You can access the full text of the NSW Road Rules on the NSW Legislation website.
You must give way to pedestrians crossing the road into which you are turning.
You must also give way to pedestrians – even if there is no marked pedestrian crossing – if there is any danger of colliding with them.
Stop signs may be placed at an intersection immediately after a pedestrian crossing. You must stop at the stop sign even if you have already stopped at the pedestrian crossing.
If the road beyond a pedestrian or children’s crossing is blocked, you should not drive onto the crossing.
Pedestrian crossings
Pedestrian crossings allow people to cross the road safely. These crossings are usually marked by white stripes on the road and are also known as zebra crossings.
Some pedestrian crossings have zig zag lines marked on the road before the crossing. Take extra care when you see a zig zag line on the road as this means you are approaching a crossing which you may not be able to see because of a curve, crest or dip in the road.
Do not overtake any vehicle that is stopping or has stopped at a crossing.
Pedestrian refuges
A pedestrian refuge is an island in the middle of the road. The island allows pedestrians to cross the road in two stages.
Approaches to pedestrian refuges are signposted. When you are approaching a pedestrian refuge you should look out for pedestrians.
Pelican crossings
A pelican crossing is a special kind of pedestrian crossing controlled by traffic lights.
The traffic lights for drivers have a different colour sequence to other situations.
After the red light, the traffic lights start to flash yellow. At the same time the pedestrians see a flashing red DON’T WALK sign.
When the flashing yellow signal starts you may drive carefully through the crossing if there is no risk of hitting a pedestrian.
Children’s crossings
These are part-time crossings which operate just before and after school hours, as well as other times such as school excursions and lunch times. They are highlighted by red flags with the words CHILDREN CROSSING on them.
When the flags are displayed you must slow down and stop before the stop line if a pedestrian is on or entering the crossing. You must not proceed until all pedestrians have left the crossing.
You must not stop on or within 20 metres before or 10 metres after, a children’s crossing.
Combined children’s and pedestrian crossing
Some pedestrian crossings are used as children’s crossings at some times during the day. The display of CHILDREN CROSSING flags means that the children’s crossing is operating.
When the flags are not displayed the crossing operates as a normal pedestrian crossing.
School Crossing Supervisors
As you approach a pedestrian crossing or children’s crossing where a School Crossing Supervisor is displaying a ‘STOP Children Crossing’ sign, you must slow down and stop. You may proceed when the School Crossing Supervisor no longer displays the sign in your direction or has indicated it is safe for you to proceed.
Level crossings
At a level crossing a pedestrian must not start to cross when a red light is displayed.
If warning lights commence flashing or warning bells begin ringing and a pedestrian has already started crossing the railway line or tram track, they must finish crossing without delay.
Overtaking other vehicles can be dangerous. The difficulty with overtaking is judging the space required to complete the action safely.
Drivers must give bicycle riders at least a metre of space
The minimum passing distance rule helps ensure bicycle riders and motorists remain safe when sharing our roads. Everyone needs to respect each other’s space to ensure we all stay safe.
Drivers passing a bicycle rider must allow a distance of at least:
1 metre when the speed limit is 60km/h or less
1.5 metres when the speed limit is more than 60km/h
You can access the full text of the NSW Road Rules on the NSW Legislation website.
Both single lane and multi-lane overtaking involves risk and requires extreme care. If you have any doubts, don’t overtake and wait until it is safer.
When overtaking you must:
make sure the road ahead is clear and that there is sufficient space for you to successfully overtake (check side streets and other lanes to ensure nothing will enter this space while you are overtaking)
signal each change in position long enough to give sufficient warning to others
check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles and other vehicles before changing your lane position
give way to traffic already in the lane you are moving into
pass the vehicle with sufficient space to avoid a collision (you should be able to see the vehicle you have overtaken in your rear vision mirror before you move in front of it)
Not go over the speed limit
Unless you’re a bicycle rider, the only time you can overtake a vehicle on the left is when it is safe to do so and when the vehicle is:
waiting to turn right or make a U-turn
stationary
travelling in a marked lane
You must not overtake:
unless you have a clear view of approaching traffic and you can successfully overtake safely (do not commence overtaking when approaching a crest, curve or any limited vision situation)
a vehicle coming to a stop or a vehicle that has stopped at a pedestrian crossing, intersection or railway crossing
across an unbroken (continuous) line, unless the line closest to you is broken
where a road narrows
On roads with a speed limit of more than 80 km/h, or where there is a KEEP LEFT UNLESS OVERTAKING sign, you must not drive in the right lane unless:
overtaking
turning right
legally making a U-turn
there is a left lane must turn left sign or left lane traffic arrow
avoiding an obstruction
marked lanes are congested
the right lane is a special purpose lane allowing the lane use
the left lane has a slow vehicle making a left turn
When being overtaken you must:
not increase your speed
keep left and allow reasonable space for the overtaking vehicle to pass and move back into the lane
You can access the full text of the NSW Road Rules on the NSW Legislation website.
Note: Where motorways are mentioned, this also refers to freeways.
Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel, oil and water for the journey and that the tyre pressures are correct.
Bicycle riders are allowed to travel on motorways unless prohibited by signs.
Joining the motorway
The approach to a motorway is usually from a road on the left. Watch for a gap then increase your speed to safely merge with the traffic.
Driving on the motorway
Once on the motorway, stay in the left lane unless overtaking.
If there are three lanes and the left lane has many vehicles travelling at a slower speed than you, stay in the middle lane. After you have passed them, you should return to the left lane. The right lane is generally reserved for overtaking so move out of it as soon as it is safe to do so.
When driving on a motorway you must:
Not stop except in an emergency (if you have to stop, move to the emergency lane, breakdown lane or shoulder)
Not make a U-turn or reverse.
If you miss your exit, continue travelling on the motorway until you reach the next exit.
Leaving the motorway
Make sure you:
Move to the lane closest to the exit in plenty of time
Give a signal and reduce your speed
Check your speed to ensure you are not going too fast to make a safe exit.
You can access the full text of the NSW Road Rules on the NSW Legislation website.
Before changing lane, signal in plenty of time and check for other vehicles by looking in your mirrors and your blind spot (look over your shoulder).
You must give way to vehicles in the lane you are moving into.
Merging lanes
Sometimes the lane line ends before the lanes merge, as shown below. When merging, the trailing vehicle gives way to the vehicle ahead. Use caution when merging.
Where the lane you are driving in ends and you have to cross lane lines to merge with the traffic in another lane, give way to traffic in the other lane.
Lane line ends before merge – Car B (blue) gives way to Car A (green)Lane ends and you have to cross lane lines – Car A (blue) gives way to Car B (green)
Slip lanes
These lanes are used to improve safety and traffic flow for vehicles turning left. Unless there are signs to indicate parking, you should not stop in a Slip Lane. Slip Lanes can be marked by a painted island or traffic island. You must use a Slip Lane where one is provided.
Car A (blue) must give way to the vehicle turning right at the intersection
Breakdown safety and breakdown lanes
To reduce the risk of a breakdown, it is always best to plan ahead and check you have enough fuel before your trip. Also, keep your vehicle serviced and maintained.
It is important to ensure your own safety and that of other road users in the event of a breakdown or flat tyre.
Only stop if you absolutely have to and if possible, find a safe spot to pull off the road, such as an emergency breakdown area.
Park your vehicle as far to the left as possible and if it is not safe to exit the vehicle, remain in your seat with your seatbelt on and call roadside assistance.
Always activate your hazard lights in the event of a breakdown, even if you have removed your car from the roadway.
Assess the road and surrounds for hazards and risks, when you have broken down and are deciding what to do. Remember it is difficult for large vehicles and vehicles travelling at high speed to stop or slow down quickly.
If it is safe to do so, you can exit your car – preferably from the passenger side – and stand well clear of the road, behind a safety barrier if one is present and the area behind the barrier is safe.
If you break down in poor light conditions, also activate your parking lights.
It is recommended you carry a high-visibility vest and safety markers inside your vehicle, so you can easily and safely access them if you break down.
Transit lanes
These may be used by vehicles containing a certain number of people. These lanes may also be used by buses, taxis, hire cars, motorcycles, bicycles and emergency vehicles regardless of the number of people in them.
The two types of transit lanes are:
Transit (T2) lane: You can drive in this lane when there are two or more people in your vehicle including the driver.
Transit (T3) lane: You can drive in this lane when there are three or more people in your vehicle including the driver.
Without the required number of passengers you can only enter a Transit T2 or Transit T3 lane for a maximum of 100 metres when entering or leaving the road at a driveway or intersection. Penalties apply for driving in transit lanes illegally.
Special purpose lanes
Some roads have lanes set aside for special vehicles such as trucks, buses and bicycles. Signs at the start and end of these lanes indicate their purpose.
Drivers are permitted to drive in a part-time special purpose lane, when the lane is not operating.
Median turning lanes
Vehicles travelling in either direction may use this lane to enter or leave the road at a driveway, property access or intersection. These lanes have signposts or markings on the road and are a shared part of the road.
Vehicles using median turning lanes must give way to all other vehicles.
Truck lanes
These lanes must not be used by vehicles other than trucks over 4.5 tonnes GVM.
Trucks use left lane
Where a TRUCKS USE LEFT LANE sign appears, trucks must use the left lane until a sign indicates otherwise. All other vehicles may also use this lane. (This also applies if the sign refers to BUSES or TRUCKS & BUSES).
Bicycle lanes
When a bicycle lane is marked on the road, cyclists must use it.
These lanes may only be used by bicycles, but you may drive in these lanes for not more than 50 metres to enter or leave the road at a driveway or intersection.
S lanes
S lanes make a right turn lane at intersections by merging the kerb-side lane and making the other lanes follow an S shape. A single unbroken (continuous) white line separates the S shaped lanes. You must not cross this line.
Light rail lanes
Only light rail vehicles are allowed to travel in lanes marked with these signs. Be careful not to obstruct the path of a light rail vehicle.
At an intersection where a light rail vehicle is already inside, or about to enter the intersection, you should wait until it is clear before proceeding.
Bus lanes
These lanes are for buses, but also can be used by:
Taxis
Hire cars
Vehicles operated by or under direction of Roads and Maritime
Bicycles and motorcycles.
Other vehicles may only drive in bus lanes for a maximum of 100 metres to enter or leave the road at a driveway or intersection.
The only vehicles allowed to stop in a bus lane are buses at a bus stop or taxis and hire cars when picking up or setting down passengers.
What to do when turning left:
Drivers turning left to enter a street, property or intersection can enter a bus lane up to 100 metres from where they intend to turn. This also applies when entering a road with a bus lane.
Turning left from the traffic lane next to the bus lane is NOT permitted and could result in your vehicle being hit by a bus travelling in the bus lane.
Buses only lanes
When the words BUSES ONLY appear on the BUS LANE sign, or lane markings indicate a BUS ONLY LANE, only buses are allowed to drive in these lanes.
What to do when turning left
Vehicles turning left must turn from the traffic lane next to the bus-only lane.
Vehicle left turn movements are NOT permitted from bus only lanes.
T-way lanes
These are special lanes which can only be used by authorised buses and service vehicles.Share this page:
Approximately half the road crashes in NSW happen at intersections. It is very important that you approach an intersection at a speed that lets you give way to any vehicles in or approaching the intersection.
The information given in this section is a guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
You can access the full text of the NSW Road Rules on the NSW Legislation website.
It is an offence to get caught in the middle of the intersection when the lights change. You must stay on the approach side of the intersection until you see a space in your lane on the other side of the intersection that is big enough for your vehicle.
Keep left
The basic rule of the road in NSW is to keep to the left.
Give way rules where there are no signs
Some crossroads have no traffic lights or signs. Generally if you’re turning across another vehicle’s path, you must give way.
When turning at an intersection, you must give way to:
Oncoming vehicles going straight ahead.
Oncoming vehicles turning left.
Any vehicle on your right.
If you and an oncoming vehicle are turning right at an intersection both cars should pass in front of each other.
If other drivers do not give way to you, do not force them or yourself into a dangerous situation.
You must also give way to any pedestrians at or near the intersection on the road you are entering.
Stop signs and stop lines
‘STOP’ signs and ‘STOP’ lines (continuous line) are used at intersections to control traffic.
When you come to a STOP sign you must stop completely before reaching the STOP line, and as close as possible to the line. Where there is no STOP line, stop before reaching, and as close as possible, to the intersection.
A STOP sign or a STOP line means you must give way to all vehicles travelling in, entering or approaching the intersection, whether vehicles are turning left or right, or going straight ahead.
You must give way to any pedestrians crossing the road into which you are turning.
Giving way at a STOP sign means the driver must remain stationary until it is safe to proceed.
Car A (blue) must give way to car B (green).
Give way signs and give way lines
‘GIVE WAY’ signs and ‘GIVE WAY’ lines (broken line) are used at intersections to control traffic. When you come to a GIVE WAY sign you must slow down and prepare to stop if necessary.
A GIVE WAY sign or line means you must give way to all vehicles travelling in, entering or approaching the intersection, whether vehicles are turning left or right, or going straight ahead. You must give way to any pedestrians crossing the road into which you are turning.
Giving way at a GIVE WAY sign means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision.
Car B (blue) must give way to car A (green).
Where a STOP or GIVE WAY sign has been removed, the line marked across the road has the same meaning as the sign. You must stop or give way.
T intersections
At T intersections the vehicle travelling on the road that ends must give way to any pedestrians crossing or vehicles travelling on the road that continues unless otherwise signposted.
Car A must give way to car B
This diagram shows a T intersection where the continuing road (which is marked with broken white lines) goes around a corner. Car B must signal to leave the continuing road and enter the terminating road.
Car B must give way to car A
Signalling
You must indicate to let others know what you plan to do. Give plenty of warning by signalling before you turn left or right, or change lanes.
Make sure your indicator is turned off after each turn or lane change. If your indicators are not working, not clearly visible or your vehicle does not have indicator lights then you must give a hand signal when turning right or stopping.
Signal to turn rightSignal for stopping or slowing down
Turning
Plan your turns early so that you are in the correct part of the road and have enough time to signal where you want to turn.
Left turns
You must make a left turn from the left side of the road. When turning:
Signal left
Move close to the left side of the road
Keep to the left side of the road you are entering
Use a slip lane where one is provided.
When driving on a multi-lane road, you must turn left from the left lane, or from a lane with a pavement arrow pointing left.
Give way to pedestrians
When turning left or right you must give way to any pedestrians crossing the road into which you are turning.
Right turns
When turning right:
Signal right.
Move as close to the centre line as possible.
When turning on a multi-lane road, turn right from the right lane or a lane with an arrow pointing right. Turn right when it is safe.
In marked lanes, you must stay in the same lane as you go from one road to another.
You must give way to pedestrians crossing the road into which you are turning.
You can turn into either lane, depending on traffic
Plan ahead
You need to think ahead in order to stay in the same lane as you drive from one road to another. The diagram shows a situation that calls for planning ahead.
Car A needs to turn left into the road marked X. It is best to turn right from the left lane to make it easy to turn left into road X.
Follow the instruction of any road markings that indicate how the turn must be made. If there are no road markings, you must make a right turn by passing as near as possible to the right of the centre of the intersection.
Median strips
When making a right turn through a divided road with a median strip, you must:
Wait for a suitable gap in the oncoming traffic.
Drive as far as you can into the central dividing part of the road and stop until it is safe to continue.
Make sure you obey all GIVE WAY or STOP signs or traffic lights
Before moving from a stationary position at the side of the road or a median strip parking area, you must signal for at least five seconds, checking mirrors and blind spots.
Traffic lights
When turning right at traffic lights:
Enter the intersection as shown in the diagram, unless a sign indicates otherwise or there is a red right turn arrow displayed.
Wait until oncoming traffic clears, or there is a break in the oncoming traffic, and then turn safely.
If the lights change to yellow or red while you are in the middle of the intersection, you are allowed to turn right. You must turn as soon as it is safe to do so. Be sure your front wheels and car are straight and not blocking the oncoming traffic.
How to proceed at an intersection
One-way streets
When turning right into a one-way street you must:
Turn as close as possible to the right side of the road you are entering.
When turning right from a one-way street you must:
Turn from as close as possible to the right side of the road.
Turning from a one-way street
U-Turns
Take extra care when making U-turns as they can be dangerous. U-turns cannot be made:
Where there is a NO U-TURN sign.
On motorways.
At traffic lights unless you see a U-TURN PERMITTED sign at the intersection.
Across an unbroken (continuous) line, double centre unbroken (continuous) lines, unless the line closest to you is broken.
You must start your U-turn from the marked lane nearest to the centre of the road or, if there are no lane markings, the left of the centre of the road.
Before starting the U-turn you must make sure it is safe: check mirrors and blind spots and that you have a clear view of any approaching traffic.
You must not begin your U-turn unless you can make the turn without unreasonably obstructing traffic. Give way to all vehicles and pedestrians and signal before you start to turn.
Three-point turn
Three-point turns are used when a road is not wide enough to do a U-turn.
However, because it takes longer to do a three-point turn, in heavy traffic or on busy roads it is often safer to turn around by driving around the block instead.
Before commencing a three-point or U-turn, signal, check mirrors and blind spots.
After completing the turn, signal and check mirrors and blind spots, before rejoining the traffic.
NEVER drive onto a level crossing while a train is approaching.
Warning signs
There are usually warning signs placed ahead of railway crossings.
Left sign: Railway crossing with traffic lights ahead. Centre & right signs: Railway crossing signs.
Gates, booms or lights
At gates, booms, or flashing lights, start to cross only when signals have stopped flashing, and when the gates or booms are fully open.
Stop signals
Stop signals at railway crossings should be obeyed because trains are fast and heavy and cannot stop quickly. Check for trains even if the lights are not flashing.
When the traffic ahead is stopped, remain behind the stop line unless there is room for you to get all the way across safely.
Left Sign: Stop before crossing. Centre sign: Stop if the red lights are flashing. Right sign: Give way at the crossing, be prepared to stop.
Crossings without signals
Take extra care where there are no gates, booms or flashing lights, particularly in the country.
Slow down, look and listen for trains in both directions. There are usually warning signs placed ahead of the crossings.
Check for other trains
If you have stopped for a train, always check that another one is not approaching the crossing before you move off. You must not drive onto a level crossing while a train is approaching.
What to do if you encounter police, ambulance, fire and other authorised emergency vehicles while on the road.
When passing a stationary emergency vehicle displaying blue or red flashing lights SLOW DOWN to 40km/h. More information on slowing down around emergency vehicles visit the Transport for NSW Centre for Road Safety website.
The information given in this section is a guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
At night or when driving in hazardous weather conditions with reduced visibility, your vehicle must have clearly visible:
Headlights
Tail lights
Number plate lights
Clearance lights and side marker lights if these are fitted to your vehicle.
Headlights
In many daytime situations driving with your vehicle’s headlights on can improve the likelihood of being seen by other road users. This applies to both country and city driving situations.
Your headlights must be on when:
Driving between sunset and sunrise
At any other time when there is not enough daylight to be able to see a person wearing dark clothing at a distance of 100 metres
High beam
To see further ahead use your headlights on high beam on any road even if there are street lights.
You must dip your headlights to low beam:
When a vehicle coming toward you is within 200 metres:
When driving 200 metres or less behind another vehicle:
When you overtake another vehicle, you may briefly switch to high beam immediately before starting the overtaking manoeuvre.
Avoid lights that may dazzle
Do not use or allow any light fitted to your vehicle to dazzle another road user.
Avoid looking at the headlights of oncoming vehicles. If you are dazzled by glaring or high beam lights, look to the left side of the road and drive to the left of your lane, slow down or pull over until your eyes recover.
Parking lights
Make sure that other road users can see your parked vehicle. Leave your parking or hazard lights on if necessary.
Fog lights
Front and rear fog lights must only be used in fog or rain, or when conditions such as smoke and dust limit your vision.
It is a legal requirement that once conditions improve and you can see more clearly, the front and rear fog lights are switched off.
If your vehicle is not fitted with fog lights you may use your headlights during the day in these adverse conditions.
Hazard warning lights
Your vehicle’s hazard warning lights must not be used unless the vehicle is:
Stopped and obstructing the path of other vehicles or pedestrians
Slow-moving and obstructing other road users
Stopped in an emergency stopping lane
Stopped to sell a product such as food and refreshment
Driving in hazardous weather conditions
Fitted with hazard lights as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device.
Horns and other warning devices
You must not use the horn or any other warning device unless:
You need to warn other road users that your vehicle is approaching
You need to warn animals to get off the road
The horn is being used as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device fitted to your vehicle.
Emergency vehicles
Give way when you hear a siren or see the flashing blue or red lights of an emergency vehicle such as Police, Fire Brigade or Ambulance. The siren means to get out of the way so the emergency vehicle has a clear passage through traffic.
Generally, traffic pulls over to the left until the vehicle passes.
