules has not been reproduced in these Rules because section 35 of the Interpretation Act 1987 makes provision for the status of headings in legislation of this jurisdiction.

8   Notes

A note in these Rules is explanatory and is not part of these Rules.

9   Australian Road Rule not reproduced

*     *     *     *     *

Note 1. Rule 9 (Reader’s Guide) of the Australian Road Rules has not been reproduced in these Rules because the Reader’s Guide to which that rule refers has not been included in these Rules. This rule has been left blank in order to preserve uniformity of numbering with the Australian Road Rules.

Note 2. For the purposes of comparison, a number of provisions of these Rules contain bracketed notes in headings drawing attention (“cf RRR”) to equivalent or comparable (though not necessarily identical) provisions of the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) (Road Rules) Regulation 1999 as in force immediately before the commencement of these Rules.

10   Australian Road Rule not reproduced

*     *     *     *     *

Note 1. Rule 10 (Offences) of the Australian Road Rules has not been reproduced in these Rules because it is unnecessary. This rule has been left blank in order to preserve uniformity of numbering with the Australian Road Rules.

Note 2. These Rules indicate whether a contravention of a rule is an offence by the use of the words “penalty” or “maximum penalty” as appropriate—see rule 10–1 (4) and sections 17 (Penalty units) and 18 (Interpretation of provisions imposing penalties) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999.

10–1   NSW rule: determination of criminal responsibility

(cf RRR, cll 33–35)

(1) Application of Commonwealth Criminal Code
Subject to this rule, Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code set out in the Schedule to the Criminal Code Act 1995 of the Commonwealth (the Commonwealth Criminal Code) applies to an offence against these Rules as if the Chapter were in force as a law of New South Wales.

Note. Chapter 2 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code codifies the general principles of criminal responsibility.

(2) Offences are strict liability offences
An offence against these Rules is a strict liability offence for the purposes of Chapter 2 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code (as applied by subrule (1)), except where these Rules expressly provide otherwise.

(3) General defence of accident or reasonable effort
Without limiting any defence under Chapter 2 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code (as applied by subrule (1)), a person is not liable to a penalty for any offence under these Rules if the person proves to the satisfaction of the court dealing with the case that the offence:

(a)  was the result of an accident, or

(b)  could not have been avoided by any reasonable efforts on the person’s part.

(4) Operation of Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 not affected
Nothing in these Rules affects the application of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 in relation to these Rules (particularly, Divisions 4 and 5 of Part 2 of that Act).

Note 1. Divisions 4 and 5 of Part 2 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 contain provisions relating to how offence provisions are to be interpreted. For instance, section 17 of that Act defines the amount of a penalty unit. Similarly, section 18 of that Act sets out rules for interpreting provisions in legislation that impose penalties.

Note 2. This rule is an additional NSW road rule. There is no corresponding rule in the Australian Road Rules. However, it is intended that each Australian jurisdiction that adopts the Australian Road Rules is to apply the provisions of the Commonwealth Criminal Code to offences against the uniform rules.

10–2   NSW rule: penalties and disqualifications for speeding offences

(cf RRR cl 154)

(1) Definitions
In this rule:

heavy motor vehicle means:

(a)  a motor vehicle with a GVM over 12 tonnes, or

(b)  a motor vehicle and trailer combination with a GCM over 12 tonnes.

large motor vehicle means:

(a)  a coach, or

(b)  a motor vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes, or

(c)  a motor vehicle and trailer combination with a GCM over 4.5 tonnes.

speed limit, in relation to a speeding offence, means the speed limit that was contravened in committing the offence.

speeding offence means an offence under Part 3 (Speed limits).

Note. Motor vehicle, combination and trailer are defined in the Dictionary, and coach, GCM and GVM are defined in the Act.

(2) Penalties and disqualifications for speeding offence
A driver who commits a speeding offence in any of the circumstances referred to in subrule (3), (5) or (6) is:

(a)  liable to the maximum penalty specified in this rule for an offence committed in those circumstances, and

(b)  disqualified from holding a driver licence for the period specified in this rule for an offence committed in those circumstances.

Note. Driver licence is defined in the Act.

(3) Exceeding speed limit by more than 45 kilometres per hour
A driver who commits a speeding offence by exceeding a speed limit by more than 45 kilometres per hour is:

(a)  liable to a maximum penalty of 30 penalty units (in the case of a heavy motor vehicle or coach) or 20 penalty units (in any other case), and

(b)  disqualified from holding a driver licence by a conviction for the offence (and without any specific order) for 6 months from holding a driver licence or, if the court on the conviction thinks fit to order a different period of disqualification determined in accordance with subrule (4), is disqualified for the period specified in the order.

Note. Coach is defined in the Act.

(4) Court-ordered disqualification periods under subrule (3)
In determining a different period of disqualification under subrule (3) for a driver who commits a speeding offence, the court may specify a period that is:

(a)  more than 6 months, or

(b)  less than 6 months, but only if:

(i)  the person’s driver licence or authority to drive in New South Wales has been suspended for a period (the suspension period) under section 205 or 206 of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005 for that offence, and

(ii)  the specified disqualification period when added to the suspension period results in a total period of no less than 6 months.

(5) Exceeding speed limit by more than 30 kilometres per hour
A driver who commits a speeding offence by exceeding a speed limit by more than 30 kilometres per hour is:

(a)  liable to a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units, and

(b)  disqualified from holding a driver licence by a conviction for the offence (and without any specific order) for 3 months from holding a driver licence or, if the court on the conviction thinks fit to order a longer period of disqualification, is disqualified for the period specified in the order.

(6) Exceeding speed limit on road by 30 kilometres per hour or less
A driver who commits a speeding offence by exceeding a speed limit by 30 kilometres per hour or less is liable to a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units.

(7) Alternative verdicts in prosecutions for speeding by more than 45 kilometres per hour
If a driver is prosecuted under subrule (3) for a speeding offence in circumstances where the court:

(a)  is satisfied that the person exceeded the relevant speed limit, but

(b)  is not satisfied that it was exceeded by more than 45 kilometres per hour,

      the court may instead convict the driver of an offence in accordance with subrule (5) if satisfied that the speed limit was exceeded by more than 30 kilometres per hour, or in accordance with subrule (6) if satisfied that the speed limit was exceeded by 30 kilometres per hour or less.

(8) Alternative verdicts in prosecutions for speeding by more than 30 kilometres per hour
If a driver is prosecuted under subrule (5) for a speeding offence in circumstances where the court:

(a)  is satisfied that the person exceeded the relevant speed limit, but

(b)  is not satisfied that the speed limit was exceeded by more than 30 kilometres per hour,

      the court may instead convict the driver of an offence in accordance with subrule (6).

(9) Disqualification period commences on date of conviction
A period of disqualification imposed by or under this rule commences on the date of conviction for the offence to which it relates.

Note. This rule is an additional NSW road rule. There is no corresponding rule in the Australian Road Rules. However, the Australian Road Rules allow another law of this jurisdiction to make provision for penalties.

Part 2 Application of these Rules

Division 1 Roads and road related areas

11   Rules apply to vehicles and road users on roads and road related areas

(1)  These Rules apply to vehicles and road users on roads and road related areas.

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

(2)  Each reference in these Rules (except in this Division) to a road includes a reference to a road related area, unless otherwise expressly stated in these Rules.

Examples for subrule (2). 

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

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

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

12   What is a road

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

Note. Motor vehicle is defined in the Dictionary.

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

(a)  an area so far as the area is declared, under another law of this jurisdiction, not to be a road for these Rules, or

(b)  any shoulder of the road.

Note. The Minister administering the Road Transport (General) Act 2005, may, by order under section 15 of that Act, declare that provisions of the road transport legislation do not apply to a road or road related area or do apply to a specified area of the State that is open to or used by the public. The road transport legislation includes these Rules.

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

(a)  for a kerbed road—any part of the kerb, and

(b)  for a sealed road—any unsealed part of the road, and any sealed part of the road outside an edge line on the road,

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

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

13   What is a road related area

(1)  A road related area is any of the following:

(a)  an area that divides a road,

(b)  a footpath or nature strip adjacent to a road,

(c)  an area that is not a road and that is open to the public and designated for use by cyclists or animals,

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

Note. Vehicle is defined in rule 15.

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

(a)  an area so far as the area is declared, under another law of this jurisdiction, to be a road related area for these Rules, or

(b)  any shoulder of a road, or

(c)  any other area that is a footpath or nature strip as defined in the Dictionary,

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

Note 1. Shoulder is defined in rule 12.

Note 2. The Minister administering the Road Transport (General) Act 2005, may, by order under section 15 of that Act, declare that provisions of the road transport legislation do not apply to a road or road related area or do apply to a specified area of the State that is open to or used by the public. The road transport legislation includes these Rules.

Division 2 Road users and vehicles

14   Road users

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

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

15   What is a vehicle

A vehicle includes:

(a)  a motor vehicle, trailer and tram, and

(b)  a bicycle, and

(c)  an animal-drawn vehicle, and an animal that is being ridden or drawing a vehicle, and

(d)  a combination, and

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

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

Note. Various terms mentioned in this rule are defined in the Dictionary.

16   Who is a driver

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

Note 1. Bicycle and motor bike are defined in the Dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

Note 2. Drive includes be in control of—see the definition in the Dictionary.

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

Note. Wheelchair is defined in the Dictionary.

17   Who is a rider

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

Note 1. Bicycle and motor bike are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Ride, for the rider of a motor bike or animal-drawn vehicle, includes be in control of—see the definition in the Dictionary.

(2)  A rider does not include:

(a)  a passenger, or

(b)  a person walking beside and pushing a bicycle.

18   Who is a pedestrian

A pedestrian includes:

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

(b)  a person in a non-motorised wheelchair, and

(c)  a person pushing a motorised or non-motorised wheelchair, and

(d)  a person in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy.

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

19   References to driver includes rider etc

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

Part 3 Speed limits

20   Obeying the speed limit

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

Penalty and disqualification: a driver who contravenes this rule is guilty of an offence and is liable to a maximum penalty and a period of disqualification (if any) determined in accordance with rule 10–2.

Note 1. The rules about speed limits are as follows:

•  rule 21—speed limit where a speed limit sign applies

•  rule 21–1—NSW rule: school bus stop zone sign is speed limit sign

•  rule 22—speed limit in a speed limited area

•  rule 23—speed limit in a school zone

•  rule 24—speed limit in a shared zone

•  rule 24–1—NSW rule: speed limits for learner and provisional licence holders

•  rule 24–2—NSW rule: speed limit on Lord Howe Island

•  rule 24–3—NSW rule: speed limit when bus displaying when lights flash speed limit sign

•  rule 24–4—NSW rule: speed limits for small motor bikes during periods of darkness

•  rule 25—speed limit elsewhere.

Note 2. Road includes a road related area—see rule 11 (2).

Note 3. Length of road includes a marked lane, a part of a marked lane, or another part of a length of road—see the definition in the Dictionary.

Note 4. Part 20, Division 2 deals with the way in which a traffic sign applies to a length of road. Part 20, Division 3 deals with the way in which the traffic sign applies to drivers driving on the length of road.

Note 5. Section 43A of the Act provides that a person bringing proceedings or issuing a penalty notice in which it is alleged that the driver of a heavy vehicle committed a speeding offence may rely on the average speed at which the vehicle travelled between different points on a road as evidence of the offence.

If there is more than one speed limit applicable to the driver between the different points, section 43A of the Act provides that for the purposes of such proceedings the speed limit that applied to the driver between those points is taken to be the average speed limit calculated in accordance with that section.

21   Speed limit where a speed limit sign applies

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

Note. Length of road is defined in the Dictionary.

(2)  However, if the number on the speed limit sign is over 100 and the driver is driving a vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes or a vehicle and trailer combination with a GCM over 4.5 tonnes, the speed limit applying to the driver for the length of road is 100 kilometres per hour.

Note 1. Combination and trailer are defined in the Dictionary, vehicle is defined in rule 15, and GCM and GVM are defined in the Act.

Note 2. This subrule is not uniform with the corresponding subrule in rule 21 of the Australian Road Rules. Different rules may apply in other Australian jurisdictions.

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

(a)  a speed limit sign on the road with a different number on the sign,

(b)  an end speed limit sign or speed derestriction sign on the road,

(c)  if the road ends at a T-intersection or dead end—the end of the road.

Note 1. T-intersection is defined in the Dictionary.

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

 

Speed limit signs
Speed limit sign (Standard sign)	Speed limit sign (Variable illuminated message sign)
Other signs
End speed limit sign	Speed derestriction sign

Note 1 for diagrams. There are a number of other permitted versions of the speed limit sign and the end speed limit sign—see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

Note 2 for diagrams. A speed limit sign or end speed limit sign may have a different number on the sign—see rule 316 (4).

21–1   NSW rule: school bus stop zone sign is speed limit sign

(cf RRR, cl 3 of Sch 1)

(1)  For the purposes of rule 21:

(a)  a school bus stop zone sign is a speed limit sign, and

(b)  an end school bus stop zone sign is an end speed limit sign in respect of a school bus stop zone sign.

(2)  For the purposes of the application of this Part with respect to a length of road to which a school bus stop zone sign applies, the speed limit indicated by the sign applies to a driver only while the warning system of a bus is activated along that length of road.

Note. Length of road is defined in the Dictionary.

(3)  In this rule:

warning system of a bus means the warning system referred to in clause 94 of the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Regulation 1999.

 

School bus stop zone sign

End school bus stop zone sign

Note for diagrams. A school bus stop zone sign may have a different number on the sign—see rule 316 (4).

Note. This rule is an additional NSW road rule. There is no corresponding rule in the Australian Road Rules. Different speed limit signs may apply to drivers in other Australian jurisdictions.

22   Speed limit in a speed limited area

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

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

Note. Length of road is defined in the Dictionary.

(2)  A speed limited area is the network of roads in an area with:

(a)  an area speed limit sign on each road into the area, indicating the same number, and

(b)  an end area speed limit sign on each road out of the area.

(3)  In subrule (2) (a) and (b):

road does not include a road related area.

Note. Road related area is defined in rule 13.

 

Area speed limit sign

End area speed limit sign

Note 1 for diagrams. There are a number of other permitted versions of each of these signs—see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

Note 2 for diagrams. An area speed limit sign or end area speed limit sign may have a different number on the sign—see rule 316 (4).

23   Speed limit in a school zone

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

Note 1. Length of road is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. A school zone sign may indicate that it applies only at certain times, on certain days or in certain circumstances—see rules 317 and 318.

Note 3. This subrule applies to road related areas in the school zone—see rule 11 (2).

(2)  A school zone is:

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

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

(c)  in any other case—the network of roads in an area with:

(i)  a school zone sign on each road into the area, indicating the same number, and

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

Note. Intersection is defined in the Dictionary.

(3)  In subrule (2) (c) (i) and (ii):

road does not include a road related area.

Note. Road related area is defined in rule 13.

 

School zone sign

End school zone sign

Note 1 for diagrams. There are other permitted versions of the school zone sign—see the diagrams in Schedule 3.

Note 2 for diagrams. A school zone sign or end school zone sign may have a different number on the sign—see rule 316 (4).

Note 3 for diagrams. School days are any days other than a Saturday or Sunday, a day that is a public holiday or a day publicly notified as a school holiday for government schools—see rule 318 (3–1).

24   Speed limit in a shared zone

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

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

(2)  A shared zone is the network of roads in an area with:

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

(b)  an end shared zone sign on each road out of the area.

(3)  In subrule (2) (a) and (b):

road does not include a road related area.

Note. Road related area is defined in rule 13.

 

Shared zone sign

End shared zone sign

24–1   NSW rule: speed limits for learner and provisional licence holders

(cf RRR, cl 38 (4)–(6))

(1) Speed limit applying to learner drivers
The speed limit applying for any length of road to a driver who is the holder of a learner licence is 80 kilometres per hour, unless another lesser speed limit applies to the driver for the length of road under another rule of this Part.

Note. Length of road is defined in the Dictionary, and learner licence is defined in the Act.

(2) Speed limit applying to P1 provisional drivers
The speed limit applying for any length of road to a driver who is the holder of a provisional P1 licence is 90 kilometres per hour, unless another lesser speed limit applies to the driver for the length of road under another rule of this Part.

Note. Provisional P1 licence is defined in the Dictionary.

(3) Speed limit applying to P2 provisional drivers
The speed limit applying for any length of road to a driver who is the holder of a provisional P2 licence is 100 kilometres per hour, unless another lesser speed limit applies to the driver for the length of road under another rule of this Part.

Note. Provisional P2 licence is defined in the Dictionary.

(4) Rule applies despite greater speed limits
This rule has effect despite any other rule in this Part that specifies a speed limit applying to a driver for a length of road that is greater than the speed limit applying to the driver under this rule.

Note. This rule is an additional NSW road rule. There is no corresponding rule in the Australian Road Rules.

24–2   NSW rule: speed limit on Lord Howe Island

(cf RRR, cl 39)

(1)  The speed limit applying to a driver for any length of road on Lord Howe Island is 25 kilometres per hour.

Note. Length of road is defined in the Dictionary.

(2)  This rule has effect despite any other rule in this Part specifying the speed limit applying to a driver for a length of road.

Note. This rule is an additional NSW road rule. There is no corresponding rule in the Australian Road Rules.

24–3   NSW rule: speed limit when bus displaying when lights flash speed limit sign

(cf RRR, cl 40)

(1)  This rule applies to a driver if:

(a)  the vehicle being driven by the driver is approaching from the rear of a bus (whether stationary or in motion) that displays a when lights flash speed limit sign, and

(b)  the bus is fitted with a warning system, and

(c)  the warning system is activated.

Note. Bus is defined in the Dictionary.

(2)  The speed limit applying to a driver to whom this rule applies for any length of road while overtaking or passing the bus is 40 kilometres per hour, unless another lesser speed limit applies to the driver for the length of road under another rule of this Part.

Note. Length of road and overtake are defined in the Dictionary.

(3)  This rule does not apply to a driver in relation to a length of road to which a sign referred to in rule 21–1 applies.

(4)  This rule has effect despite any other rule in this Part that specifies a speed limit applying to a driver for a length of road that is greater than the speed limit applying to the driver under this rule.

(5)  In this rule:

warning system of a bus means the warning system referred to in clause 94 of the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Regulation 1999.

Note. This rule is an additional NSW road rule. There is no corresponding rule in the Australian Road Rules.

 

When lights flash speed limit sign

Note for diagram. This sign is displayed on buses.

24–4   NSW rule: speed limits for small motor bikes during periods of darkness

(cf RRR, cl 54)

(1)  The speed limit applying to the rider of a motor bike on any length of road during a period of darkness is:

(a)  if the engine capacity of the bike does not exceed 100 millilitres—40 kilometres per hour, or

(b)  if the engine capacity of the bike exceeds 100 millilitres but does not exceed 200 millilitres—50 kilometres per hour,

      unless another lesser speed limit applies to the rider for the length of road under another rule of this Part.

Note. Length of road and motor bike are defined in the Dictionary.

(2)  This rule does not apply to any motor bike that is fitted with a headlight having an effective range of at least 50 metres.

(3)  This rule has effect despite any other rule in this Part that specifies a speed limit applying to a driver for a length of road that is greater than the speed limit applying to the driver under this rule.

(4)  In this rule:

headlight has the same meaning as in Division 1 of Part 13.

period of darkness has the same meaning as in Division 1 of Part 13.

Note. This rule is an additional NSW road rule. There is no corresponding rule in the Australian Road Rules.

25   Speed limit elsewhere

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

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

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

Note. Built-up area is defined in the Dictionary.

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

(a)  for a driver driving a vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes or a vehicle and trailer combination with a GCM over 4.5 tonnes—100 kilometres per hour, or

(b)  for any other driver—100 kilometres per hour or as otherwise provided under another law of this jurisdiction.

Note 1. Combination and trailer are defined in the Dictionary, vehicle is defined in rule 15, and GCM and GVM are defined in the Act.

Note 2. Subrule (3) (a) is not uniform with the corresponding paragraph in rule 25 of the Australian Road Rules. Different rules may apply in other Australian jurisdictions.

25–1   NSW rule: drivers to which Part does not apply

(cf RRR, cl 41)

(1)  The provisions of this Part (other than this rule) do not apply to a driver who is taking part in a race, an attempt to break a vehicle speed record, a trial of speed or any competitive trial as referred to in section 40 (1) of the Act in accordance with an approval given, and any conditions imposed by the Commissioner of Police, under section 40 (2) of the Act.

(2)  Nothing in this Part is to be construed so as to justify the driving of any vehicle on a length of road at a speed that:

(a)  having regard to all the circumstances of the case, is dangerous to the public, or

(b)  exceeds any maximum speed applicable to the vehicle that is fixed by or under any Act or statutory rule or that is stated in any notice applicable to the vehicle and displayed in accordance with any law on the road or in a position where it is visible from the road.

(3)  In subrule (2) (a), the circumstances of the case include the following:

(a)  the nature, condition and use of the road,

(b)  the amount of traffic that actually is at the relevant time, or that might reasonably be expected to be, on that road,

(c)  the proximity of any intersection or grades or curves in the road.

Note. This rule is an additional NSW road rule. There is no corresponding rule in the Australian Road Rules.

Part 4 Making turns

Division 1 Left turns

26   Application of Division to roundabouts, road related areas and adjacent land

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

Note 1. Roundabout is defined in rule 109.

Note 2. Part 9 deals with entering and leaving a roundabout.

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

Note 1. Adjacent land and intersection are defined in the Dictionary and road related area is defined in rule 13. Adjacent land or a road related area can include a driveway, service station or shopping centre—see the definitions.

Note 2. Rule 74 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver entering a road from a road related area or adjacent land, and rule 75 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver entering a road related area or adjacent land from a road. Rule 212 deals with a driver entering and leaving a median strip parking area.

Note 3. For the meaning of left, see rule 351 (1).

(3)  In this rule:

road does not include a road related area.

Note. A road related area includes the shoulder of a road—see rule 13.

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

Note. Bicycle storage area is defined in the Dictionary.

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

(2)  In this rule:

road does not include a road related area.

Note 1. Intersection and multi-lane road are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Road related area includes any shoulder of a road—see rule 13.

Example. 

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

28   Starting a left turn from a multi-lane road

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

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

(b)  the driver is turning, at B lights or traffic arrows, in accordance with Division 2 of Part 17, or

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. B lights, intersection, marked lane, multi-lane road, public bus and traffic arrows are defined in the Dictionary, and left lane is defined in subrule (3).

Note 2. Rule 88 (1) deals with left turn only signs, rule 92 deals with traffic lane arrows, and rule 159 deals with traffic signs requiring particular kinds of vehicles to drive in an indicated marked lane.

Note 3. Division 2 of Part 17 provides for priority to be given to public buses at intersections with B lights or a white traffic arrow.

Example for subrule (1) (a). 

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

(1A)  A driver turning left at an intersection from a multi-lane road that has a slip lane must approach and enter the intersection:

(a)  from within the slip lane, or

(b)  if there is an obstruction that prevents the driver from entering the intersection from within the slip lane—from within the left lane.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Obstruction and slip lane are defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

(b)  the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign, and

(c)  any part of the vehicle is within 50 metres of the nearest point of the intersection, and

(d)  it is not practicable for the driver to turn left from within the left lane, and

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

Note 1. Driver’s vehicle is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Vehicle includes a combination—see rule 15 (d).

Note 3. Rule 316–2 makes it an offence for a do not overtake turning vehicle sign to be displayed on the rear of a motor vehicle or a trailer attached to a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is, or the vehicle and trailer together are, 7.5 metres or more in length.

Example. 

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

(2A)  If there is a bicycle storage area before an intersection that extends across one or more marked lanes of a multi-lane road, a rider of a bicycle turning left must approach and enter the intersection from within the part of the bicycle storage area that is directly in front of the left marked lane or of a bicycle lane that is on the left side of the road.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Bicycle storage area is defined in the Dictionary.

(3)  In this rule:

left lane means:

(a)  the marked lane nearest to the far left side of the road, or

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

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

Note 1. 

Special purpose lane is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rule 95 deals with driving in an emergency stopping lane and Part 11, Division 6 deals with driving in other special purpose lanes.

 

Do not overtake turning vehicle signs

Note 1 for diagrams. These signs are displayed on certain long vehicles.

Note 2 for diagrams. These signs must comply with the size requirements set out in rule 316–1.

29   Making a left turn as indicated by a turn line

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

(a)  the driver is turning, at B lights or traffic arrows, in accordance with Division 2 of Part 17, or

(b)  subrule (2) applies to the driver.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

Example. 

Making a left turn as indicated by a turn line

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

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

(b)  the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign, and

(c)  it is not practicable for the driver to turn left as indicated by the turn line, and

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

Note 1. Driver’s vehicle is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Vehicle includes a combination—see rule 15 (d).

Note 3. Rule 316–2 makes it an offence for a do not overtake turning vehicle sign to be displayed on the rear of a motor vehicle or a trailer attached to a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is, or the vehicle and trailer together are, 7.5 metres or more in length.

 

Do not overtake turning vehicle signs

Note 1 for diagrams. These signs are displayed on certain long vehicles.

Note 2 for diagrams. These signs must comply with the size requirements set out in rule 316–1.

Division 2 Right turns

30   Application of Division to certain right turns

(1)  This Division does not apply to:

(a)  a driver turning right at an intersection where there is a hook turn only sign, or

(b)  the rider of a bicycle making a hook turn under Division 3, or

(c)  a driver making a U-turn, or

(d)  a driver entering or leaving a roundabout.

Note 1. Bicycle, intersection and U-turn are defined in the Dictionary and roundabout is defined in rule 109.

Note 2. Division 3 of this Part deals with hook turns, Division 4 deals with U-turns and Part 9 deals with entering and leaving a roundabout.

Note 3. For the meaning of right, see rule 351 (2).

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

Note 1. Adjacent land is defined in the Dictionary and road related area is defined in rule 13. Adjacent land or a road related area can include a driveway, service station or shopping centre—see the definitions.

Note 2. Rule 74 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver entering a road from a road related area or adjacent land, and rule 75 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver entering a road related area or adjacent land from a road. Rule 212 deals with a driver entering and leaving a median strip parking area.

(3)  In this rule:

road does not include a road related area.

Note. A road related area includes the shoulder of a road—see rule 13.

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Intersection and multi-lane road are defined in the Dictionary.

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

Note. Dividing line and median strip are defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

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

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

Note. Bicycle storage area is defined in the Dictionary.

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

(5)  In this rule:

road does not include a road related area.

Note. Road related area includes any shoulder of a road—see rule 13.

Examples. 

Example 1

Starting a right turn from a road with a dividing line

Example 2

Starting a right turn from a one-way road

32   Starting a right turn from a multi-lane road

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

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

(b)  the driver is turning, at B lights or traffic arrows, in accordance with Division 2 of Part 17, or

(c)  subrule (2) applies to the driver.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. B lights, intersection, marked lane, multi-lane road, public bus and traffic arrows are defined in the Dictionary, and right lane is defined in subrule (3).

Note 2. Rule 89 (1) deals with right turn only signs, rule 92 deals with traffic lane arrows, and rule 159 deals with traffic signs requiring particular kinds of vehicles to drive in an indicated marked lane.

Note 3. Division 2 of Part 17 provides for priority to be given to public buses at intersections with B lights or a white traffic arrow.

Example for subrule (1) (a). 

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

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

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

(b)  the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign, and

(c)  any part of the vehicle is within 50 metres of the nearest point of the intersection, and

(d)  it is not practicable for the driver to turn right from within the right lane, and

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

Note 1. Driver’s vehicle is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Vehicle includes a combination—see rule 15 (d).

Note 3. Rule 316–2 makes it an offence for a do not overtake turning vehicle sign to be displayed on the rear of a motor vehicle or a trailer attached to a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is, or the vehicle and trailer together are, 7.5 metres or more in length.

(2A)  If there is a bicycle storage area before an intersection that extends across one or more marked lanes of a multi-lane road, a rider of a bicycle turning right (but not making a hook turn) must approach and enter the intersection from within the part of the bicycle storage area that is directly in front of the right marked lane or of a bicycle lane that is on the right side of the road.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Bicycle storage area is defined in the Dictionary.

(3)  In this rule:

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

right lane means:

(a)  the marked lane nearest to the dividing line or median strip on the road, or

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

Note 1. Dividing line, median strip, obstruction and special purpose lane are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rule 95 deals with driving in an emergency stopping lane and Part 11, Division 6 deals with driving in other special purpose lanes.

 

Do not overtake turning vehicle signs

Note 1 for diagrams. These signs are displayed on certain long vehicles.

Note 2 for diagrams. These signs must comply with the size requirements set out in rule 316–1.

33   Making a right turn

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

(a)  the driver is turning, at B lights or traffic arrows, in accordance with Division 2 of Part 17, or

(b)  subrule (4) applies to the driver.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

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

Note. Turn line is defined in the Dictionary.

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

(a)  passes as near as practicable to the right of the centre of the intersection, and

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

Note. Centre of the road is defined in the Dictionary.

Examples. 

Example 1

Making a right turn as indicated by turn lines

Example 2

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

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

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

(b)  the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign, and

(c)  it is not practicable for the driver to turn right as indicated by the turn line, and

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

Note 1. Driver’s vehicle is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Vehicle includes a combination—see rule 15 (d).

Note 3. Rule 316–2 makes it an offence for a do not overtake turning vehicle sign to be displayed on the rear of a motor vehicle or a trailer attached to a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is, or the vehicle and trailer together are, 7.5 metres or more in length.

 

Do not overtake turning vehicle signs

Note 1 for diagrams. These signs are displayed on certain long vehicles.

Note 2 for diagrams. These signs must comply with the size requirements set out in rule 316–1.

Division 3 Hook turns at intersections

34   Making a hook turn at a hook turn only sign

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Intersection and traffic lights are defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

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

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

4  Turn right into that road.

Note. Marked foot crossing is defined in the Dictionary.

(3)  In this rule:

road does not include a road related area.

Note. Road related area is defined in rule 13.

 

	Example.
Hook turn only sign	Making a hook turn at a hook turn only sign

35   Optional hook turn by a bicycle rider

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

Note. Bicycle and intersection are defined in the Dictionary.

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

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

2  Move forward:

(a)  keeping as near as practicable to the far left side of the intersection, and

(b)  keeping clear of any marked foot crossing, and

(c)  keeping clear, as far as practicable, of any driver turning left from the left of the intersection,

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

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

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

5  Turn right into the road that the rider is entering.

Note. Approaching and marked foot crossing is defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

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

Note. Bicycle hook turn storage area is defined in the Dictionary.

Example. 

Example. 

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

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Bicycle and intersection are defined in the Dictionary.

 

No hook turn by bicycles sign

Division 4 U-turns

Note. U-turn is defined in the Dictionary.

37   Beginning a U-turn

A driver must not begin a U-turn unless:

(a)  the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic, and

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Approaching traffic means traffic approaching from any direction—see the definition in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Traffic is defined in the Dictionary.

38   Giving way when making a U-turn

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

39   Making a U-turn contrary to a no U-turn sign

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Dividing strip is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rule 322 (5) and (6) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign at a break in a dividing strip.

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Length of road is defined in the Dictionary.

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

(a)  the next intersection on the road,

(b)  if the road ends at a T-intersection or dead end—the end of the road.

Note 1. Intersection and T-intersection are defined in the Dictionary.

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

 

No U-turn signs
No U-turn sign (Standard sign)	No U-turn sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Intersection and traffic lights are defined in the Dictionary.

 

U-turn permitted sign

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Intersection and traffic lights are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. U-turns are permitted at intersections without traffic lights unless there is a no U-turn sign, even though traffic lane arrows indicate that the driver must or may turn right—see rule 92.

42   Starting a U-turn at an intersection

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

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

(b)  in any other case—from the left of the centre of the road.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

Example. 

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

43   

Part 5 Change of direction and stop signals

Division 1 Change of direction signals

44   Division does not apply to entering or leaving a roundabout

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

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

45   What is changing direction

(1)  A driver changes direction if the driver changes direction to the left or the driver changes direction to the right.

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

(a)  turning left,

(b)  changing marked lanes to the left,

(c)  diverging to the left,

(d)  entering a marked lane, or a line of traffic, to the left,

(e)  moving to the left from a stationary position,

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

(g)  at a T-intersection where the continuing road curves to the right—leaving the continuing road to proceed straight ahead onto the terminating road.

Note 1. Marked lane and median strip parking area are defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

(a)  turning right,

(b)  changing marked lanes to the right,

(c)  diverging to the right,

(d)  entering a marked lane, or a line of traffic, to the right,

(e)  moving to the right from a stationary position,

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

(g)  making a U-turn,

(h)  at a T-intersection where the continuing road curves to the left—leaving the continuing road to proceed straight ahead onto the terminating road.

Note 1. U-turn is defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

Example 1 Driver indicating change of direction at a T-intersection where the continuing road curves to the right and the driver is proceeding straight ahead onto the terminating road

Example 2 Driver indicating change of direction at a T-intersection where the continuing road curves to the left and the driver is proceeding straight ahead onto the terminating road

46   Giving a left change of direction signal

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

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

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

Note. Median strip parking area is defined in the Dictionary.

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

Note. Driver’s vehicle is defined in the Dictionary.

47   How to give a left change of direction signal

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

48   Giving a right change of direction signal

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

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

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

Note. Median strip parking area is defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(5)  This rule does not apply to:

(a)  the driver of a tram that is not fitted with direction indicator lights, or

(b)  the rider of a bicycle making a hook turn.

Note 1. Bicycle and tram are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rules 34 and 35 deal with bicycles making hook turns.

49   How to give a right change of direction signal

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

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

Note. Mechanical signalling device is defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

Example. 

Giving a hand signal for changing direction to the right

51   When use of direction indicator lights permitted

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

(a)  to give a change of direction signal when the driver is required to give the signal under these Rules, or

(b)  as part of the vehicle’s hazard warning lights.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Division 2 Stop signals

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

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

Note. Bicycle and tram are defined in the Dictionary.

53   Giving a stop signal

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

54   How to give a stop signal

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

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

Note. Mechanical signalling device is defined in the Dictionary.

55   How to give a stop signal by giving a hand signal

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

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

Note. Motor bike is defined in the Dictionary.

Example. 

Giving a hand signal for stopping or suddenly slowing

Part 6 Traffic lights, traffic arrows and twin red lights

Division 1 Obeying traffic lights and traffic arrows

Note 1. Traffic arrows and traffic lights are defined in the Dictionary. Traffic arrows are a traffic control device designed to show a traffic arrow, or 2 or more traffic arrows at different times—see the definition in the Dictionary.

Note 2. A reference in a rule of this Part to a green, yellow or red traffic light or traffic arrow is a reference to a steady green, yellow or red traffic light or traffic arrow, unless otherwise stated in the rule—see rule 323.

Note 3. The rules dealing with T lights and B lights, which apply to drivers of trams and public buses, are in Part 17.

56   Stopping for a red traffic light or arrow

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

(a)  if there is a stop line at or near the traffic lights—as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line, or

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

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Red traffic light and stop line are defined in the Dictionary.

Example for subrule (1) (b). 

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

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

(1A)  However, if the traffic lights are at an intersection with a left turn on red after stopping sign and the driver is turning left at the intersection, the driver may turn left after stopping.

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

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

(a)  if there is a stop line at or near the traffic arrows—as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line, or

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

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Red traffic arrow is defined in the Dictionary.

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

Note 3. Rule 58 deals with when a driver does not have to stop for a red traffic light.

Note 4. The driver of a tram or a public bus does not have to stop at traffic lights showing a red traffic light if a white T light (for trams) or a white B light (for public buses) is also showing, or a white traffic arrow is showing and the driver is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow—see rules 278 and 285.

 

Stop here on red signal sign

Stop here on red arrow sign

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

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

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

Note. Bicycle storage area is defined in the Dictionary.

57   Stopping for a yellow traffic light or arrow

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

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

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

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Intersection does not include a road related area—see the definition in the Dictionary.

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

Note 3. Rule 58 deals with when a driver does not have to stop at a yellow traffic light.

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

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

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

Note. Bicycle storage area is defined in the Dictionary.

58   Exceptions to stopping for a red or yellow traffic light

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

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

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

Note. Intersection and stop line are defined in the Dictionary.

59   Proceeding through a red traffic light

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Enter, intersection, marked foot crossing and red traffic light are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rules 56 and 57 deal with stopping for a red or yellow traffic light, and proceeding while the light remains red or yellow. Rule 60 deals with proceeding through a red traffic arrow.

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

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

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

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

 

Left turn on red after stopping sign

60   Proceeding through a red traffic arrow

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Enter, intersection, marked foot crossing and red traffic arrow are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rules 56 and 57 deal with stopping for a red or yellow traffic arrow.

60A   Proceeding through a bicycle storage area before a red traffic light or arrow

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Red traffic arrow is defined in the Dictionary.

61   Proceeding when traffic lights or arrows at an intersection change to yellow or red

(1)  This rule applies to:

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

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

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

Note 1. Green traffic arrow, green traffic light, intersection and stop line are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Hook turns are dealt with in rules 34 and 35.

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Enter is defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

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

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Intersection does not include a road related area—see the definition in the Dictionary.

Division 2 Giving way at traffic lights and traffic arrows

Note. Traffic lights are defined in the Dictionary.

62   Giving way when turning at an intersection with traffic lights

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

(a)  any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is on the road the driver is entering, and

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

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

(ii)  any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is on the road the driver is leaving, and

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Intersection, oncoming vehicle, slip lane, straight ahead and U-turn are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. For this rule, give way means the driver must remain stationary until it is safe to proceed—see the definition in the Dictionary.

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

Note 4. A driver turning left at a left turn on red after stopping sign, at an intersection with traffic lights showing a red traffic light, must stop in accordance with rule 56 (1) before making the turn.

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

Note. Green traffic arrow is defined in the Dictionary.

Examples. 

Example 1 Giving way to a pedestrian on the road the driver is entering	Example 2 Driver turning right giving way to an oncoming vehicle going straight ahead
Example 3 Driver turning right does not have to give way to an oncoming vehicle that is turning left into the road the driver is entering using a slip lane

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

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

63   Giving way at an intersection with traffic lights not operating or only partly operating

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

Note. Intersection and yellow traffic light are defined in the Dictionary.

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Rule 322 (3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign at an intersection.

Note 2. Rule 67 deals with stopping and giving way at a stop sign or stop line at an intersection without traffic lights.

Note 3. There is no requirement under Division 1 of this Part for a driver to stop for a flashing yellow traffic light or traffic lights that are not operating.

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Give way line and stop line are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rules 72 and 73 deal with giving way at an intersection (except a roundabout) without traffic lights, or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applying to the driver.

 

Traffic light-stop sign

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

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

(a)  any vehicle travelling on the road the driver is entering, and

(b)  any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is on the road the driver is entering, and

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Intersection, oncoming vehicle, slip lane, straight ahead and yellow traffic arrow are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

Note 3. There is no requirement under Division 1 of this Part for a driver to stop for a flashing yellow traffic arrow.

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

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

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

(2)  The driver must:

(a)  give way to any pedestrian on the crossing, and

(b)  not obstruct any pedestrian on the crossing, and

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Overtake is defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

Division 3 Twin red lights (except at level crossings)

66   Stopping for twin red lights (except at level crossings)

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Level crossing is defined in rule 120, and twin red lights is defined in the Dictionary.

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

Note 3. Twin red lights are generally erected at bridges, ambulance stations, fire stations or level crossings. The rules about stopping at level crossings are in Part 10.

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

Note. Stop line is defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Part 7 Giving way

Note 1. The rules in this Part deal with giving way in most situations. In addition, other rules requiring a driver to give way include:

•  making a U-turn—rule 38

•  turning at traffic lights at an intersection—rule 62

•  at an intersection with traffic lights that are not operating or only partly operating—rule 63

•  turning at a flashing yellow traffic arrow at an intersection—rule 64

•  at a marked foot crossing with a flashing yellow traffic light—rule 65

•  entering and driving in a roundabout—rule 114

•  by the rider of a bicycle or animal to a vehicle leaving a roundabout—rule 119

•  at a stop sign at a level crossing—rule 121

•  at a give way sign or give way line at a level crossing—rule 122

•  moving from one marked lane to another marked lane, or from one line of traffic to another line of traffic—rule 148

•  when lines of traffic merge into a single line of traffic—rule 149

•  for pedestrians crossing the road near a stopped tram—rule 164.

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

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

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

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Intersection and stop line are defined in the Dictionary. This rule applies also to T-intersections—see the definition of intersection.

Note 2. For this rule, give way means the driver must remain stationary until it is safe for the driver to proceed—see the definition in the Dictionary.

Note 3. Part 6 deals with stopping and giving way at an intersection with traffic lights.

Note 4. This rule only applies to a driver turning left using a slip lane if the stop sign or stop line applies to the slip lane—see Part 20, Divisions 2 and 3, especially rules 330 and 345.

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

(a)  the stop line, or

(b)  if there is no stop line—the intersection.

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

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

(b)  a vehicle turning left at the intersection using a slip lane, or

(c)  a vehicle making a U-turn.

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

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

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

 

Stop sign

Examples. 

Example 1 Stop line

Example 2 Stopping and giving way at a stop sign to vehicles on the left and right

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

Example 3 Stopping and giving way at a stop sign to an oncoming vehicle at a stop sign

Example 4 Stopping and giving way at a stop sign to an oncoming vehicle that is not at a stop sign or give way sign

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

68   Stopping and giving way at a stop sign or stop line at other places

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

(a)  an intersection, or

(b)  a children’s crossing, or

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

(i)  children crossing flags, or

(ii)  children’s crossing signs and twin yellow lights, or

(d)  a level crossing, or

(e)  a place with twin red lights.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Examples. 

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

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

Note 1. Children’s crossing is defined in rule 80, intersection, stop line and twin red lights are defined in the Dictionary, and level crossing is defined in rule 120.

Note 2. For this rule, give way means the driver must remain stationary until it is safe for the driver to proceed—see the definition in the Dictionary.

Note 3. For the stopping and giving way rules applying to a driver at an intersection or level crossing with a stop sign or stop line, see rule 67 (intersections) and rule 121 (level crossings). Rule 80 deals with stopping at a stop line at a children’s crossing.

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

(a)  the stop line, or

(b)  if there is no stop line—the stop sign.

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

Examples. 

Example 1 Stopping and giving way at a stop sign at a break in a dividing strip

Example 2 Stopping and giving way at a stop sign where a carpark exit joins a road

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

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Give way line and intersection are defined in the Dictionary, and roundabout is defined in rule 109. This rule also applies to T-intersections—see the definition of intersection.

Note 2. For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

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

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

(b)  a vehicle turning left at the intersection using a slip lane, or

(c)  a vehicle making a U-turn.

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

(2A)  If the driver is turning left using a slip lane, the driver must give way to:

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

(b)  any other vehicle or pedestrian on the slip lane.

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

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

 

Give way sign

Examples. 

Example 1 Give way line

Example 2 Giving way at a give way sign to vehicles on the left and right

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

Example 3 Giving way at a give way sign to an oncoming vehicle at a give way sign

Example 4 Giving way at a give way sign to an oncoming vehicle that is not at a stop sign or give way sign

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

Example 5

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

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

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Oncoming vehicle is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

Examples. 

Example 1 Giving way at a bridge

Example 2 Giving way at a length of narrow road

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

71   Giving way at a give way sign or give way line at other places

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Examples. 

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

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

Note 1. Give way line, intersection and twin red lights are defined in the Dictionary, and level crossing is defined in rule 120.

Note 2. For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

Note 3. For the give way rules applying to a driver at an intersection, bridge or length of narrow road, or level crossing, with a give way sign or give way line, see rule 69 (intersections), rule 70 (bridges and lengths of narrow road) and rule 122 (level crossings).

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

Examples. 

Example 1 Giving way at a give way sign at a break in a dividing strip

Example 2 Giving way at a give way sign where a bicycle path meets a road

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Give way line, intersection, stop line, T-intersection and traffic lights are defined in the Dictionary, and roundabout is defined in rule 109.

Note 2. For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

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

Examples. 

Example 1 Driver going straight ahead giving way to a vehicle on the right that is going straight ahead

Example 2 Driver going straight ahead giving way to a vehicle on the right that is turning right

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

Note. Straight ahead is defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

(b)  any pedestrian at or near the intersection on the road the driver is entering.

Examples. 

Example 3 Driver turning left giving way to a vehicle on the right that is going straight ahead

Example 4 Driver turning left giving way to a pedestrian on the road the driver is entering

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

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

Note. Slip lane is defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

(b)  any pedestrian on the slip lane.

Example. 

Example 5

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

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

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

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

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

(i)  a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applies to the driver of the oncoming vehicle, or

(ii)  the oncoming vehicle is turning left using a slip lane, and

(c)  any pedestrian at or near the intersection on the road the driver is entering.

Note. Oncoming vehicle is defined in the Dictionary.

Examples. 

Example 6 Driver turning right giving way to a vehicle on the right that is turning right into the road the driver is leaving

Example 7 Driver turning right giving way to an oncoming vehicle that is going straight ahead on the road the driver is leaving

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

Example 8 Driver turning right giving way to an oncoming vehicle that is turning left into the road the driver is entering

Example 9 Driver turning right giving way to a pedestrian on the road the driver is entering

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

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

73   Giving way at a T-intersection

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Give way line, stop line, T-intersection and traffic lights are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

Note 3. Rule 75 (1) (d) requires a driver at a T-intersection to give way when crossing the continuing road to enter a road related area or adjacent land.

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

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

(b)  any pedestrian on the continuing road at or near the intersection.

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

Examples. 

Example 1 Driver turning right from the terminating road giving way to a vehicle on the continuing road

Example 2 Driver turning left (except if the driver is using a slip lane) from the terminating road giving way to a pedestrian on the continuing road

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

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

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

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

(b)  any pedestrian on the slip lane.

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

Example. 

Example 3

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

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

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

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

(b)  any pedestrian on the slip lane.

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

(a)  any oncoming vehicle that is travelling through the intersection on the continuing road or turning left at the intersection, and

(b)  any pedestrian on the terminating road at or near the intersection.

Note. Oncoming vehicle is defined in the Dictionary.

(7)  In this rule:

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

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

Note. Straight ahead is defined in the Dictionary.

Examples. 

Example 4 Driver turning right from the continuing road giving way to an oncoming vehicle travelling through the intersection on the continuing road

Example 5 Driver leaving the continuing road to proceed straight ahead on the terminating road giving way to a vehicle travelling through the intersection on the continuing road

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

Example 6 Driver turning right from the continuing road giving way to an oncoming vehicle turning left from the continuing road

Example 7 Driver turning right from the continuing road giving way to a pedestrian on the terminating road

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

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

Division 3 Entering or leaving road related areas and adjacent land

74   Giving way when entering a road from a road related area or adjacent land

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

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

(b)  any pedestrian on the road, and

(c)  any vehicle or pedestrian on any road related area that the driver crosses to enter the road, and

(d)  for a driver entering the road from a road related area:

(i)  any pedestrian on the road related area, and

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Adjacent land, give way line, stop line and traffic lights are defined in the Dictionary, and road related area is defined in rule 13.

Note 2. Adjacent land or a road related area can include a driveway, service station or shopping centre—see the definitions of adjacent land and road related area. Some shopping centres may include roads—see the definition of road in rule 12.

Note 3. Part 6 applies to the driver if there are traffic lights. Rule 68 applies to the driver if there is a stop sign or stop line, and rule 71 applies to the driver if there is a give way sign or give way line.

Note 4. For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

(2)  In this rule:

road does not include a road related area.

Note. A road related area includes any shoulder of a road—see rule 13.

Example. 

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

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

75   Giving way when entering a road related area or adjacent land from a road

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

(a)  any pedestrian on the road, and

(b)  any vehicle or pedestrian on any road related area that the driver crosses or enters, and

(c)  if the driver is turning right from the road—any oncoming vehicle on the road that is going straight ahead or turning left, and

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Adjacent land, continuing road, give way line, oncoming vehicle, stop line, straight ahead, T-intersection and traffic lights are defined in the Dictionary, and road related area is defined in rule 13.

Note 2. Adjacent land or a road related area can include a driveway, service station or shopping centre—see the definitions of adjacent land and road related area. Some shopping centres may include roads—see the definition of road in rule 12.

Note 3. For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

Note 4. Part 6 applies to the driver if there are traffic lights. Rule 68 applies to the driver if there is a stop sign or stop line, and rule 71 applies to the driver if there is a give way sign or give way line.

(2)  In this rule:

road does not include a road related area.

Note. A road related area includes any shoulder of a road—see rule 13.

Examples. 

Example 1 Driver turning right from a road into a road related area giving way to an oncoming vehicle that is going straight ahead and to a pedestrian on the footpath

Example 2 Driver crossing a continuing road at a T-intersection to enter a road related area giving way to a vehicle on the continuing road

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

Division 4 Keeping clear of and giving way to particular vehicles

76   Keeping clear of trams travelling in tram lanes etc

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3)  In this rule:

tram includes a bus travelling along tram tracks.

Note. Bus and travelling along tram tracks are defined in the Dictionary.

77   Giving way to buses

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

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

(b)  the bus displays a give way to buses sign and the right direction indicator lights of the bus are operating, and

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Built-up area, bus and length of road are defined in the Dictionary, left lane and left line of traffic are defined in subrule (2), and shoulder is defined in rule 12.

Note 2. For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

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

Note 4. Under rule 87 (1), a driver entering a marked lane, or a line of traffic, from the side of the road must give way to any vehicle travelling in the lane or line of traffic. However, the driver of a public bus does not have to give way to a vehicle if the vehicle is required to give way to the bus under this rule and it is safe for the bus to enter the lane, or line of traffic, in which the other vehicle is travelling—see rule 87 (2).

(2)  In this rule:

left lane, of a road, means:

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

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

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

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

 

Give way to buses sign

Note 1 for diagram. This sign is displayed on buses.

Note 2 for diagram. This sign must comply with the size requirements set out in rule 316–1.

78   Keeping clear of police and emergency vehicles

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Approaching, emergency vehicle and police vehicle are defined in the Dictionary.

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3)  This rule applies to the driver despite any other rule of these Rules.

79   Giving way to police and emergency vehicles

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Emergency vehicle and police vehicle are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. For this rule, give way means:

(a)  if the driver is stopped—remain stationary until it is safe to proceed, or

(b)  in any other case—slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision,

      —see the definition in the Dictionary.

(2)  This rule applies to the driver despite any other rule that would otherwise require the driver of a police or emergency vehicle to give way to the driver.

79–1   NSW rule: interfering or interrupting funeral cortege or authorised procession

(cf RRR, cl 84)

A driver must not interfere with, or interrupt, the free passage along any length of road of:

(a)  any funeral cortege or authorised procession, or

(b)  any vehicle or person apparently forming part of the cortege or procession.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. This rule is an additional NSW road rule. There is no corresponding rule in the Australian Road Rules.

79–2   NSW rule: precedence at ferries, punts, bridges or railway crossings

(cf RRR, cl 85)

(1)  A driver must on arrival at any ferry, punt, bridge or railway crossing at which the driver is required to wait:

(a)  keep the driver’s vehicle as near as practicable to that boundary of the carriageway of the road that is on the driver's left, and at the end of the line of vehicles waiting to proceed on board the ferry or punt or over the bridge or railway crossing, and

(b)  not break out of that line to take precedence of any vehicle that from its position had a prior right to proceed on board the ferry or punt or over the bridge or railway crossing.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Carriageway and driver’s vehicle are defined in the Dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

(2)  However, subrule (1) does not apply to a driver at a ferry or punt if:

(a)  an authorised person has given permission under this rule for the driver’s vehicle to break out of the line and take precedence of any vehicle that had a prior right to proceed on board the ferry or punt, and

(b)  the driver complies with any directions given by the authorised person as to the order or position in which the driver’s vehicle is to be placed and in which it may proceed to board the ferry or punt.

Note. Authorised person is defined in subrule (4).

(3)  An authorised person may give permission for a driver to break out of line and take precedence of any vehicle that had a prior right to proceed on board a ferry or punt, in accordance with the directions of the authorised person, if the authorised person considers that an emergency or all the circumstances of the case make it necessary or appropriate for the driver to be given precedence.

Note. Precedence might, for example, be given to the driver of an ambulance proceeding to or from an accident, or to a fire fighter or police officer proceeding to an emergency or a bus being used to provide a regular bus service.

(4)  In this rule:

authorised person means a police officer or, if no police officer is present, the person in charge of the ferry or punt concerned.

driver does not include a rider of a bicycle.

Note. This rule is an additional NSW road rule. There is no corresponding rule in the Australian Road Rules.

Division 5 Crossings and shared zones

80   Stopping at a children’s crossing

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

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

(a)  a hand-held stop sign is displayed at the crossing, or

(b)  a pedestrian is on or entering the crossing.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Stop line is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rule 322 (3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic control device at a place.

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

(a)  no longer displays the sign towards the driver, or

(b)  otherwise indicates that the driver may proceed.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

Note. Dividing strip is defined in the Dictionary.

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

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

(i)  children crossing flags, or

(ii)  children’s crossing signs and twin yellow lights, and

(b)  indicated by:

(i)  2 red and white posts erected on each side of the road, or

(ii)  2 parallel continuous or broken lines on the road surface from one side of the road completely or partly across the road, and

(c)  extending across the road between the posts or lines.

Note. Twin yellow lights is defined in the Dictionary.

 

Children crossing flag

Hand-held stop signs

Example. 

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

In this example, the driver must stop at the stop line because there are pedestrians on the children’s crossing.

Note. Example 2 in rule 80 of the Australian Road Rules has not been reproduced because it is not relevant to this jurisdiction.

81   Giving way at a pedestrian crossing

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Pedestrian crossing is defined in subrule (3).

(2)  A driver must give way to any pedestrian on a pedestrian crossing.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

(3)  A pedestrian crossing is an area of a road:

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

(i)  run lengthwise along the road, and

(ii)  are of approximately the same length, and

(iii)  are approximately parallel to each other, and

(iv)  are in a row that extends completely, or partly, across the road, and

(b)  with or without either or both of the following:

(i)  a pedestrian crossing sign,

(ii)  alternating flashing twin yellow lights.

Note 1. Twin yellow lights is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rule 322 (3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign at a place.

 

Pedestrian crossing sign

Examples. 

Example 1 Giving way to a pedestrian on a pedestrian crossing

Example 2 Giving way to a pedestrian on a pedestrian crossing at a slip lane

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

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

Example. 

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

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

83   Giving way to pedestrians in a shared zone

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Shared zone is defined in rule 24.

Note 2. For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

Division 6 Other give way rules

84   Giving way when driving through a break in a dividing strip

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

(a)  any tram on the dividing strip, and

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Dividing strip, give way line, stop line and tram are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rule 68 applies to the driver if there is a stop sign or stop line, and rule 71 applies to the driver if there is a give way sign or give way line.

Note 3. For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

(2)  In this rule:

tram includes a bus travelling along tram tracks.

Note. Bus and travelling along tram tracks are defined in the Dictionary.

Examples. 

Example 1

Giving way when driving through a break in a median strip

Example 2 Giving way when driving through a break in a dividing strip to leave a service road

Example 3 Giving way when driving through a break in a dividing strip to enter a service road

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

Note to examples. A median strip is a particular kind of dividing strip—see the definition of median strip in the Dictionary.

85   Giving way on a painted island

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

(a)  any vehicle in the turning lane, or

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Line of traffic, marked lane, painted island and turning lane are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rules 138 and 139 (4) allow a driver to drive on a painted island in certain circumstances.

Note 3. For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

Examples. 

Example 1 Driver entering a turning lane from a painted island giving way to a vehicle entering the turning lane from the marked lane immediately to the right of the turning lane.

Example 2 Driver entering a turning lane from a painted island giving way to a vehicle entering the turning lane from the marked lane immediately to the left of the turning lane.

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

86   Giving way in median turning bays

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Oncoming vehicle is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

(2)  In this rule:

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

(a)  to which a median turning lane sign applies, or

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

Note. Marked lane and traffic lane arrows are defined in the Dictionary.

 

Median turning lane sign

Example. 

Giving way in a median turning bay

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

87   Giving way when moving from a side of a road or a median strip parking area

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Line of traffic and marked lane are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. For subrule (1), give way means:

(a)  if the driver is stopped—remain stationary until it is safe to proceed, or

(b)  in any other case—slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision,

      —see the definition in the Dictionary.

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

(a)  the driver of the vehicle is required to give way to the bus under rule 77, and

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

Note 1. Public bus is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. The bus must display a give way to buses sign and the right direction indicator lights of the bus must be operating—see rule 77.

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Median strip parking area is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. For subrule (3), give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the Dictionary.

(4)  In this rule:

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

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

Part 8 Traffic signs and road markings

Note 1. The rules in this Part cover most traffic signs and road markings. However, some traffic signs and road markings are dealt with in other Parts dealing with particular subjects. These include:

•  speed limits (including speed limits in speed limited areas and shared zones)—see Part 3

•  U-turns—see Part 4, Division 4

•  traffic lights—see Part 6

•  stop signs and give way signs—see Part 7, Division 1

•  roundabouts—see Part 9

•  level crossings—see Part 10

•  keeping left and lane signs—see Part 11

•  stopping and parking—see Part 12

•  pedestrians—see Part 14

•  bicycle riders—see Part 15.

Note 2. Rule 322 deals with the meaning of traffic control devices on a road or in or at an area or place (including an intersection).

Note 3. For a driver, a traffic sign or road marking mentioned in a rule is, unless the contrary intention appears, a sign or marking that applies to the driver. To find out how traffic signs and road markings apply to a driver, see rules 338 to 341.

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

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

88   Left turn signs

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Marked lane is defined in the Dictionary.

 

Left turn only sign

Left lane must turn left sign

89   Right turn signs

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Marked lane is defined in the Dictionary.

(3)  In this rule:

turn right does not include make a U-turn.

Note. U-turn is defined in the Dictionary.

 

Right turn only sign

Right lane must turn right sign

90   No turns signs

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. U-turn is defined in the Dictionary.

 

No turns sign

91   No left turn and no right turn signs

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

 

No left turn signs
No left turn sign (Standard sign)	No left turn sign (Variable illuminated message sign)
No right turn signs
No right turn sign (Standard sign)	No right turn sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

92   Traffic lane arrows

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

(a)  if the arrows indicate a single direction—drive in that direction, or

(b)  if the arrows indicate 2 or more directions—drive in one of those directions.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Marked lane and traffic lane arrows are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Part 9 deals with traffic lane arrows at roundabouts.

Note 3. Rule 329 explains when a traffic control device applies to a marked lane.

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

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

(b)  a traffic sign indicates that the driver may drive in a direction different to that indicated by the traffic lane arrows, or

(c)  the driver is driving in the direction indicated by traffic lane arrows that apply to 1 or more marked lanes and there is an obstruction in each of those lanes, or

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

Note 1. Obstruction and U-turn are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rules 40 and 41 deal with making a U-turn at an intersection. If there are traffic lights at the intersection, the driver may make a U-turn only if there is a U-turn permitted sign at the intersection. If there are no traffic lights at the intersection, the driver may make a U-turn unless there is a no U-turn sign at the intersection.

Note 3. Rule 28 (2) deals with vehicles 7.5 metres long or longer turning left at an intersection from within the marked lane next to the left lane as well as, or instead of, the left lane on a multi-lane road. Rule 32 (2) deals with vehicles 7.5 metres long or longer turning right at an intersection from within the marked lane next to the right lane as well as, or instead of, the right lane on a multi-lane road.

Examples. 

Example 1 Traffic lane arrows on the surface of marked lanes

Example 2 Traffic lane arrows on a traffic sign

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

Note. Bicycle storage area is defined in the Dictionary.

Division 2 Traffic signs and road markings generally

93   No overtaking or passing signs

(1)  A driver must not:

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

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Oncoming vehicle and overtake are defined in the Dictionary.

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

(a)  if information on or with the sign indicates a distance—at that distance past the sign, or

(b)  if the sign applies to a bridge—at the end of the bridge, or

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

Note. With is defined in the Dictionary.

 

No overtaking or passing sign

End no overtaking or passing sign

94   No overtaking on bridge signs

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Overtake is defined in the Dictionary.

 

No overtaking on bridge sign

95   Emergency stopping lane only signs

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

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

(b)  the driver is driving a police or emergency vehicle.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note 1. Driver’s vehicle, emergency vehicle and police vehicle are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rule 178 deals with stopping in an emergency stopping lane.

Note 3. Subrule (1) (b) is not uniform with the corresponding paragraph in rule 95 of the Australian Road Rules. However, the corresponding paragraph in the Australian Road Rules allows another law of this jurisdiction to permit a driver to drive in an emergency stopping lane. Different rules may apply in other Australian jurisdictions.

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

Note 1. Bicycle is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. If a no bicycles sign applies to the emergency stopping lane, the rider must not ride in the lane—see rule 252.

(3)  In this rule:

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

Note 1. Marked lane is defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rule 329 explains when a traffic control device applies to a marked lane.

 

Emergency stopping lane only sign

Note for diagram. The sign may have an arrow pointing in a different direction—see rule 316 (4).

96   Keep clear markings

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

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2)  In this rule:

keep clear marking means the words “keep clear” marked across all or part of a road, with or without continuous lines marked across all or part of the road.

Examples. 

Example 1 Keep clear marking bounded by line road markings

Example 2 Keep clear marking with no line road markings

97   Road access signs

(1)  A driver must not drive on a length of road to which a road access sign applies if information on or with the sign indicates that the driver or the driver’s vehicle is not permitted beyond the sign.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Driver’s vehicle, length of road and with are defined in the Dictionary.

(2)  A road access sign on a road applies to the length of road beginning at the sign (including any road into which the length of road merges) and ending:

(a)  if the sign is on a freeway—at an end freeway sign or end road access sign on the road, or

(b)  if the sign is not on a freeway—at the nearer of the following:

(i)  if the road ends at a T-intersection or dead end—the end of the road,

(ii)  an end road access sign on the road.

Example. A road access sign on an access ramp to a freeway applies to the access ramp and the freeway into which the access ramp merges.

Note 1. Freeway is defined in rule 177, and road marking, T-intersection and traffic sign are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rule 229 applies the road access sign to pedestrians.

 

Road access sign	End freeway sign
End road access sign

Note 1 for diagrams. There is another permitted version of the end freeway sign—see the diagram in Schedule 3.

Note 2 for diagrams. A road access sign may indicate that it applies to different or additional vehicles or persons—see rule 316 (4).

98   One-way signs

(1)  A driver must not drive on a length of road to which a one-way sign applies except in the direction indicated by the arrow on the sign.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Length of road is defined in the Dictionary.

(2)  A one-way sign on a road applies to the length of road beginning at the sign and ending at the nearer of the following:

(a)  a two-way sign on the road,

(b)  a keep left sign on the road,

(c)  another sign or road marking on the road that indicates that the road is a two-way road,

(d)  if the road ends at a T-intersection—the end of the road.

Note 1. Road marking, T-intersection and two-way road are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. There is a diagram of a keep left sign in rule 99.

(3)  This rule does not apply to the rider of a motor bike that is a postal vehicle, the rider of a bicycle or the rider of an animal if the rider:

(a)  is riding on a footpath, nature strip or shared path adjacent to the length of road, and

(b)  is permitted to ride on the footpath, nature strip or shared path under these Rules or another law of this jurisdiction.

Note. Bicycle, footpath, motor bike, nature strip and postal vehicle are defined in the Dictionary and shared path is defined in rule 242.

 

One-way sign

Two-way sign

Note 1 for diagrams. There is another permitted version of the two-way sign—see the diagram in Schedule 3.

Note 2 for diagrams. A one-way sign may have an arrow pointing in a different direction—see rule 316 (4).

99   Keep left and keep right signs

(1)  A driver driving past a keep left sign must drive to the left of the sign.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2)  A driver driving past a keep right sign must drive to the right of the sign.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3)  This rule does not apply to the rider of a motor bike that is a postal vehicle, the rider of a bicycle or the rider of an animal if the rider:

(a)  is riding on a footpath, nature strip or shared path, and

(b)  is permitted to ride on the footpath, nature strip or shared path under these Rules or another law of this jurisdiction.

Note. Bicycle, footpath, motor bike, nature strip and postal vehicle are defined in the Dictionary and shared path is defined in rule 242.

 

Keep left sign

Keep right sign

100   No entry signs

A driver must not drive past a no entry sign.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

 

No entry sign

101   Hand-held stop signs

(1)  A driver approaching a hand-held stop sign must stop before reaching the sign.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2)  The driver must not proceed until the holder of the sign:

(a)  no longer displays the sign towards the driver, or

(b)  otherwise indicates that the driver may proceed.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3)  This rule does not apply to a driver approaching or at a hand-held stop sign at a children’s crossing.

Note. Rule 80 defines children’s crossing, and deals with hand-held stop signs at children’s crossings.

 

Hand-held stop sign

101A   Safety ramp and arrester bed signs

(1)  A driver must not drive on a safety ramp or arrester bed unless:

(a)  it is necessary for the driver to do so in the interests of safety, or

(b)  the driver is permitted to do so under another law of this jurisdiction.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2)  In this rule:

arrester bed means an area to which an arrester bed sign applies.

safety ramp means an area to which a safety ramp sign applies.

 

Arrester bed sign

Safety ramp sign

Division 3 Signs for trucks, buses and other large vehicles

102   Clearance and low clearance signs

(1)  A driver must not drive past a clearance sign, or a low clearance sign, if the driver’s vehicle, or any vehicle connected to it, is higher than the height (in metres) indicated by the sign.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Driver’s vehicle is defined in the Dictionary.

(2)  In this rule:

vehicle includes any load carried by the vehicle.

 

Clearance sign

Low clearance sign

103   Load limit signs

(1)  A driver must not drive past a bridge load limit (gross mass) sign or gross load limit sign if the total of the gross mass (in tonnes) of the driver’s vehicle, and any vehicle connected to it, is more than the gross mass indicated by the sign.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Driver’s vehicle is defined in the Dictionary.

(2)  A driver must not drive past a bridge load limit (mass per axle group) sign if the mass (in tonnes) carried by an axle group of the driver’s vehicle, or any vehicle connected to it, is more than the mass indicated by the sign for the axle group.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3)  In this rule:

vehicle includes any load carried by the vehicle.

 

Bridge load limit (gross mass) sign	Gross load limit sign
Bridge load limit (mass per axle group) sign

104   No trucks signs

(1)  A driver (except the driver of a bus) must not drive past a no trucks sign that has information on or with it indicating a mass if the GVM of the driver’s vehicle (or, if the driver is driving a combination, any vehicle in the combination) is more than that mass, unless the driver is permitted to drive the vehicle on a route passing the sign under another law of this jurisdiction.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Bus, combination, driver’s vehicle and with are defined in the Dictionary, and GVM is defined in the Act.

(2)  A driver (except the driver of a bus) must not drive past a no trucks sign that has information on or with it indicating a length if the length of the driver’s vehicle (or, if the driver is driving a combination, the length of the combination) is longer than that length, unless the driver is permitted to drive the vehicle on a route passing the sign under another law of this jurisdiction.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3)  The driver of a truck must not drive past a no trucks sign that has no information on or with it indicating a mass or length, unless the driver is permitted to drive the truck on a route passing the sign under another law of this jurisdiction.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Truck is defined in the Dictionary.

(4)  This rule does not apply to a driver if the destination of the driver lies beyond a no trucks sign and:

(a)  there is no other route by which the driver’s vehicle could reach that destination, or

(b)  any other route by which the driver’s vehicle could reach that destination would require the vehicle to pass another no trucks sign.

 

No trucks sign

105   Trucks must enter signs

If the driver of a truck drives past a trucks must enter sign, the driver must enter the area indicated by information on or with the sign.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Truck and with are defined in the Dictionary.

 

Trucks must enter sign

106   No buses signs

(1)  The driver of a bus must not drive past a no buses sign that has information on or with it indicating a mass if the GVM of the bus is more than that mass.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Bus and with are defined in the Dictionary, and GVM is defined in the Act.

(2)  The driver of a bus must not drive past a no buses sign that has information on or with it indicating a length if the bus is longer than that length.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3)  The driver of a bus must not drive past a no buses sign that has no information on or with it indicating a mass or length.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

 

No buses sign

107   Buses must enter signs

If the driver of a bus drives past a buses must enter sign, the driver must enter the area indicated by information on or with the sign.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Bus and with are defined in the Dictionary.

 

Buses must enter sign

108   Trucks and buses low gear signs

(1)  If the driver of a truck or bus is driving on a length of road to which a trucks and buses low gear sign applies, the driver must drive the truck or bus in a gear that is low enough to limit the speed of the truck or bus without the use of a primary brake.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Bus, length of road and truck are defined in the Dictionary.

(2)  Subrule (1) does not apply to the driver of a bus if information on or with the sign indicates that it applies only to trucks.

Note. With is defined in the Dictionary.

(3)  A trucks and buses low gear sign on a road applies to the length of road beginning at the sign and ending:

(a)  if information on or with the sign indicates a distance—at that distance on the road from the sign, or

(b)  in any other case—at an end trucks and buses low gear sign on the road.

(4)  In this rule:

primary brake means the footbrake, or other brake, fitted to a truck or bus that is normally used to slow or stop the vehicle.

 

Trucks and buses low gear sign

End trucks and buses low gear sign

Part 9 Roundabouts

109   What is a roundabout

A roundabout is an intersection:

(a)  with either:

(i)  one or more marked lanes, all of which are for the use of vehicles travelling in the same direction around a central traffic island, or

(ii)  room for 1 or more lines of traffic travelling in the same direction around a central traffic island, and

(b)  with or without a roundabout sign at each entrance.

Note 1. Intersection, marked lane, traffic and traffic island are defined in the Dictionary.

Note 2. Rule 322 (3) and (4) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign at a place.

 

Roundabout sign

110   Meaning of halfway around a roundabout

A driver leaves a roundabout halfway around the roundabout if the driver leaves the roundabout on a road that is straight ahead, or substantially straight ahead, from the road on which the driver enters the roundabout.

111   Entering a roundabout from a multi-lane road or a road with 2 or more lines of traffic travelling in the same direction

(1)  A driver entering a roundabout from a multi-lane road, or a road with room for 2 or more lines of traffic (other than motor bikes, bicycles, motorised wheelchairs or animals) travelling in the same direction as the driver, must enter the roundabout in accordance with this rule.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Multi-lane road is defined in the Dictionary.

(2)  If the driver is to leave the roundabout less than halfway around it, the driver must enter the roundabout from the left marked lane or, if the road is not a multi-lane road, as near as practicable to the left side of the road.

Note. Marked lane is defined in the Dictionary.

Example. 

Example 1

Leaving a roundabout less than halfway around it

(3)  If the driver is to leave the roundabout more than halfway around it, the driver must enter the roundabout from the right marked lane or, if the road is not a multi-lane road, from the left of, parallel to, and as near as practicable to, the dividing line or median strip.

Example. 

Example 2

Leaving a roundabout more than halfway around it

(4)  If the driver is to leave the roundabout halfway around it, the driver may enter the roundabout from any marked lane or, if the road is not a multi-lane road, anywhere on the part of the road on which vehicles travelling in the same direction as the driver may travel.

Example. 

Example 3

Leaving a roundabout halfway around it

(5)  Despite subrules (2) to (4), if the driver is entering the roundabout from a marked lane and there are traffic lane arrows applying to the lane, the driver must:

(a)  if the arrows indicate a single direction—drive in that direction after entering the roundabout, or

(b)  if the arrows indicate 2 or more directions—drive in one of those directions after entering the roundabout.

Note. Traffic lane arrows is defined in the Dictionary.

Examples. 

Example 4

Roundabout with 3 entry points

Example 5

Roundabout with 5 entry points

Note 1 for examples 4 and 5. Rule 116 requires a driver to obey traffic lane arrows when driving in or leaving a roundabout.

Note 2 for examples 4 and 5. The rules in Part 11 about driving in marked lanes, and moving from one marked lane or line of traffic, apply to a driver driving in a roundabout—see rules 146 to 148.

(6)  Subrule (3) does not apply to the rider of a bicycle or animal.

Note. Bicycle is defined in the Dictionary.

(7)  Subrule (5) does not apply to the rider of a bicycle or animal if the rider is to leave the roundabout more than halfway around it.

(8)  Despite subrule (2), a driver may approach and enter the roundabout from the marked lane next to the left lane as well as, or instead of, the left lane if:

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

(b)  the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign, and

(c)  any part of the vehicle is within 50 metres of the nearest point of the roundabout, and

(d)  it is not practicable for the driver to leave the roundabout less than halfway around it from within the left lane, and

(e)  the driver can safely occupy the next marked lane and can safely leave the roundabout less than halfway around it by occupying the next marked lane, or both lanes.

(9)  Despite subrule (3), a driver may approach and enter the roundabout from the marked lane next to the right lane as well as, or instead of, the right lane if:

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

(b)  the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign, and

(c)  any part of the vehicle is within 50 metres of the nearest point of the roundabout, and

(d)  it is not practicable for the driver to leave the roundabout more than halfway around it from within the right lane, and

(e)  the driver can safely occupy the next marked lane and can safely leave the roundabout more than halfway around it by occupying the next marked lane, or both lanes.

(10)  In this rule:

left lane means:

(a)  the marked lane nearest to the far left side of the road, or

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

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

right lane means:

(a)  the marked lane nearest to the dividing line or median strip on the road, or

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

112   Giving a left change of direction signal when entering a roundabout

(1)  This rule applies to a driver entering a roundabout if:

(a)  the driver is to leave the roundabout at the first exit after entering the roundabout, and

(b)  the exit is less than halfway around the roundabout.

(2)  The driver must give a left change of direction signal when the driver is entering the roundabout.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Left change of direction signal is defined in the Dictionary.

(3)  The driver must continue to give the change of direction signal until the driver has left the roundabout.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

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

Note. Driver’s vehicle is defined in the Dictionary.