NRMA Motoring Blog

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?

The Australian motorcycle market has grown a whopping 70 per cent in the last five years. 129,966 bikes were sold in 2007 alone, and despite interest rate rises and decreased consumer spending, first quarter sales in 2008 are already up 4.9 per cent compared to last year.

Whether you’ve jumped on a bike for the love or as a money-saving transport alternative, motorcycles are becoming increasingly prevalent. However, with the good there’s always the bad. There’s no shortage of motorcycles on our roads, but are they being accommodated?

There’s a fair contingent of motorcycle riders in the NRMA offices. Asking around, they all spoke of the practicalities of owning a bike and the fun that comes with it. But they also had their criticisms:

• • Rough roads: Poor road surfaces make riding difficult and damage tyres. Having to be wary of potholes and debris is a distraction and compromises safety.
• • Lack of motorcycle friendly roads: Outside Sydney there are some good roads, but not in metropolitan Sydney.
• • Other motorists: Despite more bikes on the road, education about sharing the road with them has not increased.
• • Tolls: The current E-tag attachment is not appropriate for motorcycles.

Having started the ball rolling, we’d love to know what you find difficult about riding a motorcycle in Australia?

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