Traffic Law

The National Transport Commission (NTC) is currently reviewing how the Australian Road Rules deal with driver distraction. The current rules relating to driver distraction were developed in 1999 when mobile phones were mainly used for calls and text messages and in-vehicle technology was limited to television screens. The review will consider the variety of ways…

On 1 November 2018, the Victorian government introduced some changes to the road rules. There are now more severe penalties in relation to certain offences under the Road Safety Act 1986 (RSA) and the Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2009 (RSDR). It is hoped the changes will deter drivers from speeding and from driving whilst unlicenced or disqualified. Changes…

If you drive a vehicle with a weight of more than 4.5 tonnes on any road in Australia (except Western Australia) then you may find yourself before a Local Court or Magistrates Court for Heavy Vehicle offences. The requirements under Queensland and New South Wales legislation in this area are now quite onerous since changes…

The rules regarding cyclists in Tasmania both on roads and on paths are contained in the Road Rules 2009. The road rules apply to all vehicles including bicycles. They also set out some additional rules that apply only to bicycles and some rules that apply to motorists when encountering cyclists on the road. Additional rules…

Cyclists in South Australia must obey the same road rules as motorists as well as some extra rules that apply only to cyclists. When cyclists ride on a bike path or a shared path there are also rules they must abide by. The laws around riding bicycles are set out in the Australian Road Rules.…

Cycling rules are different in every state and territory. In Western Australia, cyclists of all ages are permitted to ride on the road or on the footpath, but must obey all road rules. Cycling rules are contained in the Road Traffic Code 2000 and in the Road Traffic Act 1974.  The most important road rules as they…

A new road rule involving stationary emergency vehicles was introduced in New South Wales on 1 September 2018. Another recent change is the introduction of lower speed limits in certain congested areas in Sydney suburbs over recent months. Cycling groups are calling on the state’s police to ramp up their efforts to enforce the little-known…

There are a few road rules in Queensland that are specific to a particular road or which are different to road rules in other states. If you are new to Queensland, or have been driving elsewhere, it is a good idea to refresh your memory of the road rules in this state. Truck drivers on…

Cyclists in Victoria are permitted to ride on the roads, on bike paths and on shared footpaths. Cyclists are generally not allowed to ride on pedestrian footpaths. Cyclists must obey all road rules as well as being subject to some extra rules that apply only to bicycles. Failure to obey the road rules can result…

A bicycle is a vehicle within the meaning of the Queensland Road Rules. If you are riding a bike on the roads, you must obey the road rules the same as any other vehicle. Cyclists can be issued with fines for breaking road rules, but no demerits are issued to cyclists. While all the road…

Under the Road Rules 2014, a bicycle is a ‘vehicle’ and the road rules for cyclists are the same as the road rules as drivers. There are also some special road rules for cyclists on New South Wales roads. Bicycle riders can be penalised if they commit offences on the roads. Penalties are generally issued…

The New South Wales government recently passed a suite of reforms to the NSW Road Transport Act. The changes are designed to make roads safer and to keep traffic laws up to date with social changes and new technology. As part of the reforms, the state government has announced that it will be implementing the use…

From 1 July 2018, the National Heavy Vehicle Registration Scheme will apply to all heavy vehicles registered in Queensland. Heavy vehicles means vehicles and trailers more than 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM) or aggregate trailer mass (ATM). The scheme is designed to provide consistency across jurisdictions and avert the need for number plates to…

In December 2017, Civic Compliance was replaced by Fines Victoria as part of the Fines Reform Act. Victorians wanting to pay or deal with infringements (also known as ‘on the spot fines’) must now do so through Fines Victoria. Fines can be paid online, by phone, mail or by BPAY. If a person receives a…

In Western Australia when a person commits serious traffic offences, they face penalties including steep fines and periods of imprisonment. Long periods of licence disqualification may be imposed and the vehicle may be temporarily impounded or even permanently confiscated. Disqualification Notices In Western Australia, when a person commits certain drink driving offences, they can be…

Under the Road Safety Act 1986, Victorian courts have the power to order that a vehicle be impounded, immobilised or even forfeited, if certain traffic offences have been committed in it. Offences that can result in impoundment or immobilisation of a vehicle include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving at a dangerous speed,…