Driving in Australia | Australia Travel Tips (June 2009)
Australia is a rugged country and there are many rules of the road to ensure safe travelling under the differing conditions in all its territories. Australians drive on the left and while it might be easy to adapt to driving in Australia’s cities, remote areas in the countryside demand special care and thorough preparations.
- Foreign drivers are normally allowed a maximum of three months’ driving in Australia on the strength of their driver’s licences, as long as these are in English. Driver’s licences in other languages may require a translated version or an International Driving Permit.
- All the passengers in a vehicle are required to wear their safety belts at all times; the driver gets fined for every unbelted passenger. Small children should be restrained in proper child seats or harnesses and belted in as well. The blood alcohol limit in Australia is 0.05% and traffic police may conduct random breathalyser tests.
- Driving away from an accident scene is severely punished in Australia and any person with the requisite training is required to assist at an accident scene. The standard 112 GSM emergency number also applies in Australia, dialled from any mobile phone.
- Speed limits vary across Australia, but are always clearly signposted. Highway speed limits are usually between 110 and 130km/h; speed limits around schools may be as low as 25km/h. Speed limits are strictly enforced by both patrol cars and speed cameras.
- Avoid the central business districts (CBDs) of large cities during peak traffic hours. Parking in a CBD may be difficult and/or expensive, and time limits may apply. In many cases, it is better to park some way off, perhaps in a residential area where parking is often free, and walk to the CBD. The CBDs of all the major cities have proper public transport, obviating the need for private transport and contributing to lower stress levels.
- When driving in Melbourne, familiarise yourself with the workings of the tram system. Depending on the road markings, you may or may not be allowed to drive in a tram lane. The “hook turn” is employed at certain Melbourne intersections to avoid waiting to turn right in a tram lane and holding up trams. Under these circumstances, you may turn right out of the left lane only where permitted and while indicating.
- Tolled roads are common in Australia and not all toll stations accept cash. Some employs a transponder system whereby the toll is collected electronically. When you drive through a toll gate without a transponder, you are required to pay within a day by phone or via the Internet, or you will be issued with a fine.
- Away from the large cities, driving may become especially hazardous, as there are a great many factors to consider. Firstly, distances in Australia are vast and you have to plan fuel and rest stops carefully. Not all road houses are open after hours; you need to know beforehand where and when you will stop and/or refuel. Driving at night may be especially dangerous, as wild animals and livestock on the roads are commonplace.
- Road trains (large trucks with multiple trailers) are common and some of these may be over fifty metres long. They often speed and these behemoths are hard to stop or steer, so stay well clear of them and overtake with extreme caution and only when there is a lot of space.
- Many Outback roads are unpaved and may even require a 4x4 vehicle to traverse. Be especially careful during the wet season (usually between November and March), since some roads become totally unnegotiable when wet and may require a heavy duty 4x4 vehicle.
- Also keep in mind that many hire car companies impose limits on the use of their vehicles, due to the unique conditions when driving in Australia. You may not be allowed to drive at night or on dirt roads.
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