Noticed recently comments to the effect that the some users weren't aware of recent changes to the Australian Road Rules. For any who consider they may be in that group, here they are:
Changes to the Australian Road Rules
25 January 2009
On 25 January 2009, changes were made to the Australian Road Rules which were agreed on by all states and territories across Australia.
The National Transport Commission undertook a national public consultation process regarding the changes.
The majority of changes are slight variations to current road rules so as to clarify the meaning to all drivers. Most amendments do not entail a change in general driver behaviour.
Other amendments of note are as follows:
Fog lights
Drivers can only use front fog lights in hazardous weather conditions. This brings the rule into line with the existing situation for rear fog lights. Use of fog lights in other conditions can dazzle oncoming drivers. Previously front fog lights that dazzled approaching drivers were dealt with as an offence under a different rule.
Penalty $140
Riding on motorbikes
The passenger in a sidecar is to be seated safely. It is an offence for both rider and passenger if the passenger is not seated safely. Previously there was no requirement that the passenger be seated in the side car.
A rider is prohibited from carrying a passenger under 8 years old except in a sidecar. Previously the rule relied upon the passenger being able to reach footrests. This caused confusion for some riders. The amendment makes the rule more certain.
Penalty $83
Carrying people on a bicycle
This amends the existing rule that prohibits a person carrying more people on the bicycle than the bicycle is designed for. The change requires persons to be in seats or positions designed for travelling on a bicycle.
It is an offence for both the rider and the passenger if the passenger is not sitting in the position designed for the passenger. Previously there was no offence for the passenger not sitting in a
seat.
Penalty $25
Travelling with animals on a motorcycle
This rule has been amended to prohibit a motorcycle rider from travelling with an animal carried on the petrol tank of the bike (excluding
farm animals carried for less than 500 metres).
Penalty $95
Travelling with passenger or animal on lap
This rule creates an offence for a driver to have a passenger or animal on their lap when driving.
Penalty $95
Arrester bed (used to stop or slow specifically heavy vehicles experiencing mechanical or brake failure).
A driver must not drive in an arrester bed unless the driver must do so in the interests of safety. Arrester beds will be designated by signs.
Penalty $231
U-turns across single dividing lines
This amendment clarifies the duty of drivers not to make a u-turn across a single continuous centre line.
Penalty $248
Stop on painted island
A driver must not stop on a painted island. This amendment is in the
parking provisions. It prevents
parking on a painted island. It does not prevent a driver from stopping on a painted island when entering or leaving a road. A driver may have to stop on a painted island to give way to approaching traffic.
Penalty $54
Leading an animal while driving a vehicle
This rule previously prohibited a driver or rider from leading an animal while driving. The rule has been extended to cover the passenger as it is just as dangerous for the passenger to be leading the animal.
Penalty $60
Remember - Drive safetly - Arrive Safetly