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Check Australia's driving rules BONA fide tourists with a valid UK driver's licence for the same class of vehicle can drive in Australia. You should carry your licence with you at all times when driving.In some states you can drive indefinitely while on tourist/visitor visa status, others have a time limit so you should check with the local road transport authority. An International Driver's Permit is not a legal requirement for driving in Australia but if you want to hire a rental car some rental companies may ask for an International Driver's Permit. If you have been granted Permanent Residency for Australia normally you would be able to drive for three months only on your overseas licence. Regulations vary from state to state, you should contact the local road transport authority (see list on page ?? )on arrival for details on obtaining a local licence. Australians drive on the left side and drivers should use the left lane of any given highway unless overtaking. Three cities operate trams, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne of which the latter is by far the largest. In general trams always have right of way. In Melbourne's centre "hook turns" are used on many intersections where drivers turning right sit in the left lane across the junction indicating right until the traffic lights change and then turn right. Speed Limits In most States the maximum speed limit on freeways and major highways is 100 kph (approx 55 mph) and local urban limits range from 50 - 80 kph (approx 30 - 45 mph). In the Northern Territory there are highways that are free of any limits. All speed limits are clearly marked and all States operate sophisticated speed detection equipment including mobile and static speed cameras along with Red light cameras. Any fine incurred in Australia is the responsibility of the driver and should they be a foreign national the fine will be mailed to their home country address. Safety Belts and Child Restraints Wearing a seat belt in Australia has been compulsory since 1962. This applies to both front and rear seated vehicle occupants. Drivers please note that you as well as any passenger are liable should that passenger not wear a belt. Child restraints must be used where passengers are too small to make use of regular seat belts. Make sure you hire one if you're hiring a vehicle. Drink Driving All Australian states enforce strict drink drinking laws and the Police are entitled to stop drivers on a random basis for breathalyser tests. These operations are often referred to as a "Random Breath Test" or "RBT". In most states the legal limit is 0.05, however in encouraging responsible driving abstinence is recommended. Driving in the Outback The most important thing to remember should you decide to go "off Road" (off a sealed road) in the Outback is to seek local advice on your intended route as well as ensuring someone locally knows of your travel plans. If your vehicle does break down in a remote area stay with it do not attempt to walk. Generally people who stay with their vehicles are located quickly and easily. Please note, that some rental suppliers do have conditions that limit the operation of their vehicles in the outback. Should you plan to go off road we suggest that you discuss your intended route with the rental company beforehand. It is a legal requirement that any gates opened to allow your vehicle to pass through are closed afterwards. Any travel across designated Aboriginal Land will require permission from the owners beforehand. As the permit process varies from state to state (and can take up to six weeks to obtain). It is best to contact the national parks' controlling body in each state prior to your journey. Road Trains A common sight in the Outback, particularly the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, are road trains. These are multi trailer trucks up to 50 metres (170 feet) long. Always allow plenty of room as you pass in the opposite direction of a road train as the displaced air causes severe buffering. When overtaking a road train allow 1.5 kilometres (0.8 miles) of clear road. Outback Road Conditions Australia has an extreme of climates especially in the north. Minor roads that are passable in the Dry season (March-November) can disappear beneath a torrent of water during the "Wet". Seek local advice should your travels take you off the main highways. Some things to look out for in country areas include potholes and rough surfaces, soft road edges and road surfaces changing without notice. A golden rule of travelling in the outback is to leave an iternary with someone reliable locally (e.g. Police) with an estimated travel time and take plenty of water. And if your car should break down, stay with the car. Driving at Night When driving at night particularly in the Outback care should be taken to lookout for wildlife that may stray onto the road. Animals are attracted by car lights. Collisions with animals such as the Red Kangaroo can cause substantial damage to your vehicle. Fuel Petrol is sold in litres and comes in both unleaded and lead substitute forms. Prices will vary depending upon location and in the major cities you will see price fluctuations during any given week and national holidays. Fuel is generally much cheaper than other western countries ranging from AU$0.95 to AU$1.25 per litre. |
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