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Road rules

Road law amendments

On 30 March 2024, South Australia adopted changes to the national road rules to improve road safety and support safe and efficient use of roads across the country. Find out about the rule changes here.

The Australian Road Rules (ARR) are a national body of laws governing the use of roads, footpaths and other shared spaces by drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. There are over 350 rules which have been in operation since December 1999.

The operation of the rules is continually monitored and amendments take into account changes in road safety policy, driver behaviour and technology. Most changes to the rules are simple clarifications that improve their interpretation and/or operation.

Other changes to road laws are made through amending SA’s local law – the Road Traffic Act and the Road Rules (Ancillary and Miscellaneous) Regulations.

Road law amendments  include:  

Fees correct at time of amendment.

30 March 2024 – Amendments to Australian Road Rules

The State Government has now approved the adoption of nationally agreed amendment packages which will increase road safety, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. They include the following road rules changes:

Rules 38 and 74 – Giving way to those doing a U-turn
This change will resolve a contradiction where drivers entering a road from a road related area and those making a U-turn on the road were required to give way to each other. Drivers on the road will have the priority. Drivers entering the road from a road-related area or from adjacent land must give way to those doing a U-turn on the road.

Rule 43  – Prohibiting U-turns on crossings
U-turns will be prohibited at a range of crossings (including children’s crossings, level crossings, marked foot crossings and pedestrian crossings) and where roads and road-related areas intersect, such as carpark exits. This change addresses the confusion and safety risk, where only some pedestrian crossings and intersections display ‘no U-turn’ signs.

Rules 44, 271 – Motor bike riders
Motor bike riders will not need to indicate when re-positioning within the same lane to reduce the risk of a crash. Riders may remove both feet from footrests if moving at less than 10km/h while decelerating to or moving off from a stop, and when parking.

Rules 111, 129 – Cyclists able to claim the lane in a roundabout
This rule allows cyclists to ‘claim the lane’ when approaching and riding in a single lane roundabout. This means they will be exempt from the requirement to ride as near as practicable to the far left side of the road in such situations.

Rules 174 – Stopping between bicycle crossing lights
Drivers will no longer be able to stop on a bicycle crossing.

Rules 203B, 203C respectively – Electric vehicle parking and charging areas
There are two new parking offences relating to electric vehicles (EV) parking and charging:

  • Parking in a designated EV parking area.
  • Parking in an EV charging area when the vehicle is not being charged.

The Australian Standard AS 1742.11 – Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices Part 11: Parking controls, which will specify the requirements for signs and pavement markings to reflect the new rules, is in the process of being updated. In the interim, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport has published guidance in its Code of Technical Requirements on the use of the new electric vehicle symbols on parking control signs. Councils may update their signs to reflect the new rules once this becomes available.

Rules 264, 265 – Examples of a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt
For the first time the rules will contain some examples of what constitutes a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt. This will apply to both drivers and passengers. The driver example is:
A lap and sash seatbelt is properly adjusted and fastened for a driver if—

  • (a) the seatbelt is secured in the buckle with the lap portion of the belt sitting low and firmly over the driver's hips; and
  • (b) the sash portion of the belt is positioned firmly over the driver's shoulder and not under the driver's arm furthest from the secured buckle or behind the driver's back.

A lap belt is properly adjusted and fastened for a driver if the seatbelt is secured in the buckle with the belt sitting low and firmly over the driver's hips.

Rules 299, 300 – Parked vehicles and use of electronic devices
This change will clarify the exemption for using electronic devices in parked vehicles. A vehicle may be parked even if the engine is running, or a key is in the ignition lock.

Rule 300A – Funeral processions
Interrupting or interfering with the free passage of a funeral procession is prohibited.

Several changes will clarify existing provisions by removing anomalies and/or ambiguities to improve road safety and give better effect to the intent of the road rules, along with gendered pronouns being replaced in various provisions.

New expiation and demerit points for offences:

Description of offence Expiation fee Demerit Points
U-turn at children's crossing, level crossing, marked foot crossing or pedestrian crossing (if not permitted) $423 2

U-turn at a place with traffic lights where road and road-related area intersect (if not permitted)

 $423 2
Interfering with or interrupting funeral procession $121 none
Stopping in electric vehicle parking area $75 none
Stopping in electric vehicle charging area $111 none

The national Australian Road Rules have also adopted the following SA local laws:

Rules 62-74 – Giving way to pedestrians and cyclists
Drivers will continue to be required to give way to pedestrians and cyclists who are crossing the road the driver is entering. Drivers must also continue to give way to pedestrians and cyclists who are on or entering a pedestrian crossing or slip lane.

Rules 28, 32, 154A, 187, 280 – Bus only lane provisions
The Australian Road Rules will adopt South Australia’s use of bus only lanes, which are painted in red and prioritise buses. These are often combined with ‘B-lights’ at intersections.

Rules 207 – Parking fees payable via mobile phone app
The ability to pay parking fees via a mobile phone app has been incorporated into the Australian Road Rules.

Rule 270 – Motor bike helmets
The latest European standard for motor bike helmets (ECE 22.06) is now in the Australian Road Rules.

Regulation 50(5) Road Traffic (Miscellaneous) Regulations 2014
The prohibition on selling non-standard child restraints has been removed. This will allow parents and carers of children to source restraints specifically designed for children with disabilities, but not technically compliant with AS/NZS 1754, such as the Carrot range. Parents and carers will not be required to have the vehicle inspected, but they will still need a medical practitioner’s certificate for them to use a particular restraint. That certificate is issued under Australian Road Rule 267(3A). (NB this is not associated with the national changes).

Local councils that allow ‘free ticket parking’ will have the same enforcement powers under the Road Traffic Act 1961 that are available for other parking offences (NB this is not associated with the national changes).

Specific details about these changes are outlined in the Government Gazette, Published 30 November 2023.

1 December 2019 – Amendments to Australian Road Rules

The State Government has implemented the following nationally-adopted amendments:

  • Specifying load restraint performance standards in law, with breaches to result in a three demerit point penalty and a $235 expiation fee for light vehicle drivers and operators or a $375 fee for heavy vehicle drivers. It is already an offence to drive or tow a vehicle with an insecure or overhanging load, however the amendment specifies what is meant by this.  Vehicle loads must now be restrained to meet the performance standards outlined in the National Transport Commission's Load Restraint Guide.
  • Removing barriers to access for larger vehicles through small roundabouts.
  • Requiring drivers to indicate when pulling over to a stationary position (for example when waiting for another motorist to pull out of a parking bay).
  • Requiring a motor bike helmet to be in good repair and proper working order and condition, while recognising considerations of normal wear and tear. Riders should note that cameras are only able to be fitted to a motor bike helmet when approved by the helmet’s manufacturer.

Some of the amendments to the Rules were based on pre-existing law in South Australia and will now apply throughout the rest of Australia.

  • Allowing cyclists to ride across road crossings and slip lanes (instead of having to walk their bikes).
  • Requiring motorists to give way to cyclists and pedestrians entering crossings, as well as while they’re on the crossing; and
  • Introducing nationally consistent Rules relating to motor bike lane filtering.

15 April 2017 – Road rule amendments

Road rule changes now allow:

  • Bike riders will be able to ride across a marked foot crossing, a pedestrian crossing or a children’s crossing, but they must do it safely. Riders must keep to the left, give way to any pedestrian, and cross without delay. Riders must obey the pedestrian or bicycle crossing lights and not enter the crossing once the symbol turns red. Riders should slow down on the approach to the crossing and keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians and vehicles. The fine for failing to cross correctly is $115 which is inclusive of the $60 victims of crime levy. Regulations 9A and 32 of the Road Traffic (Road Rules – Ancillary and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2014.
  • All Vehicles must give way to pedestrians and cyclists when they are entering crossings and slip lanes, that is when they are about to cross. The fine for failing to do so could be up to $470 which is inclusive of the victims of crime levy. Regulation 9B of the Ancillary and Miscellaneous Regulations.
  • Private buses will be able to use bus lanes, but not ‘bus only’ lanes painted in red. A bus is ‘a motor vehicle built mainly to carry people that seats over 12 adults (including the driver)’. Regulation 12 of the Ancillary and Miscellaneous Regulations.
  • Segways to be used in the Riverbank Precinct as part of a guided tour authorised by the Adelaide City Council.  Otherwise, they are not legal for use on South Australian roads.
  • Motor Bike Riders to Lane Filter, Road Traffic (Road Rules—Ancillary and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2014, Regulation 11C.  Lane filtering is when a motor bike rider travels at low speed in between two lines of stationary or slow moving traffic travelling in the same direction.

    Strict conditions apply to lane filtering:
    • only permitted when safe to do so
    • only permitted at speeds of 30km/h or slower
    • only permitted by R and R-Date licensed motor bike riders. Learner’s Permit holders, P1 Provisional licence holders and moped riders with a car licence only must not lane filter
    • not permitted in a school zone or across pedestrian and children’s crossings
    • not permitted next to parked cars or between vehicles and the kerb, or on roundabouts
    • not permitted in bicycle, bus or tram lanes.

Petrol-powered bicycles are prohibited on roads.  They can be difficult to stop and pose a significant safety risk to riders.  They are banned under regulation 48 of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous) Regulations 2014.  The fine is $418, inclusive of the victims of crime levy.

13 December 2016 – Road road rule amendments

Road rule changes in December 2016 now allow

  • a child of up to the age of seven years with a disability or medical condition to sit in the front seat of a vehicle if the driver is carrying a medical certificate, provided the child is properly restrained in either an approved child restraint or one that is fit for purpose (ARR 266).
  • An exemption from wearing a helmet when pushing a motorbike with the engine not on (for example when at a service station) (ARR 270).
  • Motorbike riders to remove one foot from a footrest when the motorbike is moving (for example to stretch legs on longer journeys) (ARR 271).
  • The rider of a bicycle to cross at an intersection that is showing a green bicycle crossing light even if the traffic lights show a red or yellow traffic light (ARR 262A).

In addition, the rules clarify that only audio (not video) calls may be made or received when driving (ARR 300).

25 October 2015 – Cycling road rule amendments

Road Traffic (Road Rules – Ancillary and Miscellaneous Provisions) Variation Regulations 2015, the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous) Variation Regulations 2015 and the Motor Vehicles Variation Regulations 2015 to allow all-age cycling on footpaths and to introduce an offence for a driver of a motor vehicle failing to overtake a cyclist by a prescribed minimum lateral distance with an expiation fee of $287 and 2 demerit points.

Drivers will now be required to give a minimum of one metre when passing a cyclist where the speed limit is 60km/h or less or 1.5 metres where the speed limit is over 60km/h. To assist with compliance of this rule, a driver who has a clear view of any approaching traffic and can do so safely will be exempted from the following road rules:

  • driving to the right of the road (exemption from ARR 132) – this includes driving to the right of (double) continuous lines
  • driving on a dividing strip (exemption from ARR 137)
  • driving on a painted island (exemption from ARR 138)
  • no need to stay within a single lane or line of traffic (exemption from ARR 146)
  • crossing a continuous line separating lanes (exemption from ARR 147)

1 September 2014 – Road rule amendments

Amendments to the Australian Road Rules were made to help clarify existing rules, create consistency within the Rule or remove ambiguities for road users. Most amendments do not involve a change in general driver behaviour.

The major changes are highlighted below:

CLARIFY: Rule 128A – To make it clear that after giving way to pedestrians on the crossing, a driver may enter a children’s crossing or a pedestrian crossing that is immediately before an intersection without traffic lights and stop on it if the road beyond the crossing becomes blocked.

CLARIFY: Rules 134 and 138 – A driver may cross a single continuous dividing line to park in angle parking on the opposite side of the road, provided that the driver does not need to perform a U-turn to reach the parking area.  This includes crossing a painted island surrounded by a single continuous line.

CLARIFY: Rule 153(4) – Bike lane road markings (not only signs) can be used to commence or end a bicycle lane (comprising both a white painted bicycle symbol and the words "lane" or "end lane" as appropriate).

NEW: Rule 197 – Drivers are prohibited from stopping/parking on a traffic island (for example, in the centre of a roundabout).  The expiation fee for stopping on a traffic island is $87.

NEW: Rules 265(4) and 266(5B) – Passengers under one year old can sit on the lap of another passenger who is 16 years old or older when travelling in a bus, taxi or tow truck where no appropriate child restraint is available for use and they are not in the front row of seats.

CLARIFY: Rule 266(2B) – When a booster seat is used it must be used with either a lap and sash type of approved seatbelt or an approved child safety harness.

NEW: Rules 265(5) and 266(5C) – Drivers of correctional vehicles are exempt from the requirement to ensure that passengers in rear seating rows or a caged area are wearing seatbelts.

CLARIFY: Rule 271 –To allow a motor bike rider to remove his/her feet from the footrests to manoeuvre the vehicle, such as reversing the bike into a parking space, or when the motor bike (at low speed <10km/h) is decelerating to come to a rest, or accelerating from a rest.

1 September 2014 - New 25km/h Emergency Services speed Limit

S83 of the Road Traffic Act 1961  - The speed limit was reduced from 40km/h to 25km/h to protect emergency service workers.  The 25km/h Emergency Service Speed Zone applies on an area of road:

  • In the immediate vicinity of an emergency service vehicle that has stopped on the road and is displaying a flashing blue or red light; or
  • Between two sets of flashing blue or red lights that have been placed by an emergency worker at either end of a length of road on which an emergency vehicle has stopped.
  • It does not apply if you are driving on a road that is divided by a median strip and the emergency service speed zone is on the other side of the road beyond the median strip.

2 March 2014 - Amendments to the Australian Road Rules

Many of these changes are simply to clarify existing road rules and make them easier to understand. Specific details are outlined in the Government  Gazette 13 February 2014 pp 917-934.

The following amendments are of particular note:

Rule 127 – Minimum distances between long vehicles.

  • A road train must now keep a minimum 200 metres distance behind another long vehicle unless driving on a multi-lane road or any length or road in a build-up area or overtaking.
  • Long vehicles (except a road train) must travel to a minimum 60 metres behind another long vehicle.

Rule 227 – Use of portable warning triangles in vehicles over 12  tonnes. 

The way in which portable triangles must be laid out to identify a broken down vehicle has been clarified and the distance at which the triangles must be placed relative to the speed limit for the area in which the hazard occurs has been varied. If the triangles are not properly placed, the driver could face prosecution and would be held liable for any crash that results from a failure to comply with these requirements.

  • On roads where the speed limit is 80km/h or over, triangles must be used when the vehicle is not visible within 300 metres in all directions.
  • On roads where the speed limit is less than 80km/h or, triangles must be used when the vehicle is not visible within 200 metres in all  directions.

Rule 137 – Driving across a dividing strip with a pavement bar.

  • Allows drivers to legally drive across pavement bars and markers to enter or leave a road removing unnecessary obstruction to traffic.

Rule 266 – Child restraints.

  • Allows a third child aged four or older to sit in the front seat of  a vehicle (providing they are appropriately restrained) if there is no room for them in the back row of seats because of two other child restraints already  fitted in the back seat.
  • Where there are no seatbelts fitted in the back row of seats, a child aged four or older can now sit in the front seat (providing they are appropriately restrained).

Rule 299 – Motorcycle riders using mobile phones as a GPS.

  • Allows motorbike riders to use mobile phones as a GPS in the same  way as drivers of motor vehicles, provided that it is securely mounted and they  do not touch or manipulate the device.

16 January 2014 – Amendments to the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous) Regulations  1999

Riding on footpaths

  • Allows adults (aged 18 and over) to ride on footpaths to accompany children aged less than 12 years.

Bicycle storage areas

  • Allows bicycle riders to enter bicycle storage areas located at traffic lights other than from a bicycle lane.

Longboarding

  • A $340 expiation fee for longboarding was introduced and applies when the speed limit of the road is over 60 km/h or when the road has two or more marked lanes in the same direction of travel. Skateboarding on a road with a dividing line or median strip or where the speed limit is over 50 km/h remains an offence and may incur a $52 expiation fee.

1 July 2010 - Child restraints

Child restraint laws approved by the National Transport Council in 2008, were adopted in South Australia on 1 July 2010. For details go to Seatbelts and child restraints.

In summary, the laws require:

  • Infants up to six months old to be restrained in a rearward facing infant restraint.
  • Children aged between six months and up to four years old to be seated in either a rearward or forward facing child safety seat.
  • Children from the age of four and up to seven years old to be seated in a forward facing child safety seat or booster seat (restrained by a correctly adjusted seatbelt or child safety harness).
  • Children from the age of seven years to be seated in a booster seat with seatbelt or harness or a correctly fitted and adjusted adult seatbelt.
  • Children under the age of four years to be seated in the rear of the vehicle (where the vehicle has two or more rows of seats).
  • Children from the age of four and up to seven years to be permitted in the front of the vehicle if all rear seats are already occupied by children up to the same age (where the vehicle has two or more rows of seats).
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