Australian Road Rules 2026
A comprehensive guide to the Australian Road Rules — covering speed limits, right-of-way, overtaking, parking, alcohol limits, and more. Essential reading for learner drivers and DKT preparation.
Speed Limits
Australia uses kilometres per hour (km/h). Speed limits are indicated by signs or, where no sign is present, a default speed limit applies.
| Location / Zone | Speed Limit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Urban/residential roads (default) | 50 km/h | Applies where no sign is present in a built-up area |
| School zone (during school hours) | 40 km/h | School days, typically 8:00–9:30am and 2:30–4:00pm |
| Shared zone / pedestrian mall | 25 km/h | Give way to pedestrians at all times |
| Open road (default) | 100 km/h | Applies where no sign is posted and not in a built-up area |
| Freeway / motorway (signed) | 110 km/h | Northern Territory some highways 130 km/h |
| Learner / P1 / P2 drivers | 100 km/h max | Even if posted limit is higher (NSW P1: 90 km/h) |
| Roadwork zones (signed) | As signed | Usually 25–40 km/h when workers are present |
| Near stationary emergency vehicle | 25 km/h | When passing a vehicle with flashing lights on the roadside |
Right of Way Rules
Come to a complete stop. Only proceed when it is safe. You must give way to ALL vehicles and pedestrians.
Slow down and give way to all traffic and pedestrians. You may not need to stop if clear.
Give way to ALL vehicles already in the roundabout. Traffic flows clockwise. Signal when exiting.
Give way to oncoming traffic AND pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.
Give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into. Cyclists have right of way.
The vehicle that is ahead should merge first. The merging vehicle gives way to the vehicle alongside.
Vehicles on the terminating road give way to all traffic on the continuing road.
Give way to ALL pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles when leaving a driveway or car park.
Pull over to the left and stop when an emergency vehicle with siren/lights is approaching.
Give way to pedestrians at marked, flashing, or children's (school) crossings.
Intersections
- Traffic lights
Green: proceed if safe. Amber: stop if safe to do so. Red: stop behind the white line. Do not enter an intersection on red.
- Right-turn arrow
A green right-turn arrow gives you a protected right turn — oncoming traffic is held. Do not turn right on a green circle alone without checking for oncoming traffic.
- Blocking an intersection
Do not enter an intersection unless you can fully clear it before the lights change. "Blocking the box" is illegal and attracts fines.
- Hook turns (Melbourne CBD)
In Melbourne's CBD, right turns at certain intersections must be made as a hook turn (from the left lane). Signs indicate where this applies.
- Keep clear lines (yellow cross-hatching)
Yellow cross-hatching means you must not stop within that area. Enter only if your exit is clear.
Overtaking & Lane Changing
When You CAN Overtake
- On the right of another vehicle (default)
- On the left if the vehicle in front is signalling right
- On the left on multi-lane roads (use caution)
- You have a clear, safe view of the road ahead
When You CANNOT Overtake
- At intersections or pedestrian crossings
- On a hill or curve where you cannot see ahead
- Within 100 m of a railway crossing
- Where marked with double unbroken (solid) centre lines
- When you cannot return to your lane safely
Alcohol, Drugs & Driving
Pedestrian Rules
- Marked pedestrian crossings
Give way to pedestrians on or about to step onto a marked crossing (zebra crossing or controlled crossing).
- School crossings (children's crossings)
You must stop when a school crossing supervisor displays their stop sign. Do not proceed until all children have cleared the crossing.
- Pedestrians crossing at intersections
When turning at an intersection, give way to pedestrians who are crossing the road you are turning into, even where there is no marked crossing.
- Footpaths and driveways
Give way to pedestrians on the footpath when crossing over it to access a driveway or car park.
Roundabout Rules
- Give way before entering
Always give way to vehicles already IN the roundabout. Only enter when there is a safe gap.
- Traffic flows clockwise
Australian roundabouts flow clockwise (the same as the UK — both countries drive on the left). Give way to traffic coming from your right.
- Signal when exiting
Indicate LEFT as you approach your exit in the roundabout. Signal right when going right or travelling more than halfway around.
- Give way to cyclists and pedestrians
Give way to cyclists in cycle lanes and pedestrians crossing the exit you are taking.
Fatigue & Long Distance Driving
Test Your Road Rules Knowledge
Use our free DKT practice tests to check how well you know the Australian road rules.