Road rules – and facts you may not know
When we jump in our car and start the engine, most of us feel pretty confident we know what we’re doing. But is that confidence misplaced?
Checking out these more unusual Aussie road rules may help you avoid being pulled over on a technicality.
Can I sound my horn while driving?
Horns can blare continually in city centres, and it’s not unusual to hear one driver give another a blast of their car horn if they’re frustrated by their driving.
But did you know your car horn only has one legal use? That is, to warn another vehicle (or animal) that you’re there.1 Other than that, it’s best to practise restraint – even if you want to give your mate a toot and a wave goodbye.
Can I leave my car window open while I’m not in the car?
Short answer: not in some states – at least not if you’re more than three metres away. If you’re venturing more than 3m away from the car, the windows have to be secured (a gap of up to two centimetres is considered secure in most states.2
In Queensland, five centimetres is fine3 and the car has to be locked.4
This has been introduced to reduce the opportunities for car theft.
Can I eat or drink while driving?
While there’s no legislation that specifically bans eating or drinking at the wheel,5 it’s linked to other rules – like having complete control of the car and driving with care and attention. So, it’s wise to park for that coffee break.
Can I wear thongs while driving?
Contrary to popular belief, you can. There’s nothing in the Australian Road Rules that prohibits wearing thongs when driving a car.6
Choosing a comfortable shoe that fits correctly, has a good grip, and doesn’t hinder control of your vehicle can help keep everyone safe and make sure you aren’t breaking any rules.
Can I use my mobile phone to pay in a drive-through?
This is a grey area because legislation in some states is catching up with technology faster than others.
In NSW, you can use the digital wallet function of the phone with the engine running if you’re in a car park or drive-through.7 In Queensland you can use your phone to pay for goods and services if you’re ‘safely stopped’.8 And in Victoria you can use a mobile phone to pay at a drive-through.9
In SA, the ACT, NT, WA and Tassie, however, you can only use your phone to pay at the drive-through if it is ‘parked’ – so that means you need the handbrake on.10
At a roundabout, do you just have to give way to traffic from the right?
No – at a roundabout you must give way to all traffic in the roundabout11 – that’s why it’s so important to slow down at the give way line.
It’s a common misconception that you only need to give way to the right. But if a slower vehicle is entering the roundabout from your left before you reach the give way line, and you don’t give way, you might cause an accident.
Here are three state-based quirks to contend with
South Australia – the five-second rule
In SA, if you’re moving from a stationary start, you must signal for at least five seconds before pulling out.12
Victoria – performing a hook turn
To turn right at a junction, you typically need to be in the right lane. Not at all Melbourne junctions, however. When you see a ‘hook turn only’ sign, you need to be in the left lane to perform a hook turn.13
Tasmania –how fast at traffic lights?
Of course, you always need to watch your speed – and if you’re in Tasmania, you need to take particular care at traffic lights. If you’re turning right or left at a traffic light intersection, you can’t go more than 20km/h – or you could get fined.
Sometimes – no matter how many rules you’re aware of – an accident can occur. If that happens, make sure you’ve got the right car insurance so you can get back on the road in no time.
1 Australian Road Rules as at 9 June 2023 | Australasian Parliamentary Counsel’s Committee
2 Australian Road Rules as at 9 June 2023 | Australasian Parliamentary Counsel’s Committee
3 Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Road Rules) Regulation 2009 | Queensland Legislation | Queensland Government
4 Australian Road Rules as at 9 June 2023 | Australasian Parliamentary Counsel’s Committee
5 Is it Illegal to Eat and Drive? | Lawpath
6 Australian Road Rules as at 28 May 2021 | Australasian Parliamentary Counsel’s Committee
7 Mobile phones, digital screens and GPS | NSW Government
8 Driving and mobile phones | Transport and Motoring | Queensland Government
9 Road rules and safety | Transport Victoria
10 Do you use your phone to pay at a McDonald’s drive-through? | Drive.com.au
11 Australian Road Rules as at 28 May 2021 | Australasian Parliamentary Counsel’s Committee
12 The Driver’s Handbook – Driving Signals | My Licence | South Australian Government
13 Hook turns | Transport Victoria
