Australian road rules you probably didn't know

Since preparing for my learner’s test about 25 years ago, where memorising the book of road rules was my top priority for months, I don’t think I have ever been completely across the hundreds of road rules that drivers should know and must abide by.

Truth be told, even then, I probably wasn’t.

But there’s a good reason for this. There are so many of them!

With over 300 in Victoria and around 350 in NSW, they are "all designed to keep us moving safely and efficiently,” according to a Transport for NSW spokesperson.

“While that may sound like a lot, most are common sense, like obeying speed limits and parking signs, indicating to warn other drivers when you are turning, staying on the correct side of the road and obeying traffic lights.” 

Now, I’d like to stipulate that of course I know (and follow) the road laws that are relevant to my day-to-day life (i.e. indicating when turning). But there are several that, up until recently, I had no idea even existed, let alone what the specifications were.

Here are some Australian road laws I didn't know existed, and you probably didn't either.

While my childhood involved me, sitting shotgun in my family car (a green Datsun) next to my mum, usually with a Horizon Menthol in hand, this would no longer fly in 2024 (and for good reason).

“Under section 30 (1) the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 it is an offence to smoke or vape in a vehicle when a child under the age of 16 years is also present inside the vehicle,” a Transport for NSW Spokesperson said.

Offenders face a $250 fine.

In NSW, driving at night without working head lights can incur a fine of $136 and one demerit point under Road Rule 215-1. A Defect Notice may also be given. 

In Victoria, “This will be in breach of the standards that apply to light vehicles. The vehicle may be subject to a vehicle defect notice,” a spokesperson from the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) says.

In Victoria, “there is no law specifically banning the use of headphones when driving. However, DTP advises against it,” says a DTP spokesperson.

However, depending on what licence you have and what you are listening to, you could still be breaking the law.

“There are restrictions particularly for L and P plate drivers with respect to what they are listening to – for example, they are not allowed to take a phone call from a mobile phone even if it is hands-free.”

Victorian Road Rule 130 states that a driver driving on a multi-lane road at a speed limit of over 80km/h (or where a keep left unless an overtaking sign applies) must not drive the right-hand lane.

“However, there are a number of exceptions to this including if the driver is overtaking, turning right or avoiding an obstruction.”

Some road rules are also very broad like NSW Road Rule 297 - 'a driver must maintain proper control of a vehicle'.

This road rule may incorporate a huge range of actions such as driving barefoot, or with one hand on the wheel.

“While there are no restrictions in NSW to driving in thongs or barefoot, or with just one hand on the wheel, drivers must always have proper control of the vehicle and should always prioritise control and safety,” says a Transport for NSW Spokesperson.

“The penalty for this offence carries a fine of $514 and three demerit points. If the offence is committed in a school zone, a fine of $682 and four demerit points applies.”

There are similar rules in Victoria and other states and territories within Australia.

Interestingly though, in Victoria, there is no specific rule around having to use your hands while driving at all (although it is highly recommended).

“However, Road Rule 297 applies in Victoria which means a driver must have proper control of a vehicle,” says a DTP spokesperson.

Finally, with a phrase I never thought I’d say - in Victoria riding a motorbike with man’s best friend is a-okay (with stipulations).

“Road Rule 297(3) of the Road Safety Road Rules 2017 allows dogs to safely travel on a motorbike as long as the dog is not between the rider and the handlebars, is not interfering with the rider’s ability to control the motorbike or obscuring the driver’s view,” a DTP spokesperson says.

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