Driving in Australia

<em>Find out about the requirements for driving in Australia...</em>

Although Australia is made up of six states and two internal territories, road rules are largely consistent throughout the country.

The minimum age in Australia to drive a car varies from 16 years and 6 months old to 18 years old, depending on the state or territory.

Road Rules and Regulations

  • Drive on the left in Australia
  • It is compulsory to wear a seat belt front and rear
  • Mobile cellular telephones may not be used while driving except with a "hands-free" system
  • "Hands-free" systemscannot be used by those driving on a learner permit or provisional licence
  • It is compulsory to carry a driving licence, car registration and insurance papers when driving
  • Give way to the right when entering a freeway or dual carriageway
  • Overtaking on the left is permitted (known as undertaking)
  • Third party insurance is compulsory
  • Speed limits must be obeyed and are normally 50 Km per hour in built up areas (they may be up to 60 Km per hour in the Northern Territory)
  • It is compulsory for children to travel with the appropriate child seat for their age:
    • Under six months - in a rearward facing restraint
    • Six months to four years - in either a rear or forward facing restraint
    • Four to seven years - in a forward facing child restraint or booster seat
    • Children under four years cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows
    • Children aged four to seven years can only travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows if all other back seats are occupied by children under seven in a child restraint or booster seat

The Australian Automobile Association provides links to state/territory road rules and regulations: Click here

Speed Limits

Speed limits are signposted throughout Australia, and may differ slightly by state or territory. However, unless otherwise marked by signs, the speed limits are:

  • Built up areas (towns and villages): 50 Km/h (60 Km/h in the Northern Territory)
  • Outside built-up areas/ highways: 100 Km/h (110 Km/h in the Northern Territory and Western Australia)
  • Shopping strips: 40 Km/h
  • Selected rural and outer metropolitan townships: 50 Km/h
  • Motorways and Freeways: 110 Km/h

Speed Cameras

The Australian website australianspeedcameras.com publishes updates on placement of fixed speed cameras around Australia.

It is illegal to use a radar detector when driving.