Road rules that affect pedestrians
These rules are extracted from the Australian Road Rules – May 2007 version v. Much of the explanatory information has been omitted. For a full explanation, you should refer to the National Transport Commission for the current version of the Australian Road Rules.
Note that the Australian Road Rules do NOT provide for right of way. They impose obligations to give way in certain circumstances. If a road user fails to give way, other road users have an obligation to avoid a collision.
Contents
Part 2 Application of the Australian Road Rules. 4
Division 1 Roads and road-related areas. 4
13 What is a road-related area. 4
Division 2 Road users and vehicles. 4
38 Giving way when making a U–turn. 4
Part 6 Traffic lights, traffic arrows and twin red lights. 4
Division 2 Giving way at traffic lights and traffic arrows. 4
62 Giving way when turning at an intersection with traffic lights. 4
63 Giving way at an intersection with traffic lights not operating or only partly operating. 5
67 at a stop sign or stop line at an intersection without traffic lights. 5
68 Stopping and giving way at a stop sign or stop line at other places. 6
69 a give way sign or give way line at an intersection (except a roundabout) 6
71 Giving way at a give way sign or give way line at other places. 6
72 at an intersection (except a T– intersection or roundabout) 7
73 Giving way at a T–intersection. 7
Division 3 Entering or leaving road-related areas and adjacent land. 7
74 Giving way when entering a road from a road-related area or adjacent land. 7
75 Giving way when entering a road-related area or adjacent land from a road. 8
Division 5 Crossings and shared zones. 8
80 Stopping at a children’s crossing. 8
81 Giving way at a pedestrian crossing. 9
82 Overtaking or passing a vehicle at a children’s crossing or pedestrian crossing. 9
83 Giving way to pedestrians in a shared zone. 9
Division 6 Other give way rules. 9
84 Giving way when driving through a break in a dividing strip. 9
85 Giving way on a painted island. 9
86 Giving way in median turning bays. 10
87 Giving way when moving from a side of a road or a median strip parking area. 10
Part 11 Keeping left, overtaking and other driving rules. 10
125 Unreasonably obstructing drivers or pedestrians. 10
Division 7 Passing trams and safety zones. 10
160 Passing or overtaking a tram that is not at or near the left side of a road. 10
161 Passing or overtaking a tram at or near the left side of a road. 11
162 Driving past a safety zone. 11
163 Driving past the rear of a stopped tram at a tram stop. 11
164 Stopping beside a stopped tram at a tram stop. 12
Part 12 Restrictions on stopping and parking. 12
Division 3 Stopping at intersections and crossings. 12
171 Stopping on or near a children’s crossing. 12
172 Stopping on or near a pedestrian crossing (except at an intersection) 12
173 Stopping on or near a marked foot crossing (except at an intersection) 13
Division 6 Other places where stopping is restricted. 13
188 Stopping in a shared zone. 13
190 Stopping in or near a safety zone. 13
195 Stopping at or near a bus stop. 13
196 Stopping at or near a tram stop. 13
197 Stopping on a path, dividing strip, nature strip or painted island. 14
198 Obstructing access to and from a footpath, driveway etc. 14
Part 14 Rules for pedestrians. 14
229 Pedestrians on a road with a road access sign. 14
230 Crossing a road — general 14
231 Crossing a road at pedestrian lights. 15
232 Crossing a road at traffic lights. 15
233 Crossing a road to or from a tram.. 16
234 Crossing a road on or near a crossing for pedestrians. 16
235 Crossing a level crossing. 17
236 Pedestrians not to cause a traffic hazard or obstruction. 17
237 Getting on or into a moving vehicle. 17
238 Pedestrians travelling along a road (except in or on a wheeled recreational device or toy) 18
239 Pedestrians on a bicycle path or separated footpath. 18
Division 2 Rules for persons travelling in or on wheeled recreational devices and wheeled toys. 19
240A No wheeled recreational devices or toys sign. 19
240 Wheeled recreational devices and toys not to be used on certain roads. 19
241 Travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or toy on a road. 20
242 Travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or toy on a footpath or shared path. 20
243 Travelling on rollerblades etc on a bicycle path or separated footpath. 20
244 Wheeled recreational devices or wheeled toys being towed etc. 21
244A Meanings of scooter and motorised scooter 21
244B Wearing of helmets by users of motorized scooters. 21
244C Motorised scooters not to be used. 22
Part 18 Miscellaneous road rules. 22
Division 1 Miscellaneous rules for drivers. 22
289 Driving on a nature strip. 22
290 Driving on a traffic island. 23
Division 2 Rules for people in charge of animals. 23
302 Rider of an animal on a footpath or nature strip to give way to pedestrians. 23
Division 3 Obeying directions. 23
304 Direction by a police officer or authorised person. 23
Part 20 Traffic control devices and traffic related items. 24
Division 2 Application of traffic control devices to lengths of roads and areas. 24
336 How separated footpath signs and separated footpath road markings apply. 24
(1) A road-related area is any of the following:
(a) an area that divides a road;
(b) a footpath or nature strip adjacent to a road;
(c) an area that is not a road and that is open to the public and designated for use by cyclists or animals;
(d) an area that is not a road and that is open to or used by the public for driving, riding or parking vehicles.
(2) However, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference in the Australian Road Rules (except in this Division) to a road-related area includes a reference to:
(a) an area so far as the area is declared, under another law of this jurisdiction, to be a road-related area for the Australian Road Rules; or
(b) any shoulder of a road; or
(c) any other area that is a footpath or nature strip as defined in the dictionary;
A pedestrian includes:
(a) a person driving a motorised wheelchair that cannot travel at over 10 kilometres per hour (on level ground); and
(b) a person in a non-motorised wheelchair; and
(c) a person pushing a motorised or non-motorised wheelchair; and
(d) a person in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy.
A driver making a U–turn must give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.
(1) A driver turning at an intersection with traffic lights must give way to:
(a)
any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is
on
crossing
the
road the driver is entering [changed in 2009]; and
(b) if the driver is turning left at a left turn on red after stopping sign at the intersection:
(ii) any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is on the road the driver is leaving
(1) This rule applies to a driver at an intersection if traffic lights at the intersection are not operating, or the traffic lights are showing only a flashing yellow traffic light.
(2) If there is a traffic light-stop sign at the intersection, the driver must comply with rule 67 as if the sign were a stop sign at an intersection without traffic lights.
(3) If there is no traffic light-stop sign at the intersection, the driver must give way to vehicles and pedestrians at or near the intersection in accordance with rule 72 or 73 as if the intersection were an intersection without traffic lights, or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line.
64 Giving way at a flashing yellow traffic arrow at an intersection
A driver turning in the direction indicated by a flashing yellow traffic arrow at an intersection with traffic lights must give way to:
(a) any vehicle travelling on the road the driver is entering; and
(b)
any pedestrian at or near the intersection who is on
crossing the road the driver is entering [changed 2009]; and
(c) if the driver is turning right — any oncoming vehicle that is going straight ahead or turning left at the intersection (except a vehicle turning left using a slip lane).
65 Giving way at a marked foot crossing (except at an intersection) with a flashing yellow traffic light
(1) This rule applies to a driver approaching or at a marked foot crossing (except at or near an intersection) with a flashing yellow traffic light at the crossing.
(2) The driver must:
(a) give way to any pedestrian on the crossing; and
(b) not obstruct any pedestrian on the crossing; and
(c) not overtake or pass a vehicle that is travelling in the same direction as the driver and is stopping, or has stopped, to give way at the crossing.
(3) If there is no pedestrian on the crossing, and no other vehicle travelling in the same direction as the driver that is stopping, or has stopped, to give way at the crossing, the driver may proceed through the crossing.
(4)
If the driver is turning left or right or making a U–turn, the
driver must give way to any pedestrian at or near the intersection on
who is crossing the road, or part of the road, the driver is
entering [changed 2009].
68 at a stop sign or stop line at other places
(1) A driver approaching or at a place with a stop sign or stop line must stop and give way in accordance with this rule, unless the place is:
(a) an intersection; or
(b) a children’s crossing; or
(c) an area of a road that is not a children’s crossing only because it does not have:
(i) children crossing flags; or
(ii) children’s crossing signs and twin yellow lights; or
(d) a level crossing; or
(e) a place with twin red lights.
(3) The driver must give way to any vehicle or pedestrian at or near the stop line or stop sign.
(1) A driver approaching or at a place with a stop sign or stop line must stop and give way in accordance with this rule, unless the place is:
(a) an intersection; or
(b) a children’s crossing; or
(c) an area of a road that is not a children’s crossing only because it does not have:
(i) children crossing flags; or
(ii) children’s crossing signs and twin yellow lights; or
(d) a level crossing; or
(e) a place with twin red lights.
(2) The driver must stop as near as practicable to, but before reaching:
(a) the stop line; or
(b) if there is no stop line – the stop sign.
(3) The driver must give way to any vehicle or pedestrian at or near the stop line or stop sign.
(2A) If the driver is turning left using a slip lane, the driver must give way to:
(b) any pedestrian on the slip lane.
(3) If the driver is turning left or right or making a U–turn, the driver must give way to any pedestrian at or near the intersection on the road, or part of the road, the driver is entering.
(1) A driver approaching or at a place (except an intersection, bridge or length of narrow road, level crossing, or a place with twin red lights) with a give way sign or give way line must give way in accordance with this rule.
(2) The driver must give way to any pedestrian at or near the give way sign or give way line.
(1) A driver at an intersection (except a T–intersection or roundabout) without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line, must give way in accordance with this rule.
(3) If the driver is turning left (except if the driver is using a slip lane), the driver must give way to:
(b) any pedestrian at or near the intersection on the road the driver is entering.
(4) If the driver is turning left using a slip lane, the driver must give way to:
(b) any pedestrian on the slip lane.
(5) If the driver is turning right, the driver must give way to:
(c) any pedestrian at or near the intersection on the road the driver is entering.
(1) A driver at a T–intersection without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line, must give way in accordance with this rule.
(2) If the driver is turning left (except if the driver is using a slip lane) or right from the terminating road into the continuing road, the driver must give way to:
(b) any pedestrian on the continuing road at or near the intersection.
(3) If the driver is turning left from the terminating road into the continuing road using a slip lane, the driver must give way to:
(b) any pedestrian on the slip lane.
(4) If the driver is turning left (except if the driver is using a slip lane) from the continuing road into the terminating road, the driver must give way to any pedestrian on the terminating road at or near the intersection.
(5) If the driver is turning from the continuing road into the terminating road using a slip lane, the driver must give way to:
(b) any pedestrian on the slip lane.
(6) If the driver is turning right from the continuing road into the terminating road, the driver must give way to:
(b) any pedestrian on the terminating road at or near the intersection.
(1) A driver entering a road from a road-related area, or adjacent land, without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line must give way to:
(b) any pedestrian on the road; and
(c) any pedestrian on any road-related area that the driver crosses to enter the road; and
(d) for a driver entering the road from a road-related area:
(i) any pedestrian on the road-related area; and
(1) A driver entering a road-related area or adjacent land from a place on a road without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line must give way to:
(a) any pedestrian on the road; and
(b) any pedestrian on any road-related area that the driver crosses or enters; and
(1) A driver approaching a children’s crossing must drive at a speed at which the driver can, if necessary, stop safely before the crossing.
(2) A driver approaching or at a children’s crossing must stop as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line at the crossing if:
(a) a hand-held stop sign is displayed at the crossing; or
(b) a pedestrian is on or entering the crossing.
(3) If a driver stops at a children’s crossing for a hand-held stop sign, the driver must not proceed until there is no pedestrian on or entering the crossing and the holder of the sign:
(a) no longer displays the sign towards the driver; or
(b) otherwise indicates that the driver may proceed.
(4) If a driver stops at a children’s crossing for a pedestrian, the driver must not proceed until there is no pedestrian on or entering the crossing.
(5) For this rule, if a children’s crossing extends across a road with a dividing strip, the part of the children’s crossing on each side of the dividing strip is taken to be a separate children’s crossing.
(6) A children’s crossing is an area of a road:
(a) at a place with stop lines marked on the road, and:
(i) children crossing flags; or
(ii) children’s crossing signs and twin yellow lights; and
(b) indicated by:
(i) 2 red and white posts erected on each side of the road; or
(ii) 2 parallel continuous or broken lines on the road surface from one side of the road completely or partly across the road; and
(c) extending across the road between the posts or lines.
(1) A driver approaching a pedestrian crossing must drive at a speed at which the driver can, if necessary, stop safely before the crossing.
(2) A driver must give way to any pedestrian on a pedestrian crossing.
(3) A pedestrian crossing is an area of a road:
(a) at a place with white stripes on the road surface that:
(i) run lengthwise along the road; and
(ii) are of approximately the same length; and
(iii) are approximately parallel to each other; and
(iv) are in a row that extends completely, or partly, across the road; and
(b) with or without either or both of the following:
(i) a pedestrian crossing sign;
(ii) alternating flashing twin yellow lights.
A driver approaching a children’s crossing, or pedestrian crossing, must not overtake or pass a vehicle that is travelling in the same direction as the driver and is stopping, or has stopped, to give way to a pedestrian at the crossing.
A driver driving in a shared zone must give way to any pedestrian in the zone.
(1) If a driver drives through a break in a dividing strip that has no stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line, the driver must give way to:
(a) any tram on the dividing strip; and
(b) any vehicle travelling on the part of the road the driver is entering (except a vehicle to which a stop sign, stop line, give way sign, or give way line, applies).
A driver entering a turning lane from a painted island must give way to:
(a) any vehicle in the turning lane; or
(b) if the turning lane and painted island are nearest to the far left side of the road — any vehicle entering the turning lane from the marked lane, or line of traffic, immediately to the right of the turning lane; or
(c) if the turning lane and painted island are nearest to the dividing line or median strip on the road or the far right side of the road — any vehicle entering the turning lane from the marked lane, or line of traffic, immediately to the left of the turning lane.
(1) A driver entering a median turning bay must give way to any oncoming vehicle already in the turning bay.
(2) In this rule:
median turning bay means a marked lane, or the part of a marked lane:
(a) to which a median turning lane sign applies; or
(b) where traffic lane arrows applying to the lane indicate that vehicles travelling in opposite directions must turn right.
(1) A driver entering a marked lane, or a line of traffic, from the far left or right side of a road must give way to any vehicle travelling in the lane or line of traffic.
(2) However, the driver of a public bus does not have to give way to a vehicle if:
(a) the driver of the vehicle is required to give way to the bus under rule 77; and
(b) it is safe for the bus to enter the lane or line of traffic in which the vehicle is driving.
(3) A driver turning from a median strip parking area into a marked lane, or a line of traffic, must give way to any vehicle travelling in the lane or line of traffic.
(4) In this rule:
road does not include a road-related area, but includes any shoulder of the road.
(1) A driver must not unreasonably obstruct the path of another driver or a pedestrian.
(2) For this rule, a driver does not unreasonably obstruct the path of another driver or a pedestrian only because:
(a) the driver is stopped in traffic; or
(b) the driver is driving more slowly than other vehicles (unless the driver is driving abnormally slowly in the circumstances).
(1) This rule applies to a driver driving on a road with tram tracks that are not at or near the far left side of the road.
(2) The driver must not drive past, or overtake, a tram to the right of the tram, unless the driver is permitted to do so by a traffic sign or road marking.
(3) The driver must not drive past, or overtake, a tram if the tram is turning left or is giving a left change of direction signal, unless the driver is turning left and there is no danger of a collision with the tram.
(4) In this rule:
tram includes a bus travelling along tram tracks.
(1) This rule applies to a driver driving on a road with tram tracks at or near the far left side of the road.
(2) The driver must not drive past, or overtake, a tram to the left of the tram unless the driver is turning left and there is no danger of a collision with the tram.
(3) The driver must not drive past, or overtake, a tram if the tram is turning right or is giving a right change of direction signal.
(4) In this rule:
tram includes a bus travelling along tram tracks.
(1) A driver driving past a safety zone:
(a) must not drive on the safety zone; and
(b) must drive to the left of the safety zone at a speed that does not put at risk the safety of any pedestrian crossing the road to or from the safety zone.
(2) A safety zone is an area of a road:
(a) at a place with safety zone signs at or near a tram stop; and
(b) indicated by a structure on the road (for example, a dividing strip, pedestrian refuge or traffic island).
(1) A driver must comply with this rule if:
(a) the driver is driving behind the rear of a tram travelling in the same direction as the driver; and
(b) the tram stops at a tram stop, except at the far left side of the road; and
(c) there is no safety zone, dividing strip or traffic island between the tram and the part of the road where the driver is driving.
(2) The driver must stop before passing the rear of the tram.
(3) After stopping in accordance with subrule (2), the driver must not proceed if:
(a) the tram doors are open; or
(b) a pedestrian is entering or crossing the road between the tram tracks and the far left side of the road.
(4) After stopping in accordance with subrule (2), if the tram remains at the tram stop and subrules (3)(a) and (b) do not apply, the driver must not proceed past the tram at a speed greater than 10 kilometres per hour.
(5) However, subrules (2), (3) and (4) do not apply if the driver is directed to drive past the tram by an authorised person.
(6) In this rule:
tram includes a bus travelling along tram tracks.
(1) A driver must comply with this rule if:
(a) the driver is driving alongside, or overtaking, a tram travelling in the same direction as the driver; and
(b) the tram stops at a tram stop, except at the far left side of the road; and
(c) there is no safety zone, dividing strip or traffic island between the tram and the part of the road where the driver is driving.
(2) The driver must stop.
(3) After stopping in accordance with subrule (2), the driver must not proceed if:
(a) the tram doors are open; or
(b) a pedestrian is entering or crossing the road between the tram tracks and the far left side of the road.
(4) After stopping in accordance with subrule (2), if the tram remains at the tram stop and subrules (3) (a) and (b) do not apply, the driver must not proceed past the tram at a speed greater than 10 kilometres per hour.
(5) However, subrules (2), (3) and (4) do not apply if the driver is directed to drive past the tram by an authorised person.
(6) In this rule:
tram includes a bus travelling along tram tracks.
(1) A driver must not stop on a children’s crossing, or on the road within 20 metres before the crossing and 10 metres after the crossing, unless the driver stops at a place on a length of road, or in an area, to which a parking control sign applies and the driver is permitted to stop at that place under the Australian Road Rules.
(2) For this rule, distances are measured:
(a) in the direction in which the driver is driving; and
(b) as shown in example 1 or 2.
(3) In this rule:
road does not include a road-related area, but includes any shoulder of the road.
(1) A driver must not stop on a pedestrian crossing that is not at an intersection, or on the road within 20 metres before the crossing and 10 metres after the crossing, unless the driver stops at a place on a length of road, or in an area, to which a parking control sign applies and the driver is permitted to stop at that place under the Australian Road Rules.
(2) For this rule, distances are measured:
(a) in the direction in which the driver is driving; and
(b) as shown in the example.
(3) In this rule:
road does not include a road-related area, but includes any shoulder of the road.
(1) A driver must not stop on a marked foot crossing that is not at an intersection, or on the road within 10 metres before the traffic lights pole nearest to the driver at the crossing and 3 metres after the crossing, unless the driver stops at a place on a length of road, or in an area, to which a parking control sign applies and the driver is permitted to stop at that place under the Australian Road Rules.
(2) For this rule, distances are measured:
(a) in the direction in which the driver is driving; and
(b) as shown in the example.
(3) In this rule:
road does not include a road-related area, but includes any shoulder of the road.
A driver must not stop in a shared zone unless:
(a) the driver stops at a place on a length of road, or in an area, to which a parking control sign applies and the driver is permitted to stop at that place under the Australian Road Rules; or
(b) the driver stops in a parking bay and the driver is permitted to stop in the parking bay under the Australian Road Rules; or
(c) the driver is dropping off, or picking up, passengers or goods; or
(d) the driver is engaged in the door-to-door delivery or collection of goods, or in the collection of waste or garbage.
(1) A driver must not stop in a safety zone, or on a road within 10 metres before or after a safety zone, unless the driver stops at a place on a length of road, or in an area, to which a parking control sign applies and the driver is permitted to stop at that place under the Australian Road Rules.
(1) A driver (except the driver of a public bus) must not stop at a bus stop, or on the road, within 20 metres before a sign on the road that indicates the bus stop, and 10 metres after the sign, unless the driver stops at a place on a length of road, or in an area, to which a parking control sign applies and the driver is permitted to stop at that place under the Australian Road Rules.
(1) A driver (except the driver of a tram, a tram recovery vehicle or a public bus travelling along tram tracks) must not stop at a tram stop or on the road within 20 metres before a sign that indicates a tram stop, unless:
(a) the driver stops at a place on a length of road, or in an area, to which a parking control sign applies; and (b) the driver is permitted to stop at that place under the Australian Road Rules
(1) A driver must not stop on a bicycle path, footpath, shared path or dividing strip, or a nature strip adjacent to a length of road in a built-up area, unless:
(a) the driver stops at a place on a length of road, or in an area, to which a parking control sign applies and the driver is permitted to stop at that place under the Australian Road Rules; or
(b) the driver is permitted to stop under another law of this jurisdiction.
(1A) A driver must not stop on a painted island.
(2) Subrule (1) does not apply to the rider of a bicycle or animal.
(1) A driver must not stop on a road in a position that obstructs access by vehicles or pedestrians to or from a footpath ramp or a similar way of access to a footpath, or a bicycle path or passageway unless:
(a) the driver is driving a public bus that is dropping off, or picking up, passengers; or
(b) the driver stops in a parking bay and the driver is permitted to stop in the parking bay under the Australian Road Rules.
(2) A driver must not stop on or across a driveway or other way of access for vehicles travelling to or from adjacent land unless:
(a) the driver:
(i) is dropping off, or picking up, passengers; and
(ii) does not leave the vehicle unattended; and
(iii) completes the dropping off, or picking up, of the passengers, and drives on, as soon as possible and, in any case, within 2 minutes after stopping; or
(b) the driver stops in a parking bay and the driver is permitted to stop in the parking bay under the Australian Road Rules.
A pedestrian must not travel past a no pedestrians sign.
A pedestrian must not be on a length of road to which a road access sign applies if information on or with the sign indicates that pedestrians are not permitted beyond the sign.
(1) A pedestrian crossing a road:
(a) must cross by the shortest safe route; and
(b) must not stay on the road longer than necessary to cross the road safely.
(2) However, if the pedestrian is crossing the road at an intersection with traffic lights and a pedestrians may cross diagonally sign, the pedestrian may cross the road diagonally at the intersection.
(3) In this rule:
road does not include a road-related area, but includes any shoulder of the road.
(1) A pedestrian approaching or at an intersection, or another place on a road, with pedestrian lights and traffic lights must comply with this rule.
(2) If the pedestrian lights show a red pedestrian light and the pedestrian has not already started crossing the intersection or road, the pedestrian must not start to cross until the pedestrian lights change to green.
(3) If, while the pedestrian is crossing the road, the pedestrian lights change to flashing red or red, the pedestrian must not stay on the road for longer than necessary to cross safely to the nearer (in the direction of travel of the pedestrian) of the following:
(a) a dividing strip, safety zone, or traffic island, forming part of the area set aside or used by pedestrians to cross the road at the intersection or place (the safety area);
(b) the nearest side of the road.
(4) If, under subrule (3), the pedestrian crosses to the safety area, the pedestrian must remain in the safety area until the pedestrian lights change to green.
(5) However, if the pedestrian cannot operate the pedestrian lights from the safety area, the pedestrian may cross to the far side of the road when:
(a) the traffic lights change to green or flashing yellow, or there is no red traffic light showing; and
(b) it is safe to do so.
(6) In this rule:
road does not include a road-related area, but includes any shoulder of the road.
(1) A pedestrian approaching or at an intersection, or another place on a road, with traffic lights, but without pedestrian lights, must comply with this rule.
(2) If the traffic lights show a red or yellow traffic light and the pedestrian has not already started crossing the intersection or road, the pedestrian must not start to cross until the traffic lights change to green or flashing yellow, or there is no red traffic light showing.
(3) If, while the pedestrian is crossing the road, the traffic lights change to yellow or red, the pedestrian must not stay on the road for longer than necessary to cross safely to the nearer (in the direction of travel of the pedestrian) of the following:
(a) a dividing strip, safety zone, or traffic island, forming part of the area set aside or used by pedestrians to cross the road at the intersection or place (the safety area);
(b) the nearest side of the road.
(4) If, under subrule (3), the pedestrian crosses to the safety area, the pedestrian must remain in the safety area until the traffic lights change to green or flashing yellow, or there is no red traffic light showing.
(5) In this rule:
road does not include a road-related area, but includes any shoulder of the road.
(1) A pedestrian must not cross a road to get on a tram at a tram stop until the tram has stopped at the tram stop.
(2) A pedestrian crossing a road after getting off a tram:
(a) must cross to the nearest footpath by the shortest safe route or, if there is no footpath, cross the road by the shortest safe route; and
(b) must not stay on the road for longer than necessary to cross the road safely.
(3) This rule does not apply to a pedestrian:
(a) on a safety zone; or
(b) crossing a road to or from a safety zone.
(4) Subrule (2) does not apply to:
(a) a pedestrian in a shared zone; or
(b) an employee of a public transport operator who is in uniform and engaged in carrying out his or her duties.
(5) In this rule:
road does not include a road-related area, but includes any shoulder of the road.
tram includes a bus travelling along tram tracks.
(1) A pedestrian must not cross a road, or part of a road, within 20 metres of a crossing on the road, except at the crossing or another crossing, unless the pedestrian is:
(a) crossing, or helping another pedestrian to cross, an area of the road between tram tracks and the far left side of the road to get on, or after getting off, a tram or public bus; or
(b) crossing to or from a safety zone; or
(c) crossing at an intersection with traffic lights and a pedestrians may cross diagonally sign; or
(d) crossing in a shared zone; or
(e) crossing a road, or a part of a road, from which vehicles are excluded, either permanently or temporarily.
(2) A pedestrian must not stay on a crossing on a road for longer than necessary to cross the road safely.
(3) Subrule (2) does not apply to a person who is helping pedestrians cross a road at a crossing if the person is permitted to do so under another law of this jurisdiction.
(4) In this rule:
crossing means a children’s crossing, marked foot crossing or pedestrian crossing.
(1) A pedestrian must not cross a railway line, or tram tracks, at a level crossing unless:
(a) there is a pedestrian facility at the crossing and the pedestrian uses the facility; or
(b) there is no pedestrian facility at, or within 20 metres of, the crossing.
(2) A pedestrian must not cross a railway line, or tram tracks, at a level crossing if:
(a) warning lights (for example, twin red lights or rotating red lights) are flashing or warning bells are ringing; or
(b) a gate, boom or barrier at the crossing is closed or is opening or closing; or
(c) a train or tram is on or entering the crossing; or
(d) a train or tram approaching the crossing can be seen from the crossing or is sounding a warning, and there would be a danger of the pedestrian being struck by the train or tram if the pedestrian entered the crossing; or
(e) the crossing, or a road beyond the crossing, is blocked.
(3) In this rule:
pedestrian facility means a footpath, bridge or other structure designed for the use of pedestrians.
(1) A pedestrian must not cause a traffic hazard by moving into the path of a driver.
(2) A pedestrian must not unreasonably obstruct the path of any driver or another pedestrian.
(3) For subrule (2), a pedestrian does not unreasonably obstruct the path of another pedestrian only by travelling more slowly than other pedestrians.
(4) A pedestrian must not stand on, or move onto, a road to:
(a) solicit contributions, employment or business from an occupant of a vehicle; or
(b) hitchhike; or
(c) display an advertisement; or
(d) sell or offer articles for sale; or
(e) wash or clean, or offer to wash or clean, the windscreen of a vehicle.
(5) A driver, or a passenger, in or on a vehicle must not buy, or offer to buy, an article or service from a person standing on a road.
(6) Subrules (4) and (5) do not apply to the carrying on of an activity permitted by another law of this jurisdiction.
(7) In this rule:
road includes any shoulder of the road, and any median strip, painted island or traffic island, but does not include any other road-related area.
(1) A person must not get on, or into, a moving vehicle unless:
(a) the person is engaged in the door-to-door delivery or collection of goods, or in the collection of waste or garbage, and is required to get in or out of the vehicle, or on or off the vehicle, at frequent intervals; and
(b) the vehicle is not travelling at a speed over 5 kilometres per hour.
(2) This rule does not apply to a person who is getting on or off a bicycle or animal.
(1) A pedestrian must not travel along a road if there is a footpath or nature strip adjacent to the road, unless it is impracticable to travel on the footpath or nature strip.
(2) A pedestrian travelling along a road:
(a) must keep as far to the left or right side of the road as is practicable; and
(ab) must, when moving forward, face approaching traffic that is moving in the direction opposite to which the pedestrian is travelling, unless it is impracticable to do so; and
(b) must not travel on the road alongside more than 1 other pedestrian or vehicle travelling on the road in the same direction as the pedestrian, unless the pedestrian is overtaking other pedestrians.
(3) In this rule:
pedestrian does not include a person travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy.
road does not include a road-related area, but includes any shoulder of the road.
(1) A pedestrian must not be on a bicycle path, or a part of a separated footpath designated for the use of bicycles, unless the pedestrian:
(a) is crossing the bicycle path or separated footpath by the shortest safe route; and
(b) does not stay on the bicycle path or separated footpath for longer than necessary to cross the bicycle path or separated footpath safely.
(2) However, a pedestrian may be on a bicycle path, or a part of a separated footpath designated for the use of bicycles, if:
(a) the pedestrian is:
(i) in or pushing a wheelchair; or
(ii) on rollerblades, rollerskates or a similar wheeled recreational device; and
(b) there is no traffic control device, or information on or with a traffic control device, applying to the bicycle path or separated footpath that indicates that the pedestrian is not permitted to be on the bicycle path or the part of the separated footpath designated for the use of bicycles.
(3) A pedestrian who is crossing a bicycle path, or a part of a separated footpath designated for the use of bicycles, must keep out of the path of any bicycle, or any pedestrian who is permitted under subrule (2) to be on the bicycle path, or the part of the separated footpath designated for the use of bicycles.
(4) In the Australian Road Rules:
separated footpath means a length of footpath beginning at a separated footpath sign or separated footpath road marking, and ending at the nearest of the following:
(a) an end separated footpath sign or end separated footpath road marking;
(b) a bicycle path sign or bicycle path road marking;
(c) a no bicycles sign or no bicycles road marking;
(d) a road (except a road-related area);
(e) the end of the footpath.
A person on a road who is travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy must not travel past a no wheeled recreational devices or toys sign.
(1) A person must not travel in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy on:
(a) a road with a dividing line or median strip; or
(b) a road on which the speed-limit is greater than 50 kilometres per hour; or
(c) a one-way road with more than 1 marked lane.
(2) A person must not travel in or on a wheeled recreational device:
(a) on a road that is declared, under another law of this jurisdiction, to be a road on which wheeled recreational devices are prohibited; or
(b) on a road at night; or
(c) on a road at any other time if another law of this jurisdiction prohibits wheeled recreational devices from being on all roads, or that road, at that time.
(3) A person must not travel in or on a wheeled toy:
(a) on a road that is declared, under another law of this jurisdiction, to be a road on which wheeled toys are prohibited; or
(b) on a road at a particular time if another law of this jurisdiction prohibits wheeled toys on all roads, or that road, at that time.
(3A) Subrules (1) and (2) do not apply to a person who is crossing a road in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy, if the person:
(a) crosses the road by the shortest safe route; and
(b) does not stay on the road longer than necessary to cross the road safely; and
(c) is not prohibited, under another law of this jurisdiction, from crossing the road in or on the wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy.
(4) In subrules (1) and (2)(b), road does not include roadrelated area but includes any shoulder of the road.
(1) A person travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy on a road:
(a) must keep as far to the left side of the road as is practicable; and
(b) must not travel alongside more than 1 other pedestrian or vehicle travelling on the road in the same direction as the person, unless the person is overtaking other pedestrians.
(2) In this rule:
road does not include a road-related area, but, in subrule (1) (b), includes any shoulder of the road.
(1) A person travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy on a footpath or shared path must:
(a) keep to the left of the footpath or shared path unless it is impracticable to do so; and
(b) give way to any pedestrian (except a person travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy) who is on the footpath or shared path.
(2) A shared path is an area open to the public (except a separated footpath) that is designated for, or has as one of its main uses, use by both the riders of bicycles and pedestrians, and includes a length of path for use by both bicycles and pedestrians beginning at a shared path sign or shared path road marking and ending at the nearest of the following:
(a) an end shared path sign or end shared path road marking;
(b) a no bicycles sign or no bicycles road marking;
(c) a bicycle path sign or bicycle path road marking;
(d) a road (except a road-related area);
(e) the end of the path.
(3) In this rule:
end shared path road marking means a shared path road marking with the word ‘end’.
shared path road marking means a road marking consisting of a pedestrian symbol above a bicycle symbol.
(1) A person travelling on rollerblades, rollerskates, or a similar wheeled recreational device, must not be on a part of a separated footpath designated for the use of pedestrians unless the person:
(a) is crossing the separated footpath by the shortest safe route; and
(b) does not stay on the separated footpath for longer than necessary to cross the separated footpath safely.
(2) A person travelling on rollerblades, rollerskates, or a similar wheeled recreational device, on a bicycle path, or a part of a separated footpath designated for the use of bicycles, must keep out of the path of any bicycle.
(1) A person must not travel in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy that is being towed by a vehicle. (2) A person travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy must not hold onto a vehicle while the vehicle is moving.
(3) A person travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy must not travel within 2 metres of the rear of a moving motor vehicle continuously for more than 200 metres
(1) In these Rules:
scooter means a device that:
(a) has 2 or more wheels and a footboard supported by the wheels; and
(b) is steered by handlebars; and
(c) is designed to be used by a single person; and
(d) is propelled by any 1 or more of the following:
(i) gravity;
(ii) the user pushing one foot against the ground;
(iii) an electric motor or motors; and
(e) if it is fitted with an electric motor or motors, complies with the following requirements:
(i) its maker certifies (either by means of a plate attached to the motor or each motor, or by means of engraving on the motor or each motor) the ungoverned power output of the motor, or each motor;
(ii) the maximum power output of the motor, or the combined maximum power output of the motors, is not more than 200 watts;
(iii) when propelled only by the motor or motors, the scooter is not capable of going faster than 10 km/h on level ground.
motorised scooter means a scooter that is propelled by 1 or more electric motors and complies with the requirements in paragraph (e) of the definition of scooter.
(2) A reference in paragraph (d) or (e) of the definition of scooter, or in the definition of motorised scooter, in subrule (1), to a motor includes both a motor that is part of the relevant device and a motor that is attached to the device.
(3) In these Rules, a reference to a scooter includes a motorised scooter unless the contrary intention appears.
A person who is travelling on a motorised scooter on a road or road-related area must wear an approved bicycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on his or her head, unless he or she is exempt from wearing a bicycle helmet under another law of this jurisdiction.
If another law of this jurisdiction prohibits the use of motorised scooters on a road or road-related area, a person must not travel on a motorised scooter on a road or roadrelated area.
(1) A driver (except the rider of a bicycle) must not drive on a path, unless subrule (2) or (3) applies to the driver.
(2) A driver may drive on a path if the driver is:
(a) driving on a part of the path indicated by information on or with a traffic control device as a part where vehicles may drive; or
(b) driving on the path to enter or leave, by the shortest practicable route, a road-related area or adjacent land and there is not a part of the path indicated by information on or with a traffic control device as a part where vehicles may drive; or
(c) permitted to drive on the path under another law of this jurisdiction.
(3) A driver may drive a motorised wheelchair on a path if:
(a) the unladen mass of the wheelchair is not over 110 kilograms; and
(b) the wheelchair is not travelling over 10 kilometres per hour; and
(c) because of the driver’s physical condition, the driver has a reasonable need to use a wheelchair.
(4) A driver on a path (except the rider of a bicycle, or a driver driving on the path to enter a road from a road-related area or adjacent land, or to enter a road-related area or adjacent land from a road) must give way to all other road users, and to animals, on the path.
(5) This rule does not apply to the rider of an animal riding the animal on a footpath.
(6) In this rule:
path means a bicycle path, footpath or shared path.
(1) A driver must not drive on a nature strip adjacent to a length of road in a built-up area, unless the driver is:
(a) entering or leaving, by the shortest practicable route, an area on the nature strip indicated by information on or with a traffic control device as an area where vehicles may drive; or
(b) driving on a part of the nature strip indicated by information on or with a traffic control device as a part where vehicles may drive; or
(c) driving on the nature strip to enter or leave, by the shortest practicable route, a road-related area or adjacent land and there is not a part of the nature strip indicated by information on or with a traffic control device as a part where vehicles may drive; or
(d) riding a bicycle or animal, and there is not another law of this jurisdiction prohibiting the rider from riding a bicycle or animal on the nature strip; or
(e) driving a ride-on lawnmower that is cutting grass on the nature strip; or
(f) driving a motorised wheelchair; or
(g) permitted to drive on the nature strip under another law of this jurisdiction.
(2) A driver driving on a nature strip (except the rider of an animal, or a driver driving on the nature strip to enter a road from a road-related area or adjacent land, or to enter a roadrelated area or adjacent land from a road) must give way to all other road users, and to animals, on the nature strip.
A driver must not drive on a traffic island (except the central traffic island in a roundabout), unless:
(a) the traffic island is designed to allow vehicles to be driven on it; or
(b) the driver is permitted to drive on the traffic island under another law of this jurisdiction.
The rider of an animal must give way to any pedestrian on a footpath or nature strip.
(1) A person must obey any reasonable direction for the safe and efficient regulation of traffic given to the person by a police officer or authorised person, whether or not the person may contravene another provision of the Australian Road Rules by obeying the direction.
305 Exemption for drivers of police vehicles
306 Exemption for drivers of emergency vehicles
307 Stopping and parking exemption for police and emergency vehicles and authorised persons
308 Exemption for police officers and emergency workers on foot
309 Exemption for drivers of trams etc
310 Exemption for road workers etc
311 Exemption for oversize vehicles
312 Exemption for tow truck drivers
313 Exemption for postal vehicles
313A Exemption for garbage truck drivers etc
313B Exemption for breakdown vehicles
(1) A separated footpath sign, or separated footpath road marking, on a footpath applies in the way set out in this rule.
(2) The part of the footpath to the left of the centre of the footpath is designated:
(a) if a pedestrian symbol is on the left side of the sign or the path — for the use of pedestrians; or
(b) if a bicycle symbol is on the left side of the sign or the path — for the use of bicycles.
(3) The part of the footpath to the right of the centre of the footpath is designated:
(a) if a pedestrian symbol is on the right side of the sign or the path — for the use of pedestrians; or
(b) if a bicycle symbol is on the right side of the sign or the path — for the use of bicycles.