Driving in Australia differs from most countries so it’s a good idea to be aware of some road rules if you are planning on driving there. Sixt has provided a guide with some driving tips that you can read to help you on your road trip.
Click to jump to Speed Limits Rules & Regulations What to Bring Along
Speed Limits in Australia
The legal limits are clearly signposted but are generally as follows:
| School Zones | 25-40 km/h |
|---|---|
| Built-up residential areas | 50-60 km/h |
| Country roads and highways | 100-130 km/h |
Australian Driving Rules and Regulations
- Driving is on the left-hand side.
- Seat belts must be worn by all occupants travelling in the vehicle. The driver is responsible for making sure that all passengers wear seat belts.
- Children and babies must be restrained in approved child booster seats, in some states up to 7 years old.
- The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% throughout Australia.
- You are not permitted to use a handheld mobile phone when driving.
- Park on the left-hand side of the road well clear of all traffic. Do not park facing the oncoming traffic as you will face a fine.
- It is illegal to turn left on a red traffic signal unless signposted.
- In some states, it is illegal to do a U-turn at a traffic signal unless otherwise signed. In Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory, this move is allowed on a right arrow except where signposted.
- If you’re travelling on a highway or freeway, Australian traffic rules say you should stay on the left lane (or one of the left lanes if there are more than two lanes going in the one direction) unless you’re overtaking. There would be signs to remind you of this.
- If you are entering and crossing an intersection the vehicle to your right has right of way unless they are stopped by a STOP or YIELD sign.
- At a T intersection, the motorist driving straight through has the right of way.
What to Bring Along
When driving in Australia it is compulsory to have:
- UK driver’s licence
- International driving permit
Rely on Sixt for your car hire needs in Australia
Some motorways, bridges, and tunnels in or near Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney require payment of tolls. In some cases (especially in Melbourne and Sydney), some tolls can only be paid electronically with a transponder fitted inside the car – not in cash. If you drive on such a road without a transponder, a photo is taken of your vehicle’s number plate, and you have a day to phone a number or visit a website and arrange payment (plus an additional processing fee) before a fine is issued. There are information signs about phone numbers and websites at toll collection points.
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