Lifestyle - Motoring
Driving in Australia is an experience to be savoured. The wide-open spaces and magnificent natural scenery make long drives a real pleasure. Australians love driving long distances to different cities and even drive inter-state. Australia has some of the planet's most spectacular and uncrowded landscapes, with plenty of opportunities for postcard-perfect photos. The country has arguably the best beaches and most stunning coastlines in the world, tropical rainforests and towering strands of protected eucalypt, and giant bush areas. The driving conditions are excellent also the road infrastructure – highways and major roads are very well signposted. Speed limits differ from state to state but they're always clearly displayed. The byways and the towns they connect with are well provisioned for the needs of motorists – fuel is readily available. The fun is not limited to long distance driving. Excellent roads and strict but sensible traffic rules mean driving around in Australian cities is a far better experience than in some other metros around the world. As you settle down in your new adopted country, take some time to know more about getting around in Australia. In this article, we will give you a general overview of driving in Australia. You learn about the local rules and regulations, tips on ensuring a safe driving experience and know a bit about some quirky features of different cities.
Licences
Drivers in Australia require a valid driving licence. Foreign licences in English are considered valid for driving in Australia for visitors for three months. If your licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit which is issued in your home country before arrival in Australia is required.
Seat belts
Use of seat belts is compulsory for drivers and all vehicle passengers, and infants must be secured with approved safety capsules and harnesses. Seatbelt laws are enforced, and the onus is on the driver to ensure all passengers are buckled. Penalties apply to the driver of the vehicle, and include demerit points which may lead to license suspension. A fine of around $250 per unsecured driver or passenger will apply.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% throughout Australia. Learner and provisional drivers are not permitted to have any alcohol in their system whilst driving. Police conduct random breath tests along both major routes and back streets, both in cities and in the country. A driver does not have to be driving suspiciously or have committed any driving offence to be stopped by police for a random breath test. If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you will have to make a court appearance. For a first offence, a fine and a period of suspension would normally be imposed if there are no aggravating circumstances. Refusing a random breath test is also an offence and similar penalties apply as for driving under the influence of alcohol. Also, random drug testing is in place in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
Accidents
In case of an accident involving injury or death to any person, the police and appropriate emergency response authorities must be contacted. Phone the Australian emergency number 000. The GSM standard emergency number 112 also works from any HYPERLINK "http://wikitravel.org/en/Driving_in_Australia" \l "#" mobile phone. 112 will use any available network and will work even with an overseas GSM phone without roaming enabled. Emergency numbers from other countries (such as 911) do not work in Australia. The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident in which a person may be injured or killed or there is serious property damage is legally required to stop and render assistance. The penalties for leaving an accident scene can be severe (up to 10 years' imprisonment), even if you are not at fault. You must contact appropriate emergency authorities, but you are not required to give first aid if you have not had training. Persons rendering first aid in good faith in Australia are protected by law and are not at risk of legal action against them. If you can help at an accident scene, always do so.
Driver Fatigue
Owing to the size of Australia and distances travelled driver fatigue has been the cause of 20% of all traffic accidents. Rest every 2 hours, giving yourself a 15 minute break even when close to your destination.
Domestic Travel
Australia's domestic travel options include good air connections and long rail routes, but this beautiful country must be seen by car to experience what it truly has to offer. Discover great spots uncluttered by noise and lights – spaces that belong to you and only you and your loved ones, and stunning landscapes as you cruise along to your favourite tunes. Self-drive the great touring routes of Australia – it's a fun, easy and wholly rewarding ride.
Information supplied by
Toyota Motor Corporation Australia
Website: www.toyota.com.au
