Australia has profound differences in road rules compared to other countries which may confuse overseas drivers and tourists. Beginners remitting fines due to a lack of understanding these rules is not uncommon. Before hitting the road in Australia, learning, and understanding these rules is essential for a safe and legal driving experience.
Australia Drives on the Left and the National Speed Limit
International travelers experience culture shock when they discover Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. This outranks countries like the United States and a majority of Europe. Drivers on multi-lane highways are required to keep to the leftmost lane and can only move to other lanes to the right to overtake. Each of the speed limits assigned to the specific type of road and designated area are attached to the road and must be followed to the letter. Speed limits are set to 50 km/h for urban centers and can go as high as 110 km/h for rural areas. These road speed limits are prone to change and are considered a trap for unwary drivers. Automated road cameras are strategically set to record speeds and to capture speeders for fines.
License Requirements and Driving Permissions
Foreign drivers can use their overseas driver’s licenses for a few months legally, typically for three months, as long as the license is in English or comes with a certified English translation or an International Driving Permit. After that, an Australian driver’s license should be obtained. Drivers must also keep their licenses. Visitors in some Australian states can also legally drive indefinitely on their overseas licenses as long as it’s valid and complies with local laws. In Australia, license holders, or prospective drivers, must carry their license at all times when driving.
Strict Rules on Distractions and Vehicle Security
According to Australian law, drivers can not use mobile phones, or any other hand-held device for that matter, while driving. In 2025, drinking coffee while driving was also made illegal. Using any hands-free device when driving and holding a drink or using a phone can incur large fines and a police points system. Australian drivers also face fines for breaching unusual laws on leaving their vehicles. They must lock it and keep the windows closed or nearly closed if leaving it unattended and more than three meters away.
Roundabouts, Signs, and Unique Road Conditions
In Australia, there are a great number of roundabouts, and drivers give way to those who are already driving in them, which may be contrary to some countries’ rules. Road signage includes distinct warning signs for Australia’s vast, rural areas, including signage for wildlife, kangaroos, and cattle crossings. There are also different types of road markings – a solid line means no overtaking, a dashed line means overtaking is permitted. Drivers also need to be careful of sudden road condition changes due to weather, which is especially the case in remote or desert locations.
Fines and Penalties
Australia has some of the most severe traffic penalties in the world. Alcohol limits in the blood stream are very strict: 0.05% for most drivers and a absolute no for learners. Random breath tests and severe penalties including heavy fines, jail time and suspension of the drivers licence are applied for drink driving. Other traffic violations such as illegal phone use, speeding, and not following traffic signs are also heavily fined. This is to ensure the expected road safety standards are maintained in the country.
Short Table of Common Australian Driving Rules for Tourists
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left side of the road |
| License Use | Foreign license usable up to 3 months |
| Speed Limits | 50 km/h urban, up to 110 km/h rural |
| Mobile Phone Use | Hands-free only |
| Vehicle Security | Must lock car when unattended |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use my foreign driver’s license to drive in Australia?
A1: Yes, for up to three months, a foreign license can be used, but it has to be in English or contain a translation or International Driving Permit.
Q2: Is drinking coffee while driving illegal in Australia?
A2: Yes, under new laws, as of 2025, drinking coffee while driving will be illegal because of the risk of distractions, and will incur fines.
Q3: What should I do at a roundabout in Australia?
A3: Always keep passing and be considerate to the vehicles already in the roundabout and drive in a clockwise direction around it (left side).
