Campervan Australia Road Guides

Australian Road Rules

There is plenty to see and do in Australia! And what better way to experience the country than to drive through it in a Campervan, Motorhome or even a 4WD. Australia is a very popular campervan holiday destination and thousands of people come here every year making the switch to left hand drive. Anyone can adjust to the driving differences in Australia with just a few pointers and basic guidelines; it’s a manageable and extremely rewarding experience. Having your own self drive holiday gives you the freedom to tailor make your own holiday, choosing experiences you, your family and friends will remember for a lifetime.

Once your friendly Motorhome Rental Company has helped you familiarize yourself with your rental vehicle, and you have gained some confidence on the roads, the sky is your limit. You will be able to sit back and enjoy the ride, taking in the fantastic sites and destinations Australia has to offer, all at your own pace and with the conveniences of home right there for you.

Here are some of the basic Australian road rules:

• Drive on the left hand side of the road.
• Stay in the left hand lane unless overtaking.
• Maps, speedometers and road signs are all in Kilometres.
• By law, every vehicle occupant must wear a seatbelt or child safety restraint.
• Most of the main roads speed limits are 100 – 110 km/h unless otherwise s.igned.
• In urban areas the speed limit is usually 50km/h unless otherwise signed.
• At intersections, give way rules are
• Give way to traffic coming from your right.
• Vehicles driving straight through a T intersection have right of way.
• At a roundabout you must give way to your right and any traffic already on the roundabout.
• You must travel in a clockwise direction on roundabouts.
• No left turn at an intersection on red traffic light signal.

Also, be aware that due to the vast size of Australia you may be driving longer distances than you are used to. We have a few simple suggestions for long distance drivers to keep themselves, and their families, safe and comfortable, see our handy tips for dealing with fatigue below.

Drivers Licence

Whilst driving in Australia you must carry a valid and current driver’s licence from your own country, in English.

If your original overseas permit or licence is not in English you must carry an English translation and you may also need an international drivers license.

Alcohol and Drug Limits

People on learners and provisional licences must have a zero alcohol reading.

People on an open licence must have a blood alcohol limit of .05 or lower.

By law you must not take any type of drug that may affect your driving ability. Make sure you check with your doctor that any prescription drugs you may take will not affect your driving capability.

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue can be a very dangerous situation. Drivers must realise the potential hazards for accidents on the road due to lack of concentration and sleepiness.

You can make sure you stay alert by:

• Making sure you are refreshed and rested before a long drive.
• Every two hours take a break from driving.
• If possible, share the driving with someone else.
• Avoiding large meals and drinking plenty of fluid.
• If you begin to feel sleepy, try to nap for up to 40 minutes.
• If you’re feeling very tired - find a place to stay overnight.