posted on August 6, 2024
Planning to experience the vast country of Australia by road? If you’re driving in Australia for the first time, learning a few essential road rules will make your trip smoother and safer.
Whether you’re venturing across outback Australian roads in the Northern Territory or sticking to the major highways and streets of Australia’s major cities, understanding the road rules is essential (as speed limits and driving rules are strictly enforced).
With this handy guide by your side, you’ll learn everything you need to know about road tripping around Australia like a local.
Jump ahead:
- Driving in Australia 101: A first timer’s overview
- Specific road and safety regulations in Australia
- Expert tips and things to remember when driving in Australia
Driving in Australia 101: A first timer’s overview
Visiting Australia for the first time? If you’re planning to book a ride from a car hire company, you’ll need to brush up on the local laws and road rules in Australia.
Here are the top ten rules and regulations you need to remember when driving in Australia:
- Drive on the left side of road: Always drive on the left hand side of the road, and stay in the left lane unless you’re overtaking another driver.
- Always wear seatbelts: All passengers and drivers must wear a seatbelt when driving in Australia.
- Driving with children: Approved child restraints are required when driving with children under seven.
- Give way to the right: Roundabouts operate in a clockwise direction, meaning you must give way to the right. Plus, you must give way to the right at intersections.
- Drink driving: In Australia, the blood alcohol limit is 0.05 and it’s a criminal offence to drive under the influence of alcohol. Police regularly conduct random breath tests, so never drink and drive.
- Driving licences: If your international driver’s licence is in English, you can use it in Australia for up to three months. If your licence doesn’t include a photo, always bring your passport with you when driving.
- If your licence isn’t in English, you must apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP), which you can secure in your home country.
- Speed limits: All speed limits are in kilometres, not miles (using the metric system). Make sure to check the speed limit signposts, but generally speaking, urban areas have a maximum speed limit of 50 km/hour, and highways have a maximum speed of 110km/hour.
- Mobile phone use: In Australia, it’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving (even if you’re stopped at traffic lights). Make sure your rental car is fitted out with a hands-free phone cradle prior to hitting the road.
- Parking: Make sure to park on the left hand side of the road and check for paid parking signs. These time limits (such as 2P, or two hours) are strictly enforced and you may be fined if you overstay the allowed time.
- Railway crossing: Even if the gates are up, make sure to stop and check both ways before you cross. Remember pedestrians also have the right of way here.
The specifics of road and safety regulations in Australia
Now we’ve covered the basics, let’s run you through the specific road rules you’ll need to know for your upcoming Australian road trip. There’s a lot to remember, so we recommend reading this guide a few times and keeping it handy during your holiday so you don’t get caught out on the Australian roads.
What side of the road does Australia drive on?
In Australia, we drive on the left. On single lane roads, that means sticking to the left hand lane.
On multi-lane roads (like highways and freeways), always keep in the left lane unless you’re overtaking another car. Overtaking and passing other cars is done on the right.
Can I use an international driver’s licence to drive in Australia?
If you’re visiting Australia as a tourist and don’t hold a permanent visa, you’ll be considered a ‘visiting driver’. In this case, you can use a valid overseas driver’s licence to drive.
In all states and territories (except for the Northern Territory), you can drive indefinitely on your overseas driver’s licence as long as it’s valid. In the Northern Territory, you’ll need to apply for a Northern Territory-issued driver’s licence after three months (or apply for an exemption).
If your visa or citizenship status changes or your foreign driver’s licence expires, you’ll need to apply for an Australian-issued driver’s licence.
There are a couple of things to remember when driving in Australia on an international driver’s licence:
- Always carry your overseas licence with you (and your passport if your licence doesn’t include a photo)
- You can only drive vehicles authorised by your overseas driver’s licence
Do I need an International driving permit?
If your driver’s licence isn’t in English, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates your licence into English. This needs to be obtained in your home country before travelling to Australia.
When driving in Australia, both your foreign driver’s licence and IDP need to be carried with you at all times.
Rules when driving on multi-lane roads, highways and freeways in Australia
When driving in Australia, you’ll likely come across many multi-lane roads, especially if you’re driving long distances across multiple states (such as driving from South Australia to Western Australia).
Whenever you’re driving on roads with two lanes or more, you’ll always need to drive on the left. As we’ve mentioned, make sure to keep left unless overtaking (which is done from the right across a broken white line that indicates you are allowed to overtake).
Always pay attention to the road markings and conditions when changing lanes to ensure you don’t merge into oncoming traffic.
Toll roads in Australia
Many popular driving routes in Australia include road tolls, which means you’ll need to pay a fee to travel along them. Before hitting the road, it’s your responsibility to ensure your car has provided you with an E-Tag (electronic tolling device), which should be fitted to the inside windscreen of your car.
Typically, most toll roads are found in Australia’s biggest capital cities (such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane). If you’re about to enter a toll road, motorway, bridge or tunnel, this will be clearly marked with signs as you approach the entrance.
If you’re using a GPS or Google Maps, toll roads should be flagged on your digital map, too.
Do I need an e-tag for tolls?
Yes. Since 2013, all Australian toll roads have operated electronically and no longer accept cash. If your car doesn’t have an E-tag, you’ll need to pay online after you complete your drive.
If you’re renting a car on Turo, you’ll already be toll ready. If you’re driving a car that isn’t set up for tolls (tag or tagless), you can obtain a short-term visitors pass (such as the casual eMU Pass from Service NSW, allowing you to drive on Sydney’s toll roads for up to 30 days).
Here’s a quick guide to navigating toll roads in Australia:
- Victoria: all toll roads are located in Melbourne, with CityLink being one of the city’s major toll roads.
- Make sure to purchase a CityLink Pass or secure an E-tag or E-pass from your rental car company before hitting the road.
- New South Wales: Again, most toll roads in NSW are located in Sydney (including roads such as the M2, M5, M7, Cross City Tunnel as well as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel).
- Make sure to organise an E-tag before setting off.
- Queensland: Brisbane (the capital city of QLD) is where you’ll find toll roads in this state.
- Brisbane’s tolling system requires a GoVia Tag or pass, so make sure to grab one from your car rental company before departing.
Child restraint and car seat rules
Are you driving in Australia with kids? Make sure to understand what child restraint you’ll need to ensure you comply with the local laws (and be sure to check the relevant government website for complete and up to date information on car seat laws).
In Australia, you’ll find rear-facing, forward-facing and booster seats that work with most cars and seat belts. On Turo, you can chat with your local host ahead of time to add on an appropriate baby or child seat to your booking.
Generally speaking, children under seven years old must use a child restraint that’s appropriate for their age and size. Each state and territory has slightly different rules, so only use this as an approximate guide:
- 0-6 months: Rear-facing infant capsule with an inbuilt harness.
- 6 months to 4 years: Rear-facing child car seat with an inbuilt harness.
- 4 to 7 years: Forward-facing child seat or a booster seat with a lap-sash seatbelt or child safety harness.
Plus, there are specific rules about where children and infants can sit in a car, too.
- From birth to 4 years, children must not sit in the front row.
- From 4 to 7 years, children can sit in the front row only if all other rear seats are occupied by children under 7.
- From 7 years onwards, children can sit in the front row with an appropriate booster seat and adjusted lap-sash adult seatbelt.
Understanding unique Australian road signs
There are three types of road signs you’ll encounter in Australia:
- Regulatory signs: These are the most important and usually include red or black text with a white background. You must obey these signs, otherwise, you’ll risk losing your licence or encountering a large fine. Some of the most common regulatory signs include:
- Speed signs: The maximum speed limit you can drive in an area.
- School zones: When driving through a school zone during certain hours (usually 8 to 9.30am and 2.30 to 4pm), you’ll need to reduce your speed to 40km/h.
- Stop sign: Come to a complete stop and give way to other traffic.
- Give way: While you don’t need to come to a complete stop, be ready to stop if you encounter traffic and give way.
- Warning signs: These signs indicate a hazard or changing road conditions ahead. Usually, these signs are displayed on yellow backgrounds with black text and include:
- Permanent warning signs: such as winding roads or livestock crossings.
- Temporary warning signs: such as floods, roadworks or lane closures.
- Information signs: These signs include warnings for speed cameras and changes in speed limits, as well as guides and route markers for longer journeys and scenic tourist routes to follow.
How to use roundabouts in Australia
Roundabouts operate in a clockwise direction in Australia and help to manage the flow of traffic at an intersection. You can turn left or right, go straight ahead or even make a full U-turn.
When approaching a roundabout, make sure to slow down and give way to your right. You also need to indicate whether you’re turning left or right to ensure other drivers know which exit you’re taking.
Petrol stations (service stations) in Australia
Petrol stations are dotted across Australia, from urban cities to remote areas in outback Australia. Also known as service stations (or “Servos” by the locals), petrol stations are a perfect spot to refuel your car as well as fill up snacks and drinks for your road trip. Most petrol stations should also have a public restroom, with some even offering showers.
The most common service station operators in Australia include Coles Express, Woolworths Caltex, BP and 7-Eleven. You can easily find your nearest servo by searching ‘Petrol station’ in your preferred GPS or maps app.
When driving on rural roads, make sure to fill up at every opportunity to ensure you don’t run out of fuel.
Speed limits and speeding fines
When driving on Australian roads, the best way to figure out the speed limit is to look for traffic signals and signposts. However, there are a few rules to keep in mind:
- The default speed limit in built-up areas is 50km/h
- The default speed limit in rural areas is 100km/h
- The speed limit in school zones is 40km/h (except in South Australia, where the limit is 25km/h)
However, many states have their own rules (such as in the NT, where speed limits can be as high as 130km/h).
It’s illegal to exceed the speed limit, and drivers will face speeding fines along with the loss of demerit points (which can lead to licence loss or suspensions). Generally speaking, speeding fines can range anywhere from $150 to over $4,000 in Australia, depending on the speed and where you’re driving.
Mobile phone usage while driving
Did you know that using a mobile phone while driving can increase your risk of a crash by 4x?
That’s why it’s illegal to use your phone while driving in Australia, including when stuck in traffic or waiting at traffic lights. Make sure your hire car is fitted with a hands-free cradle that doesn’t obscure your view of the road, and only use the phone as a driver’s aid (such as following a GPS map).
Is it illegal to not wear a seatbelt?
Yes, it is illegal to not wear a seatbelt. All passengers and drivers must wear a seatbelt when driving, no matter how short or long your road trip is.
Laws and fines for drinking alcohol and driving
As we’ve mentioned, the legal blood alcohol limit in Australia is 0.05. If you’re found to be drinking and driving, expect to face heavy fines and a disqualification of your licence. You never know when the police might pull you over for a random breath test, so never drink and drive.
If caught drinking and driving, you’ll be fined hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. In NSW, even low-range drink driving offences attract fines of $600 (with high-range drink driving seeing fines of up to $3,300).
Plus, the act of drinking an alcoholic beverage while driving is illegal in all states (except South Australia) and comes with a fine of $431 or more, depending on the state or territories you’re driving in.
When can I overtake another vehicle?
Before overtaking, make sure the road is clear ahead of you, and you have enough distance to safely overtake. Check your mirrors and blind spots, and use your indicator.
You can overtake another vehicle if:
- You can cross a single broken line to overtake if the road ahead is clear.
- You can cross a double line with a broken line closer to you to overtake if the road ahead is clear.
Additional expert tips and things to remember when driving in Australia
Take it from us: getting behind the wheel and experiencing Australia by road is the best way to travel across this breathtaking country. But to truly feel like a local and blend in with the other Australian cars, here are a few handy tips and tricks from a local.
Don’t forget to wave to say thanks
Want to show your appreciation for another driver on the road? In Australia, it’s common to make a small courtesy wave to other drivers in a range of situations, such as:
- When merging and a fellow driver makes space for you
- When driving on narrow, windy roads and allowing other cars to pass
- When you’ve accidentally cut off another drive, waving as an apology
- When passing another driver in the same vehicle, such as two campervans passing each other
While not a legal requirement, a wave can go a long way to create a positive driving experience and show your appreciation to others on the road.
Watch out for wildlife on the road
When driving in remote or rural areas, it is common to encounter animals on the road. If driving at dawn, dusk or after dark, reduce speed, stay alert and brake safely.
Avoid swerving off the road suddenly, as it can be easy to lose control of your vehicle. Make sure to take note of animal warning signs, as these are placed in areas where animals and wildlife are most commonly known to cross the road.
Driving on rural roads and in the Australian outback
Are you heading to the Australian outback? Make sure to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique driving conditions of rural Australia:
- Weather events: Make sure to check the road conditions along your route prior to departure, as heavy rain can cause flash flooding and impassable mud and bushfires can make many rural roads unsafe to drive.
- Unsealed roads: Dirt roads and unsealed roads are very common in outback areas. Plus, some roads can be long, windy and even narrow, meaning you’ll need to pull over when you encounter large vehicles (like road trains).
- Wildlife: Avoid driving at dawn, dusk or after dark in remote areas to avoid collisions with wildlife and livestock that might venture onto the roads (particularly in farming areas).
- GPS: Reception can be limited in the Australian outback, so make sure you’ve got a navigation system that isn’t reliant on the internet (and always bring a paper map in case of emergencies).
- Emergency supplies: Be prepared for anything and ensure you bring a first aid kit, plenty of water and food for multiple days in case you run into an issue on the outback roads.
- Beat fatigue: There can be long stretches of road between stops in the outback, so make sure to pull over every two hours (and take a 15-minute break) and share the drive.
How does insurance or protection work while driving in Australia?
Insurance or protection will depend on the car (or car rental company) that you choose.
When booking a car on Turo in Australia, you can choose from a range of protection plan options to cover incidents that might happen on the road during your trip.
When booking a car in Australia on Turo, you can choose between the Premier (if available), Standard, and Minimum protection plans. Each plan includes varying limits on financial responsibility for damage to a host’s vehicle. All trips include up to $20,000,000 (per event) in legal liability protection. Legal liability protection protects against damage to other people’s property and death or bodily injury (where the legal liability is not covered or capable of being covered by any statutory or compulsory scheme) as a result of an accident involving the vehicle. All protection is provided by Turo Travels Mutual.
Night driving in Australia
It’s best to avoid driving at night in Australia, particularly in rural or remote areas. Wildlife (like kangaroos and wallabies) are most likely to roam the roads after dark, meaning there’s an increased risk of colliding with an animal on the roads.
What are some of the best driving roads in Australia?
There are endless epic driving roads across Australia that every visitor needs to explore, including:
- The Great Ocean Road in VIC
- The Grand Pacific Drive in NSW
- Lyell Highway in TAS
- Red Centre Way in the NT
Looking for the best drives to tackle across Australia? Discover 12 of the best road trips in Victoria or tackle the ultimate Darwin to Broome road trip.
What are the road conditions in Australia?
In Australia’s major cities and urban areas, expect to find well-maintained sealed roads with plenty of clear signage to keep you informed. Most highways and driving roads are smooth and easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.
However, there are many unsealed roads in outback Australia (such as dirt tracks and narrow unsealed paths). Some rural roads are only accessible in a 4WD, so make sure to check your route before you depart to ensure you’ve got the right car.
Are there rest areas on Australia’s roads?
Absolutely! Many roads and highways offer rest areas, which often include facilities such as toilets, picnic tables, playground equipment, barbecue facilities and sheltered areas.
Make sure to only pull over at motorist rest areas (as there are dedicated rest stops for heavy vehicles and trucks only).
Look out for the signs marking these areas while on major motorways and freeways, or use your preferred map app to find your nearest rest area.
What to do if your vehicle breaks down
If you break down on the road, get to safety as quickly as possible. Try pulling off to the side of the road and keep your car as far to the left as possible. Turn on your hazard lights and stay in your car before calling roadside assistance.
Turo provides 24/7 roadside assistance for accidents, breakdowns, and other issues if you or your host have chosen a protection plan through Turo. Call +61 2 8317 1415, and Turo will connect you with a dispatcher who’ll send a service vehicle. Turo will cover the cost of dispatch.
Can I hire a car in Australia?
If you have a valid, unrestricted driver’s licence, you can hire a car on Turo for your Australian holiday.
Want to secure the perfect ride for your upcoming Australian road trip? With Turo, you’ll find unique cars you can’t find anywhere else, ready to be delivered to you from a local Turo host. Find your perfect ride on Turo, whether you want to rent a car in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, or beyond.
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
