Road rule changes
As of July 1, NSW will have some new and amended road rules. While they will not dramatically change how the road is used, these new rules need to be obeyed and do come with hefty penalties.
To acquaint yourself with the new rules, visit the RTA’s Road Rules page. But keep reading for a summary of some of the main changes.
Bicycle storage areas
Some intersections may now have bicycle storage areas – painted sections of the road in front of the stop lines that allow cyclists to wait safely at traffic lights.
Drivers must not allow any part of their vehicle to enter the storage area when traffic lights are red. Those that do will attract three demerit points (four in a school zone) and a $324 fine ($405 in a school zone).
Hook turns by cyclists
When a bicycle hook turn storage area at an intersection is provided, cyclists must now use that area when doing hook turns. Cyclists must cross the intersection by staying to the left, then waiting in the storage area until the traffic light is green or when it is safe to cross at intersections without traffic lights.
Slip lanes
Not using a slip lane to turn left where one is provided will now incur a fine of $189 and two demerit points. And unless there are signs to indicate parking, there’s no stopping in a slip lane. Doing so incurs a fine of $135.
Keeping off a painted island
Driving on painted islands is now permitted for only 50 metres if you are entering or leaving the road, or entering a turning lane immediately after the painted island. The penalty for not abiding by this rule is two demerit points and a $189 fine ($54 for bicycles). Parking on a painted island is also illegal and doing so will earn you a $135 fine.
Driver’s lap must be free
A driver must not have a person or animal in their lap when driving, and motorcycle riders must not drive with an animal on the fuel tank. Penalties are three demerit points (four in a school zone) and a $324 fine ($405 in a school zone).
For full details about the road rule changes, visit the RTA’s Road Rules page.
What do you think of the new rules? Has there been enough done to publicly warn motorists of these changes? Do you think they make the road safer or should the law-makers be focusing their attention on other sections of the road?
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June 30th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Its about time NSW caught up with the rest of the world.
I’ve used them in Europe over 10 years ago – absolutely no worries.
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:52 am
Even more confusing, Teach defencive driving and a lot of these things will happen, I can not be as sure about the Cycle riders as many of them are not trained in observing the road rules, pehaps they should also have a licencing system ?
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:25 am
Sadly, our road rules become even more detailed. What we need is fewer and simpler rules and not more and more. All it looks like to me is yet another set of fines for this greedy NSW government. What we need is broader rules that require people to be more considerate of their fellow road users.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:00 am
The rules are sensible but have not been advertised widely enough. I come from a rural area and have heard only about the driver’s lap must be free rule which, silly me, I assumed was already the situation.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:16 am
As a cyclist I ride defensively to protect their my life on the roads. This is because you are most exposed and would come off second best with any altercation with a car or truck.
This sometimes means that we do not ride strictly according to road rules because to do so sometimes is places us a greater risk. We always try to separate ourselves from the traffic.
But remember this – we do not place motorists lives at risk and most of us (there are some exceptions) pay the utmost respect to pedestrians, because we share their sense vulnerability.
We all we all drive cars as well so we have every right to use the roads like anyone else.
The new road rules at least acknowledge our right to use the roads for transport or recreation (same as a motorist).
The NRMA takes a motorists first approach. But more motorists like myself know better. The road is there to share.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:19 am
The first I knew about these changes was reading about them here. No, there has not been enough done to publicise these changes but that’s the least we can expect from the R.T.A. and a disfunctional government.
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Agree with Mr Hoffman. Not publicised at all in the country. Did not know of any changes till I read NRMA newsletter. Thanks NRMA.
July 4th, 2008 at 2:05 am
I agree with Lats Hoffman, there definately has not been enough advertising about these changes, I too, have only just heard about them from reading them in this newsletter.
July 5th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
In Sydney’s congested traffic, where is the sense of putting the slowest vehicles at the head of the queue to slow down everyone else? It will increase fuel consumption, driver stress, road rage, and the opportunity for collisions!
July 9th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Road rules and cyclists… two mutally exclusive terms. From what I see everyday, cyclists on the road are a law unto themselves.
July 17th, 2008 at 10:20 am
The only reason I was aware of the changes is that I was in an RTA office and picked up a brochure “changes to NSW Road Rules”. The brochure is quite good, but it has never been advertised.
The brochure also covers some rule changes that are not included in the NRMA motoring Blog, which should be updated to include all of the changes.
July 17th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Do I take this literally that I have right of way in a slip lane and do not give way to traffic on my right, because I’m not allowed to stop?
February 7th, 2009 at 6:59 am
Mynrma website regard demerit points period of 3 years is not correct.
It is 3 years and 4 months from the date of the offence.
Contact RTA if you are in doubt.
Regards
Don
September 29th, 2009 at 12:43 am
What exactly is the function of ‘painted islands’ anyway? They only seem to exist to cause congestion and to give the NSW government another excuse for raking in fines.
March 12th, 2010 at 7:47 am
What ever happened to the concept of standardised AUSTRALIAN road rules? With greater mobility, there is more travel between states.
We live in the ACT, only 10 minutes from Queanbeyan in NSW. We haven’t heard about the changed NSW road rules.
What hope do interstate visitors have of keeping up?
March 14th, 2010 at 7:26 am
What publicity? I am a cyclist and a motorcyclist- both of which most ignorant drivers regard as expendable! I had no knowledge of the changes.
We have far too many rules- how can anyone keep up with it all? I have a simple rule- if I have to make a choice between obeying the law, and staying safe- the law comes second (and that includes speeding)! Anyway, how can any government legislate against stupidity, which seems to be an afliction far too many drivers (and riders) suffer from.
Re cyclists- yes I agree wholeheartedly that many of them, especially the “lycra brigade” hold rules and other road users in contempt, but some of us show curtesy to others, and often get abused for it, especially from cabbies (definitely the scourge of Tamworth roads, anyway).
The answer? anti-stupid pills!!!!
March 15th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
I think the one about cyclist and “Hook turns” is rather funny, when was the last time that you saw a cyclist comply with all the rules, and if they don’t what are we or the police going to do, take down their registration number and demand their riders licence to get proof of identification as to their name and address, what a waste of time bit of legislation, a cyclist who complies with the rules that would be new.
August 16th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
It is hard when they add new rules especially if they are not well advertised. You can teach new drivers the new rules but I think the issue lies with those who have been driving for years and years, but obviously then need to know these new rules exist!