International Visitors

Information

If you drive in Australia you must hold a current, valid driving licence issued in the country in which you live. Carry it with you at all times when driving.
Also, if your licence is not in English, you must carry an English translation when driving in Australia.
If you are uncertain of any requirement or have other road safety inquiries, telephone the Roads and Traffic Authority, New South Wales on 13 22 13 (cannot be dialled outside New South Wales).

All occupants of a vehicle must wear seatbelts at all times, as required by Australian laws.
Baby capsules or child restraints must be used for all children.

In Australia, all vehicles travel on the left side of the road. This may be different to the side on which you normally drive. Ask passengers to remind you to drive on the left side of the road each time you set off.
Always travel no faster than the maximum speed limit, as shown on roadside signs.
In most towns the limit is 50 km per hour and on highways it will vary between 60 and 100 km per hour.

Avoid drinking alcohol before driving. Australia has strict laws on 'drink-driving' and police are authorised to stop any vehicle and breath test the driver at any time.
There is no absolute safe level of alcohol consumption for competent driving. For fully licensed car drivers the legal limit is 0.05 g/100ml.

It is illegal to drive or ride a vehicle while using a hand-held mobile phone. The penalty is a significant fine.
This means that talking, sending or receiving text messages, playing games or taking photos are illegal when using a hand-held phone.
It is also illegal to perform these activities when your vehicle is stopped but not parked, for example when you are waiting at traffic lights.