Driving around in a new country can be very intimidating. The scariest thing may not be driving a car you are not familiar with but driving on the side you are not used to. When visiting Australia, you should bear in mind that it has six states. Traffic rules in every state are different. Therefore, you must familiarise yourself with the regulations applicable in your states of interest.
Australian law enforcers are stringent when it comes to road safety. In case you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, you can visit Astor Legal for professional assistance. Here are various traffic regulations you need to be aware of when traveling to Australia.
Do Not Leave Your Driving License
You must carry your valid driving license with you wherever you go. A traffic officer may stop you at any point and ask you to present it. Failure to produce your driving license may land you in trouble. You don’t have to worry about carrying your native driving license as long as it is written in English. If written in a different language, you will be required to have an international driving permit, which you can acquire from the Australian Automobile Association.
Always Keep Left
Driving on the left is a major change for most international drivers who visit Australia. Most international drivers are usually cautious during the initial days, but some forget after some time. It is imperative to always drive on the left side of the road to remain safe throughout your stay.
Observe Speed Limits
Australian dual carriageways have a maximum limit of 110 km/h. However, you must keep checking speed limit signboards because they can change depending on the zone. In areas with social facilities, speed limits may go to as low as 40 km/h, especially when children are going to or from schools.
Fasten Your Seat Belt and Drive When Sober
Drunk driving is a serious offense in Australia. If caught driving under the influence of any drugs, you might get fined heavily. You should fasten your safety belt when behind the wheel and ensure your blood alcohol levels are not above 0.05%. If on probation or using a temporary license, your alcohol levels should be 0%.
Observe Traffic Rules When Parking Your Car
In Australia, you have to park your car appropriately to avoid inconveniences. When parking, you should ensure you do not drive on the wrong side. If you have to use the wrong side of the road to park your vehicle, you shouldn’t park it in that lot to avoid fines and accidents.
Observe Wildlife Road Signs
Australia is home to several large wild animals. Some of them, like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, might cross the road unexpectedly. It is advisable to drive at the recommended speed when you see wildlife road signs. When driving within limits, you can reduce your car’s speed without rolling off the road even if an animal shows up from nowhere.
It is imperative to observe the above traffic rules to avoid causing accidents and getting into trouble with the authorities. However, it is important to learn the specific traffic guidelines of the states that you want to visit. If you master each state’s traffic rules, you will comfortably go behind the wheel in Australia.
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