Tag Archives: road rules

Using GPS while driving

Posted on by
217

As the number of cars with GPS systems increase, NRMA’s Motoring Advice team have received many enquiries from drivers uncertain about the legality of fixing them to their windscreens and using them while driving.

There is no specific provision under the Road Rules which prohibits the affixing of GPS units to a vehicle.

Road Rule 297 (2) states: “A driver must not drive a motor vehicle unless the driver has a clear view of the road, and traffic, ahead, behind and to the side of the driver.”

This rule makes no reference to the type or description of the object that may constitute a breach of the rule. In other words, this is a general rule where a driver may be held to be in breach of it, if the evidence establishes the placement of an object deprives the driver of a motor vehicle from having a clear view of the road and traffic.

There is also a rule, which in certain circumstances permits a driver to drive a motor vehicle with a visual display unit if it is, or is part of, a driver’s aid. A ‘driver’s aid’ is navigational or intelligent highway and vehicle system equipment, which could be a GPS. The rule does not state where on the vehicle it is to be fitted.

Therefore, should a driver’s aid, such as a GPS unit fitted on the vehicle, deprive the driver of a clear view of the road and traffic ahead, behind and to each side of the vehicle, the driver may be fined or prosecuted for breaching this rule.

Have you found your GPS restricts your vision when driving? Are they safe to operate while driving or should there be stricter laws governing their use?

Roundabout rules

Posted on by
70

The rules for using a roundabout are quite simple. But, as common as roundabouts are, the number of crashes at intersections with roundabouts suggests that when we approach one, we still aren’t quite clear on the rules.

Part 9 of the Road Rules 2008 details the legislation that covers roundabouts. Motorists should know what a roundabout is and what they’re for. It is the way they should be approached and used that seems to be causing the confusion.

Rule 114 explains how to give way when entering or driving in a roundabout:

Giving way when entering or driving in a roundabout

A driver entering a roundabout must give way to:

(a)  any vehicle in the roundabout, and
(b)  a tram that is entering or approaching the roundabout.

For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision.

There is no specific legislation stating one must give way to the other if entering the roundabout at the same time, only that you must give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout.

However, common sense must prevail. As the rule states, a driver must slow down enough to be able to stop to avoid a collision if necessary.

Many drivers enter/approach roundabouts too fast and if there was a collision and it was a result of them not slowing to be able to avoid a collision, then they may face penalties from the authorities.

These are the rules and you can be fined for not abiding by them. If involved in a crash, you might be liable when you thought you weren’t.

View the full road rules for roundabouts.

Have you had problems at roundabouts? Are the rules clear enough and easy to follow?

No more ‘No standing’

Posted on by
15

As of 1 December 2008 the ‘No standing’ rule, NSW road rule no. 167.1, will be abolished.

From this date on, all ‘No standing’ areas will become ‘No stopping’ areas. Even in instances where the sign has not yet been changed, the rules for ‘No stopping’ apply and a $189 fine will be incurred for any violation. If, however, you stop in a ‘No Stopping’ zone that is in an operating school zone the fine is $243 and 2 demerit points.

This brings NSW into line with the Australian Road Rules, which does not list a corresponding rule.

The ‘No standing’ rule allowed drivers to stop on a length of road where there was a ‘No standing’ sign for the purpose of dropping off or picking up passengers.

One of the reasons for this rule ceasing to be is the ambiguity of the word ‘standing’. Despite being explained in the NSW Road Rules, the term a ‘No standing’ is not self-explanatory and not clearly different to ‘No stopping’. And how long does it take to pick up or drop off the kids?

With ‘No standing’ areas turning into ‘No stopping’ areas, it is important to keep the following in mind:

• ’No parking’ and ‘Loading zone’ rules remain unchanged.
• No stopping:  you may not stop your vehicle for any reason.
• No parking: 
     o you may not stop for longer than 2 minutes and
     o  you canonly to drop off or pick up passengers or goods (i.e. you must remain within 3 metres of your vehicle).

Does abolishing the ‘No standing sign’ rule make life on the road easier? Or do drivers simply need to be better educated about the road rules?

The use of ‘Bus’ and ‘Bus only’ lanes

Posted on by
24

A number of major roads in Australian cities have ‘bus lanes’. First introduced on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1992, the number of these dedicated lanes continues to increase. They are a proven method of relieving congestion in and around the city – where most cars can carry one driver and up to four passengers, a bus can carry up to fifty passengers. By keeping these lanes for buses a relatively clear run for commuters is ensured.

‘Bus lanes’ can be used by buses, taxis, public hire cars, motorcycles, bicycles and emergency vehicles. Other motorists can be fined for travelling in a bus lane unless it’s for a short distance (i.e. before you’re about to turn at an intersection or into a driveway) or crossing the lane from a side street or driveway.

Road users should be aware that there are also ‘bus only lanes’, such as those on the Liverpool to Parramatta T-way route in south western Sydney and the North-West T-way that operates between Parramatta and Rouse Hill. These are signposted accordingly.

Incorrect use of a ‘bus lane’ or ‘bus only lane’ will result in a fine and loss of demerit points. There are cameras in place and police regularly patrol these lanes. If you are caught driving in a ‘bus lane’, the fine is $238.00 and 3 demerit points.

Other rules for bus priority

The use of the B indicator at traffic lights is utilised by buses to allow the bus to move more freely around traffic and to give the bus right of way in order to keep to its timetable.

Another thing to be mindful of is the buses’ exception rule which allows buses to travel straight ahead from a turning lane. This rule also gives them the right of way when pulling away from a kerb after alighting or picking up passengers from a bus stop.

For more information and bus lane locations, visit the RTA website.

Are bus lanes a good idea? Have you been fined for using a bus lane? Should there be more in and around the CBD?

Road rule changes

Posted on by
18

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?