Demerits Points For Learners

Demerits Points For Learner And Provisional Licence Holders

To help reduce young driver deaths on our roads, learner and provisional licence holders are included in the demerit point scheme.

The allocation of demerit points for certain traffic offences is designed to encourage safe and responsible driving.

The majority of drivers, including learners and provisional drivers, are able to drive safely and in accordance with the law. However, drivers under 25 years of age continue to be over-represented in road crashes. The inclusion of learner and provisional licence holders in the demerit points scheme will further encourage safe driving by young people and help reduce the trauma caused by road crashes to individuals and their families and friends.

The information on this page is a plain English guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
Reference should be made to the latest provisions in the law for detailed information on specific offences and penalties.

Licence suspension or refusal

Learner and P1 drivers

If you commit enough demerit point offences within a 3 year period that you reach or go over 4 demerit points, your learner or P1 licence will be suspended, or we will refuse to renew it, for 3 months.

P2 drivers

If you commit enough demerit point offences within a 3 year period that you reach or go over 7 demerit points, your P2 licence will be suspended, or we will refuse to renew it, for 3 months.

Heavy penalties apply

Heavy penalties, including a jail sentence and disqualification from driving, may be imposed by a court if you are convicted of driving while your licence is suspended or refused.

Speeding offences for learner and P1 drivers

All speeding offences committed by a learner or P1 driver attract at least 4 demerit points.

This means that if you commit any speeding offence while on your learner or P1 licence, you’ll be suspended, or we’ll refuse to renew your learner licence, for 3 months.

Excess speed offences

You can also lose your licence for higher levels of speeding. An additional 3 month suspension applies if you exceed the speed limit by more than 30 km/h, and a 6 month suspension applies for speeding by more than 45 km/h.

Police can also suspend and confiscate your licence at the roadside for speeding more than 30 km/h over the limit or if you drive without a supervisor.

Additional suspension period for P2 drivers

From 20 November 2017 changes to the Graduated Licence Scheme mean that a provisional P2 driver who is suspended for unsafe driving behaviour will have to to add 6 months to the time they must hold a P2 licence.

An extra 6 months is added for every suspension received. For example if a P2 licence holder receives a demerit point suspension, they will have to hold their P2 licence for the normal 24 months but will stay on their P2 for an extra 6 months, before being able to apply for a full licence.

Each separate suspension delays the P2 licence holder an extra 6 months . This applies to P2 licence holders who receive demerit point suspensions or suspensions for committing a higher risk road traffic offence such as exceeding the speed limit by 30km/h or more.

A P2 driver is required to remain on their licence restrictions before qualifying for graduation to a full unrestricted licence.

If a P2 driver commits an offence and does not receive a suspension, their period on a P2 licence will not be extended.

Appeals

If your learner or provisional licence is suspended due to loss of demerit points, you have the right to appeal the suspension.

Unrestricted licence holders do not have the right to appeal.

If you have the right of appeal you must lodge the appeal no later than 28 days after you receive a suspension or refusal notice. The law provides that a notice is deemed to be received four days after the date the notice is posted.

If an appeal is accepted by a court out of time, the law does not allow Roads and Maritime to record the appeal. You remain suspended or refused. This means you cannot drive. When the appeal is heard, the court will be advised that there is no jurisdiction for the court to hear the appeal.

NSW Serious Driving Offences

NSW Serious Driving Offences

Penalties that apply to some of the more serious road related offences.

The information on this page is a plain English guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
Reference should be made to the latest provisions in the law for detailed information on specific offences and penalties.

Negligent driving where death is occasioned

PenaltyFirst offenceSecond or subsequent offence
Maximum court-imposed fine$3,300$5,500
Maximum prison term18 months2 years
Minimum disqualification12 months2 years
Maximum disqualificationUnlimitedUnlimited
Disqualification in the absence of a specific court order3 years5 years

Negligent driving where grievous bodily harm is occasioned

PenaltyFirst offenceSecond or subsequent offence
Maximum court-imposed fine$2,200$3,300
Maximum prison term9 months12 months
Minimum disqualification12 months2 years
Maximum disqualificationUnlimitedUnlimited
Disqualification in the absence of a specific court order3 years5 years

Furious driving; Reckless driving; Driving in a manner or at a speed dangerous

PenaltyFirst offenceSecond or subsequent offence
Maximum court-imposed fine$2,200$3,300
Maximum prison term9 months12 months
Minimum disqualification12 months2 years
Maximum disqualificationUnlimitedUnlimited
Disqualification in the absence of a specific court order3 years5 years

Fail to stop and give assistance in an accident involving death or injury

PenaltyFirst offenceSecond or subsequent offence
Maximum court-imposed fine$3,300$5,500
Maximum prison term18 months2 years
Minimum disqualification12 months2 years
Maximum disqualificationUnlimitedUnlimited
Disqualification in the absence of a specific court order3 years5 years

Other major offences mentioned in section 205 of the Road Transport Act 2013.

PenaltyFirst offenceSecond or subsequent offence
Maximum court-imposed fineAs in existing legislationAs in existing legislation
Maximum prison termAs in existing legislationAs in existing legislation
Minimum disqualification12 months2 years
Maximum disqualificationUnlimitedUnlimited
Disqualification in the absence of a specific court order3 years5 years

NSW Licence Suspension & Cancellation

NSW Licence Suspension & Cancellation

Drink and drug driving reforms

From 20 May 2019, tougher penalties apply for lower range drink driving offences, and for driving with the presence of an illicit drug.

The change is part of a number of reforms in the Road Safety Plan 2021 to reduce alcohol and drug related trauma on NSW roads.

The information on this page is a plain English guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
Reference should be made to the latest provisions in the law for detailed information on specific offences and penalties.

Reaching or exceeding your demerit points limit

If you reach or exceed the limit for demerit points within a 3 year period, your licence will be suspended.

Immediate licence suspension

Police may immediately suspend and confiscate your licence for the following offences:

  • A serious driving offence causing death or grievous bodily harm
  • Speeding in excess of 45 km/h over the speed limit
  • Driving under the influence (DUI) offences
  • A prescribed concentration of alcohol drink driving offence
  • A street racing offence
  • An aggravated burnout offence. The definition of an aggravated burnout includes a hoon driver’s mates who willingly participate in, urge others to participate in, photograph or film to promote or organise hoon activity
  • Learner or provisional licence holders speeding in excess of 30 km/h over the speed limit whilst the holder of a learner or provisional licence
  • Learner licence holders driving without supervision.

Police can suspend and confiscate a licence either on the spot or within 48 hours of a person being charged or issued a penalty notice for a relevant offence. This means you may have to arrange for your vehicle to be collected by someone else.

Where a person is charged by police with one of the offences, the suspension will remain until the offence is heard by a court. If you are convicted and disqualified by the court, the court will take the period you have served under suspension when imposing the disqualification period into account.

If you are issued with a penalty notice for a lower range drink driving offence, the suspension will apply for 3 months.

If you are issued a penalty notice for speeding in excess of 45 km/h over the limit, the suspension will apply for six months.

If you hold a learner or provisional licence and are issued a penalty notice for speeding in excess of 30 km/h but not more than 45 km/h over the limit, or a learner driver driving unaccompanied by a supervising driver, the suspension will apply for a three months.

Camera-detected excessive speed offences are not included in the immediate licence suspension scheme. Roads and Maritime Services may apply a suspension following payment of the penalty notice.

Appeals – immediate licence suspensions

You have the right to appeal the immediate licence suspension at a local court.

You must lodge the appeal with a court within 28 days of being issued the suspension notice. You can file online, or go to a NSW local court. A fee is payable to the court when lodging an appeal.

Unless the court in the meantime orders otherwise, you must not drive unless the court upholds your appeal.

Demerit points

Demerit points and fines also apply to speeding offences.

Drivers visiting NSW

If you are a visiting driver and do not hold a NSW driver licence, your permission to drive in NSW can be withdrawn under the same provisions.

See Visiting NSW for more information about driving in NSW on an interstate or overseas licence.

Licence disqualification

If a court disqualifies you from driving, your licence will be automatically cancelled.

Disqualified from driving means you cannot drive a vehicle at all until the period of disqualification or cancellation has expired and a licence is reissued.

There are heavy penalties for driving while disqualified or cancelled, including jail terms.

Multiple disqualifications for unauthorised driving offences will be able to run concurrently, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

A driver licence suspension issued by the police for certain serious driving offences will start immediately and before any other suspension on the licence.

Drivers who have long disqualification periods may be able to apply for their disqualification periods to be lifted by the court. See Licence disqualification reforms for more information.

Police impounding of motor vehicles and confiscation of number plates

Police can impound vehicles and confiscate number plates from drivers who continue driving unlicensed or disqualified.

Vehicles will be impounded for a period of three months when a disqualified driver is caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 30km/h.

Police will also impound a vehicle for six months when a disqualified driver commits an offence.

Number plates can also be confiscated for three or six months depending on the offence.

Habitual offenders

The Habitual Offender Scheme has ended. Evidence showed the scheme did not meet the needs of the community. 

Unregistered & Uninsured Vehicles NSW

Unregistered & Uninsured Vehicles NSW

There are heavy penalties for using an unregistered or uninsured vehicle in NSW. Use of a vehicle includes driving and parking the vehicle on a road or road related area.

The information on this page is a plain English guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
Reference should be made to the latest provisions in the law for detailed information on specific offences and penalties.

A vehicle becomes unregistered when the registration is not renewed by the expiry date or when the registration is cancelled or suspended. When a vehicle is unregistered, Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is usually not valid. This means that the vehicle may also be uninsured. See Unregistered vehicles for more information.

The tables on this page list the basic fines and penalties, but heavier fines are imposed if the matter goes to court. The driver/registered operator of the vehicle could be fined.

Effective 1 July 2019.

Penalties for unregistered vehicle offences

OffenceLight vehiclesHeavy vehicles (GVM more than 4.5 tonnes)
Drive or park an unregistered vehicle on a road or road related area$686$1,449 and 4 demerit points
Drive or park an uninsured vehicle on a road or road related area$686$686
Park an unregistered trailer (not being part of a combination) on a road$191$191

Penalties for the last registered operator of an unregistered vehicle

OffenceLight vehicleHeavy vehicle (GVM more than 4.5 tonnes)Trailer
Cause or permit use of unregistered vehicles$686$686$686
Cause or permit use of uninsured vehicles$686$686Not applicable

Unlicensed Driving NSW Australia

Unlicensed Driving NSW Australia

There are heavy penalties for driving without a licence, or driving a type of vehicle that your licence doesn’t authorise you to drive. It is your responsibility to renew your licence by the due date.

The information on this page is a plain English guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
Reference should be made to the latest provisions in the law for detailed information on specific offences and penalties.

Effective 28 October 2017.

Driving whilst disqualified, cancelled, suspended or refused

Note: Excludes suspension or cancellation under the Fines Act 1996.

PenaltyFirst offenceSecond or subsequent offence
Maximum court-imposed fine$3300$5500
Maximum prison term6 months12 months
Minimum disqualification3 months6 months
Default period of disqualification6 months12 months

Driving with a cancelled or suspended licence under the Fines Act 1996

PenaltyFirst offenceSecond or subsequent offence
Maximum court-imposed fine$3300$5500
Minimum disqualification1 month3 months
Default period of disqualification3 months12 months

Never licensed

PenaltyFirst offenceSecond or subsequent offence
Penalty Notice$796Not applicable
Maximum court-imposed fine$2200$3300
Maximum prison termNot applicable6 months
Minimum disqualificationNot applicable3 months
Default period of disqualificationNot applicable12 months

Other offences

OffencePenaltyFirst offenceSecond or subsequent offence
Not appropriate licence class – Class of vehicle driven: C, R, LR or MRPenalty Notice$519$796
Not appropriate licence class – Class of vehicle driven: HR, HC, or MCPenalty Notice$623$1245
Driver held licence in other State or Territory but lived in NSW for 3 months or longerPenalty Notice$519$796
Driver held a licence that had expired less than two years beforePenalty Notice$549$796
Driver held a licence that had expired two years or more beforePenalty Notice$623$1245
Holder of a provisional rider licence drives a motorcycle with engine capacity greater than 660 ml or a power to weight ratio greater than 150 kilowatts per tonnePenalty Notice$519$796

A court can decide to make a disqualification period shorter or longer but it cannot be shorter than the minimum period specified for certain offences.

Speeding In NSW Australia

Speeding In NSW Australia

Speeding is the most common contributing factor to road fatalities in NSW.

The information on this page is a plain English guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
Reference should be made to the latest provisions in the law for detailed information on specific offences and penalties.

On declared public holiday long weekend periods in NSW the demerit points for all speeding, seat belt, child restraint and helmet offences are doubled.

What penalties apply for speeding in NSW?

If your vehicle is detected by a fixed speed camera, mobile speed camera or Police Officer and a penalty notice is issued, you will incur a fine and licence demerit points. Learner and P1 licence holders will have their licence suspended for at least 3 months for any speeding offence.

There are licence suspension periods, similar to the minimum disqualification periods applied by a court, for exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 km/h (3 months), and by more than 45 km/h (6 months). If police catch you speeding by more than 45km/h over the limit you may have your licence immediately suspended and confiscated at the roadside for 6 months.

Police can also impound or confiscate number plates from a vehicle for a period of 3 months:

  • when a driver is caught exceeding the speed limit by 45km/h; or
  • a disqualified driver is caught exceeding the speed limit by 30km/h.

If a disqualified driver is caught speeding by more than 45km/h over the speed limit, Police can impound or confiscate number plates from a vehicle for a period of 6 months.

Note: Since 21 May 2007 increased fines and demerit points apply to certain traffic and parking offences committed within operating school zones. See the NSW Centre for Road Safety website for information about when school zones are in force.

List of speeding offences and penalties

See Speeding offences for a list of speeding offences, or you can search demerit point offences.

Licence suspension and disqualification periods for speeding

Licence holders may be disqualified or have their licence suspended for the following serious speeding offences:

  • Driving more than 45km/h above the speed limit – suspension or disqualification for 6 months
  • Driving more than 30km/h but not more than 45km/h above the speed limit – suspension or disqualification for 3 months.

In addition to the suspension and disqualification periods, these offences also carry demerit points which are added to the licence holder’s record. If the licence holder reaches or exceeds their demerit points limit, these points may contribute to an additional suspension or refusal period under the Demerit Points Scheme.

Penalties if you are convicted by a court

Exceed speed limit byLight vehicles – court maximum fineHeavy vehicles – court maximum fineLicence disqualification
Not more than 10 km/h$2,200$2,200
More than 10 km/h but not more than 20 km/h$2,200$2,200
More than 20 km/h but not more than 30 km/h$2,200$2,200
More than 30 km/h but not more than 45 km/h$2,200$2,2003 months (minimum)
More than 45 km/h$2,530$3,7406 months (minimum)

Traffic Lights

Traffic Lights

Information about traffic lights and signals.

The information given in this section is a guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

This information is also available in the Road Users Handbook.

You can access the full text of the NSW Road Rules on the NSW Legislation website.

General

Traffic light showing red light

Red means stop. Wait behind the stop line.

Do not go through the intersection.

Traffic light showing yellow light

Yellow (amber) means stop. You can enter the intersection if you are so close that sudden braking might cause a crash.

Traffic light showing green light

Green means proceed through the intersection carefully.

Turning arrows at traffic lights

Some traffic lights have arrows to control traffic turning right or left.

A green arrow means you can only turn in that direction.

A red arrow means traffic waiting to turn must wait behind the stop line until the arrow turns green or disappears, even if there is no traffic on the road.

Traffic light showing red light with green right arrow light

You must not go straight ahead or turn left. You may turn right.

Traffic light showing red light with red right arrow light

You must not turn right but you can go straight ahead or turn left if the way is clear.

Traffic light showing red light with flashing amber right arrow light

When the yellow (amber) arrow is flashing, you may proceed but you must give way to any pedestrian who is crossing the road into which you are turning.

Bicycle storage areas

Some intersections that have traffic lights contain bicycle storage areas. These painted areas on the road allow cyclists to stop in safety. When traffic lights or arrows are red, drivers must not allow any part of the vehicle to enter the bicycle storage area.

Signs at traffic lights

Image showing stop sign with three black dots

A STOP sign with three black dots is only seen at traffic lights. It means that if the lights are not working or are flashing yellow and you are approaching this sign, you must stop and give way to traffic as though you are at an intersection with stop signs.

Sign showing 'LEFT TURN ON RED PERMITTED AFTER STOPPING'

This sign allows you to turn left on a red light after stopping. When turning left you must give way to all traffic approaching from the right.

Left turn on red light is only permitted at intersections where the sign has been placed.

B signals

B signals separate buses and other vehicles at some intersections with traffic lights for a safer, smoother traffic flow. To ensure B signals work properly never drive in the lanes marked buses only.

B signals are attached to the usual traffic lights. They show a white B on a black background (some traffic lights have a red, yellow and white B signal attached to them). Shortly before the usual traffic signals change to green, the B signal lights up white. All other vehicles stay while the buses may go. Buses may proceed in any direction unless signs or markings indicate otherwise. When the lights turn green other vehicles may move off.

Image showing red traffic light with white B light.
White B means buses only go

The red and yellow B signals (or the usual red and yellow traffic lights) tell bus drivers when to stop at the intersection.

Left image showing red only lights, right image showing green only lights.
Left image: Red only means all vehicles stop. Right image: Green only means all vehicles go.
Image showing green light with red B light
Red B means buses stay. Green means other vehicles go.

Bicycle riders

Where the traffic at an intersection is controlled by traffic lights, cyclists may have signals that show them when to cross. Cyclists must follow these red, yellow or green bicycle symbols and proceed with care

T signals are special signals for light rail vehicles. These traffic lights display the letter T.

T signals

T signals are special signals for light rail vehicles. These traffic lights display the letter T. Red or yellow T signals tell the drivers of light rail vehicles when to stop or prepare to stop. A white T signal means that the driver of a light rail vehicle can go.

Red light speed cameras

Red light cameras are used to photograph vehicles that go through a red light.

A penalty notice is then sent to the owner of the vehicle, who has the option to:

  • Pay the fine.
  • Advise Revenue NSW on a statutory declaration the name and address of the person driving at the time of the offence.
  • Advise Revenue NSW you want to have the case heard by a court.

If you are crossing the intersection as the light turns yellow (amber) and it is not safe to stop, do not panic. Continue driving through the intersection. The camera only takes a photograph if you cross over the stop line 0.3 seconds after the light has turned red.

Traffic already in the intersection or entering on a yellow (amber) light will not activate the red light camera.

Red light speed cameras use digital technology that is capable of detecting both red-light and speeding offences.

Pedestrian signals

When making a turn at an intersection you must give way to pedestrians on the road into which you are turning.

Where the traffic at the intersection is controlled by traffic lights, there may be signals for pedestrians that show them when to cross.

Pedestrians must follow these signals.

Left image showing traffic light with red man or 'dont walk' lights. Right image showing traffic light with flashing red man or flashing 'dont walk'.
Left image: Pedestrians must not start to cross. Right image: Pedestrians must not start to cross but may finish crossing.
Left image showing traffic light with green man or 'walk' lights. Right image showing sign with green man and multiple arrows.
Left image: Pedestrians may start to cross. Right image: Pedestrians may walk in any direction when the green walk signal is accompanied by this sign.

NSW Roundabouts

NSW Roundabouts

Many intersections have a central roundabout. Roundabouts manage the traffic flow in roads with either a single lane or multiple lanes.

The information given in this section is a guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

This information is also available in the Road Users Handbook.

You can access the full text of the NSW Road Rules on the NSW Legislation website.

Do not drive on the central island of a roundabout unless the size of your vehicle means that you cannot avoid the wheels crossing the central kerb.

Signs identifying roundabouts

Signs indicate that there is a roundabout ahead, and that you must give way to vehicles on the roundabout.

Making turns and giving way at roundabouts

The diagram shows how to indicate and give way at roundabouts:

Diagram providing information on how to indicate and give way in a roundabout, as described in the text that follows.
  • Approaching a roundabout: Vehicles entering a roundabout must give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout.
  • Giving way at a roundabout: The driver must slow down and if necessary, stop to avoid a collision.
  • Turning left: On your approach to a roundabout you must select the left lane, signal left, stay in the left lane to exit.
  • Going straight ahead: Do not signal when approaching the roundabout but always signal left before exiting a roundabout. You may approach the roundabout from either left or right lanes (unless there are road markings with other instructions), drive in the same lane through the roundabout and exit in the same lane.
  • Turning right: On your approach, to a roundabout you must select the right lane, signal right, stay in the right lane and signal left before exiting into the right lane.
  • Making a U-turn: When you use the roundabout to make a U-turn on your approach signal right from the right lane, stay in the right lane, but signal left before exiting into the right lane.
  • Exiting a roundabout: If practical, you must always signal left when exiting a roundabout.

The rules for slowing down, giving way and signalling when approaching and exiting at roundabouts are the same for single lane and multi-lane roundabouts.

Roundabouts and bicycle riders

Bicycle riders are allowed to turn right from the left hand lane. When passing each exit, the rider must give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout from that exit.

Risks to watch for

Take extra care whenever you drive in a roundabout:

  • Keep an eye out for cars that are leaving the roundabout
  • Be careful if changing lanes in a roundabout, particularly when leaving
  • Look out for vehicles that are making a full turn
  • Watch for bicycles, long vehicles and motorcycles.

Parking

Parking

Parking rules are designed to stop vehicles from parking where it would be dangerous or inconvenient for others.

The information given in this section is a guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

This information is also available in the Road Users Handbook.

You can access the full text of the NSW Road Rules on the NSW Legislation website.

NSW Fines Review

Fines must strike a balance between deterrence and fairness. However, NSW’s parking fines are higher compared to some interstate and overseas jurisdictions.

The NSW Government has announced a major reform of parking fines. Ten of the most common parking fines, when issued by the NSW Government, have been reduced by 25 per cent in the first step of this major overhaul. Find out more

NEVER leave children or animals in a parked vehicle

You must not leave children alone in a vehicle. A baby left in a hot car will suffer from dehydration and may even die. A toddler can release the handbrake or set fire to things with the lighter.

Do not leave your pet animals in a closed car because they can suffer or die just as a child can.

Checks when parking

Before getting out of your vehicle you must check your mirrors and blind spots for pedestrians, bicycles or other vehicles.

Before leaving your parked vehicle you must ensure that:

  • The parking brake is on
  • If you are more than three metres away from your vehicle you must:
    • Remove the key out of the ignition
    • Lock all doors and windows if there is no one in the vehicle.

When driving away

Before moving from a stationary position at the side of the road or a median strip parking area, you must signal for at least 5 seconds, and check mirrors and blind spots.

General parking rules

You must not stop your vehicle (that is, bring it to a stop and either stay with the vehicle or leave it parked) in the following circumstances:

  • Double parked (that is in the road alongside a car that is parked)
  • On or across a driveway or footpath
  • On a median strip or traffic island
  • On motorways
  • In a clearway
  • On footpaths and nature strips
  • Between BUS STOP, BUS ZONE, TAXI STAND or TAXI ZONE signs
  • In a safety zone or within 10 metres before or after a safety zone
  • Within an intersection
  • In a slip lane
  • Within 20 metres of an intersecting road at an intersection with traffic lights unless a sign allows you to park there
  • Within 20m of an intersecting road at an intersection with traffic lights unless a sign allows you to park there
  • Within 1 metre of another vehicle parked in front or behind (does not apply when angle parking)
  • Within 10 metres of an intersecting road at an intersection without traffic lights unless:
    • A sign allows you to park there or
    • The intersection is a T-intersection without traffic lights, where you are permitted to stop along the continuous side of the continuing road
T-way diagram
  • Within 3 metres of any double centre lines
  • Within 3 metres of an Australia Post letterbox unless dropping off or picking up passengers or mail
  • Within 20 metres before and 10 metres after a bus stop
  • On or within 20 metres before and 10 metres after a children’s’ crossing or pedestrian crossing
  • Within 10 metres before and 3 metres after a marked foot crossing with traffic signals
  • Within 1 metre of a fire hydrant, fire hydrant indicator or fire plug indicator
  • On a railway level crossing
  • Within 20 metres before and after a railway level crossing.

Parking on hills or curves

When you are parking on a hill or a curve outside a built up area, make sure that someone coming over the hill or around the bend can see your car from at least 100 metres away.

Parallel parking

This is the usual way to park unless signs tell you otherwise.

You must park in the same direction as the adjacent traffic and parallel and as close as possible to the kerb. On a one-way street, you may also park on the right hand side of the road.

You should be entirely within any marking lines and at least one metre from any other parked vehicle.

Diagram of parallel parking - cars are parked along the kerb in the same direction, and at least 1 metre away from each other.

Angle parking

Angle park at the kerb if indicated by signs or marking lines.

Always park at an angle of 45 degrees unless a sign or road marking indicates differently.

Always park your vehicle in the same direction as shown on the sign. When a sign does not give a direction you must park front to kerb.

Diagram of angle parking - cars are parked at a 45 degree angle against the kerb and within the marking lines.
Example of a sign reading P MOTORCYCLES ONLY in green text on a white background, and an arrow indicating the direction of the zone.

Motorcycle parking

You must not park your vehicle between these signs unless it is a motorcycle. However, you may stop to drop off or pick up passengers.

Motorcycles may angle park anywhere it is legal to park, even if a sign shows parallel parking. Make sure, however, that your motorcycle does not stick out further than any parallel parked vehicle.

Example of an accessible parking sign, showing a stylised wheelchair symbol in blue on a white background.

Accessible parking

Only vehicles transporting a current Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permit holder can park in areas displaying this sign. The permit must be displayed in the parked vehicle. Permit holders must comply with the conditions of use of the permit.

Where these signs appear within a taxi or loading zone, permit holders may be exempt.

SeeMobility Parking Scheme for more information about applying for a permit. 

Parking restrictions

If you park in places such as clearways or no parking zones, you may restrict traffic flow and create danger for other road users and residents. You must obey all parking signs.

Fines apply for parking illegally and in some situations, demerit points also apply.

Three types of hourly parking signs. All parking signs have green text on a white background, with an arrow indicating the direction of the zone.

Hourly parking

These signs mean that in certain areas you may park at the kerb for the time shown on the sign between certain hours and on particular days.

1P means that you may park at the kerb for one hour during the times displayed on particular days

1P means that you may park at the kerb for one hour during the times displayed on particular days

2P means you may park at the kerb for two hours during the times displayed on particular days

2P means you may park at the kerb for two hours during the times displayed on particular days

1/2 P means you may park at the kerb for 30 minutes during the times displayed on particular days

1/2 P means you may park at the kerb for 30 minutes during the times displayed on particular days

Example of a No Parking area sign, showing a black letter P in a red circle with a diagonal strike-through, on a white background.

No parking

You must not stop for more than two minutes in a No Parking area. You must remain in or within 3 metres of the vehicle.

Hours of operations may apply to some signs. This means restrictions apply for those times only.

Mobility Parking Permit holders are allowed to park for up to 5 minutes in a No Parking area.

Examples of NO STOPPING and NO STANDING signs. NO STOPPING signs have white text on a red background. NO STANDING signs have red text on a white backg

No stopping/no standing

These signs mean that in the area in the direction of the arrow you must not stop your vehicle at any point on the road or kerb, unless there is a medical or other emergency.

Sometimes a no stopping area is indicated by a solid yellow edge line.

Hours of operation may apply to some signs. This means restrictions apply for those times only.

Examples of SAFETY RAMP and ARRESTER BED signs. These have black text on a white background, and an arrow indicating the location of the ramp or bed.

Arrester beds and safety ramps

Safety ramp and arrester bed areas are used by heavy vehicles in cases of emergency such as brake failure. They are usually located where there are steep gradients.

Drivers must not drive on these areas unless necessary for safety.

Pay parking

Parking signs may indicate meter, ticket or coupon parking. You may park at the kerb for the length of time shown on the sign provided that you pay the required charge. You cannot park for longer than the length of time shown on the sign.

Resident parking

If you are parking in a particular area and have a valid Parking Permit for that area displayed on your vehicle and the sign indicates that you are exempt, you may park at the kerb without time restrictions or paying any charge.

Examples of RESTRICTED PARKING AREA sign, which has white text on a red background and may have additional instructions in black text on a white backg

Restricted parking areas

Restricted parking areas are used in large public areas that usually have a limited number of entry and exit points, such as Darling Harbour and Homebush Bay.

You must not stop or park your vehicle, between the signs RESTRICTED PARKING AREA and END RESTRICTED PARKING AREA, except in a parking station or in a marked parking bay according to the directions on the bay or on the signs.

Example of a special event parking sign, showing hour restrictions between specified dates.

Special event parking

Special event parking areas are used near major sporting or entertainment venues during special events.

You must not stand or park your vehicle within the hours of operation unless you have a parking permit exemption.

Example CLEARWAY and END Clearway signs. Hours of operation are shown in black text on a white background.

Clearways and special event clearways

A clearway is used to improve traffic flow and safety during peak periods.

You must not stop your vehicle at the kerb between these signs during the times shown unless there is a medical emergency. Buses and taxis may stop at the kerb to pick up or set down passengers.

Examples of special event clearway signs, showing the details of the clearway in black text on a white background.

Special Event Clearways can operate any day of the week and carry exactly the same parking fine and towing fee as if you were parked in a clearway.

A broken yellow line is also used to indicate a clearway. See Kerb lines for more information.

Example TAXI ZONE sign, with white text on a red square, shown on a white sign with arrows indicating the direction of the zone.

Taxi and bus zones

Taxi zone

This sign means that in the direction of the arrow or arrows you are not allowed to stop your vehicle unless it is a taxi. Some taxi zones have times shown on the sign.

You are allowed to stop your vehicle in these taxi stands at times other than those shown on the sign.

When you hail a taxi, make sure you are not in a NO STOPPING or a BUS ZONE as taxis must not stop in these places.

Example BUS ZONE sign, with white text on a red square, shown on a white sign with arrows indicating the direction of the zone.

Bus zone

This sign means that in the direction of the arrow or arrows you are not allowed to stop your vehicle unless you are driving a bus.

Hours of operation may apply to some signs. This means restrictions apply for those times only.

Example LOADING ZONE sign, with white text on a red square, shown on a white sign with arrows indicating the direction of the zone.

Loading and works zones

Loading zone

Only drivers of vehicles principally constructed for carrying goods may park their vehicle in a loading zone.

These vehicles may stop for up to 30 minutes if they are being loaded or unloaded.

A station wagon or a three-wheeled goods vehicle may stop for up to 15 minutes.

If you are driving any other sort of vehicle you may only stop to pick up or set down passengers at the kerb.

Hours of operation may apply to some signs. This means restrictions apply for those times only.

Example WORKS ZONE sign, with white text on a red square, shown on a white sign with arrows indicating the direction of the zone.

Works zone

This sign means that a driver must not stop in a works zone unless the vehicle is actually engaged in construction work in or near the zone. Any vehicle may stop to pick up or set down passengers.

Hours of operation may apply to some signs. This means restrictions apply for those times only.

Example TRUCK ZONE sign, with white text on a red square, shown on a white sign with arrows indicating the direction of the zone.

Truck zone

You must not park or stop at the kerb during the hours shown on the sign unless driving a truck over 4.5 tonnes GVM that is dropping off or picking up goods.

Any type of vehicle may stop to set down or pick up passengers at the kerb.

Hours of operation may apply to some signs. This means restrictions apply for those times only.Share this page: 

NSW Seatbelts and Child Restraints

NSW Seatbelts and child restraints

Everyone in a vehicle, the driver and all passengers, must wear a correctly fitted and adjusted seatbelt.

This includes taxi drivers and taxi passengers.

See the Centre for Road Safety website for detailed information about seatbelts.

Child restraints

All children must be safely fastened in the correct child car seat for their age and size. A child who is properly secured in an approved child car seat is less likely to be injured or killed in a car crash than one who is not.

See the Child Car Seats website for detailed information.

The information given in this section is a guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

This information is also available in the Road Users Handbook.