Australian road rules and driving hazards

Australian Road Rules and road signs

Here is a quick guide to some of our road signs and the use of the dreaded round-a-bouts. Don't forget, We drive on the left side of the road and our steering wheels are on the right!

A word of caution for those who like to travel at night. Heading anywhere inland in Australia at night can be an adventure more than you bargained for. A lot of visitors often say that they don't see many kangaroos. Well try some night time driving and you will discover that they really do exist, in large numbers. The outback areas are the most noted as having all sorts of livestock and animals on the roadside and the middle of the road at night. As the properties that border the road are often unfenced, cattle graze by the roadside. Kangaroos are nocturnal and just love waiting by the road side for you to come by - Then jump right in front of your car. The vehicles headlamps dazzle the animal and more often than not, the kangaroo will just stand right in your path. So take care.

Common road signs:

Speed Limited Area

These signs are used to indicate an area where a lower speed limit applies. A speed limited area is usually a network of local roads with signs positioned at every entrance and exit to and from the area. The speed limit applies to all roads in the area, even if there are no repeater signs on individual roads.

Slippery Road.

Australia road signs - Slippery when wet Indicates that the road surface can be slippery when it is wet



Road narrows.

Road narrows - Australia road signage Usually indicates that the shoulders of the road are going to end.

Winding Road

Winding road - Australian road signs

As it says!

Round-a-bout ahead

Roundabout - Roads signs australia give way to ALL traffic on the roundabout and only go in a clockwise direction. Make sure to use your indicator (turn signal lamps) to exit the roundabout

In a two-lane roundabout, you keep to the left lane if you’re turning left or going straight ahead.

You keep to the right lane if you’re turning right and also if you’re going straight ahead.

Going right in a roundabout

Slow down and prepare to give way as you approach the roundabout.
On approach you must be in the right lane unless otherwise marked on the road, and indicate a right turn.
You must give way to traffic already on the roundabout if there is any risk of a collision.
Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic.
Stay in the right side lane.
You must indicate a left turn just before your exit unless it is not practical to do so.

From the Australian Traffic Authority

Remember, ALL speed limit signs are posted in Kilometres per hour.

Travelling to Australia. Helpful information

More information on road rules can be found at the Qld transport website