You can access the full text of the NSW Road Rules on the NSW Legislation website.
General
Red means stop. Wait behind the stop line.
Do not go through the intersection.
Yellow (amber) means stop. You can enter the intersection if you are so close that sudden braking might cause a crash.
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.
You must not go straight ahead or turn left. You may turn right.
You must not turn right but you can go straight ahead or turn left if the way is clear.
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
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.
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.
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: Red only means all vehicles stop. Right image: Green only means all vehicles go.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
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: Pedestrians must not start to cross. Right image: Pedestrians must not start to cross but may finish crossing.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.
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:
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
