1
Name of Regulations
1 Name of Regulations
These Regulations are the National Transport Commission (Road Transport Legislation—Australian Road Rules) Regulations 2006.
//
© 2026 Zoe. All rights reserved.
Zoe is a legal information platform. Always consult the Federal Register of Legislation for authoritative text.
Commonwealth legislation
The regulations establish the Australian Road Rules (ARR), a national model code setting how all road users—drivers, riders, passengers and pedestrians—must behave to promote predictable, safe road use (speed, signalling, giving way, lane use, parking and vehicle standards). As model law it must be adopted by each state/territory to create consistent, enforceable rules across Australia.
Want the full deep dive?
Zoe can write the in-depth analysis on top of the summary above: how it works, who it affects and what each part actually does.
Direct links to the current provisions in National Transport Commission (Road Transport Legislation - Australian Road Rules) Regulations 2006.
These Regulations are the National Transport Commission (Road Transport Legislation—Australian Road Rules) Regulations 2006.
These Regulations commence on the day after they are registered.
For section 7 of the National Transport Commission Act 2003 (the NTC Act), Schedule 1 sets out road transport legislation, in the form of Rules, about the rules to be followed by all road users.
Note 1: The road transport legislation set out in Schedule 1 does not have the force of law (see paragraph 7(2)(a) of the NTC Act).
Note 2: These Regulations must be made in accordance with the Agreement (see subparagraph 3(b)(ii) of the NTC Act).
Note 3: These Regulations are not subject to disallowance—see regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 44(2)(b) of the Legislation Act 2003.
Note 4: These Regulations are not subject to sunsetting—see regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 54(2)(b) of the Legislation Act 2003.
Note 5: The proposed Australian Road Rules were prepared in the form of Regulations to be made under the Road Transport Reform (Vehicles and Traffic) Act 1993, and were approved in that form by the Ministerial Council for Road Transport on 29 January and 30 June 1999 and by the Australian Transport Council on 11 October 1999, but were never actually made as Regulations. The text set out in Schedule 1 is that of the proposed Rules as approved by the Council. It has been reformatted somewhat but is otherwise unaltered.
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
These Regulations are the National Transport Commission (Road Transport Legislation—Australian Road Rules) Regulations 2006.
These Regulations commence on the day after they are registered.
For section 7 of the National Transport Commission Act 2003 (the NTC Act), Schedule 1 sets out road transport legislation, in the form of Rules, about the rules to be followed by all road users.
Note 1: The road transport legislation set out in Schedule 1 does not have the force of law (see paragraph 7(2)(a) of the NTC Act).
Note 2: These Regulations must be made in accordance with the Agreement (see subparagraph 3(b)(ii) of the NTC Act).
Note 3: These Regulations are not subject to disallowance—see regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 44(2)(b) of the Legislation Act 2003.
Note 4: These Regulations are not subject to sunsetting—see regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 54(2)(b) of the Legislation Act 2003.
Note 5: The proposed Australian Road Rules were prepared in the form of Regulations to be made under the Road Transport Reform (Vehicles and Traffic) Act 1993, and were approved in that form by the Ministerial Council for Road Transport on 29 January and 30 June 1999 and by the Australian Transport Council on 11 October 1999, but were never actually made as Regulations. The text set out in Schedule 1 is that of the proposed Rules as approved by the Council. It has been reformatted somewhat but is otherwise unaltered.
These rules are the Australian Road Rules.
The Australian Road Rules commence on 1 December 1999 or, if an earlier date is fixed under another law of this jurisdiction, that earlier date.
The object of the Australian Road Rules is to provide road rules in this jurisdiction that are uniform with road rules elsewhere in Australia.
(1) The dictionary at the end of the Australian Road Rules defines certain words and expressions, and includes references to certain words and expressions defined elsewhere in the Rules (signpost definitions).
Note: Example: The signpost definition ‘road‑related area see rule 13’ means that the expression road‑related area is defined in rule 13 of the Australian Road Rules.
Note: The dictionary only includes a signpost definition for a word or expression if the word or expression is used in 2 or more rules of the Australian Road Rules.
(2) The dictionary is part of the Australian Road Rules. (3) A definition in the Australian Road Rules applies to each use of the word or expression in the Rules, unless the contrary intention appears.
A diagram in the Australian Road Rules is part of the Rules.
Note 1: If a diagram of a traffic control device, traffic‑related item or symbol is in black and white in a rule of the Australian Road Rules, the diagram may be a black and white version of the device, item or symbol—see rule 314. If so, the colour version of the device, item or symbol will be in Schedule 2 or 4.
Note 2: A diagram may be an example—see rule 6(1).
(1) An example (whether or not in the form of a diagram) in the Australian Road Rules is part of the Rules. (2) If the Australian Road Rules includes an example of the operation of a provision of the Rules: (a) the example is not exhaustive; and (b) the example does not limit, but may extend, the meaning of the provision.
A heading to a Part, Division, Schedule, rule or any other provision of the Australian Road Rules is part of the Rules.
A note in the Australian Road Rules is explanatory and is not part of the Rules.
The Reader’s Guide is not part of the Australian Road Rules.
(1) The words ‘Offence provision.’ below a rule of the Australian Road Rules (or, if the rule has 2 or more subrules, below a subrule) indicates that a contravention of the rule (or subrule) is an offence. (2) The penalty for an offence is the penalty applying to the offence under another law of this jurisdiction.
(1) The Australian Road Rules apply to vehicles and road users on roads and road‑related areas.
Note: Road is defined in rule 12, road‑related area is defined in rule 13, road user is defined in rule 14, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.
(2) Each reference in the Australian Road Rules (except in this Division) to a road includes a reference to a road‑related area, unless otherwise expressly stated in the Rules.
Note: Examples for subrule (2)
Note: 1: A reference in rule 146 (which deals with driving within a single marked lane or line of traffic) to the road includes a reference to the road‑related area of the road.
Note: 2: A reference in rule 200(1) (which deals with certain heavy or long vehicles stopping on roads) to a length of road includes a reference to the road‑related area of the length of road.
Note: 3: A reference in rule 31 (which deals with starting a right turn from a road, except a multi‑lane road) to a road does not include a reference to a road‑related area, because of the definition in subrule (5) of that rule.
(1) A road is an area that is open to or used by the public and is developed for, or has as one of its main uses, the driving or riding of motor vehicles.
Note: Motor vehicle is defined in the dictionary.
(2) However, a reference in the Australian Road Rules (except in this Division) to a road does not include a reference to: (a) an area so far as the area is declared, under another law of this jurisdiction, not to be a road for the Australian Road Rules; or (b) any shoulder of the road. (3) The shoulder of the road includes any part of the road that is not designed to be used by motor vehicles in travelling along the road, and includes: (a) for a kerbed road—any part of the kerb; and (b) for a sealed road—any unsealed part of the road, and any sealed part of the road outside an edge line on the road; but does not include a bicycle path, footpath or shared path.
Note: Bicycle path is defined in rule 239, edge line and footpath are defined in the dictionary, and shared path is defined in rule 242.
(1) A road‑related area is any of the following: (a) an area that divides a road; (b) a footpath or nature strip adjacent to a road; (c) an area that is not a road and that is open to the public and designated for use by cyclists or animals; (d) an area that is not a road and that is open to or used by the public for driving, riding or parking vehicles.
Note: Vehicle is defined in rule 15.
(2) However, a reference in the Australian Road Rules (except in this Division) to a road‑related area includes a reference to:
(a) an area so far as the area is declared, under another law
of this jurisdiction, to be a road‑related area for the Australian Road Rules; or
(b) any shoulder of a road; or
(c) any other area that is a footpath or nature strip as defined in the dictionary;
but does not include a reference to an area so far as the area is declared, under another law of this jurisdiction, not to be a road‑related area for the Australian Road Rules.
Note: Shoulder is defined in rule 12.
A road user is a driver, rider, passenger or pedestrian.
Note: Driver is defined in rule 16, pedestrian is defined in rule 18, and rider is defined in rule 17.
A vehicle includes: (a) a motor vehicle, trailer and tram; and (b) a bicycle; and (c) an animal‑drawn vehicle, and an animal that is being ridden or drawing a vehicle; and (d) a combination; and (e) a motorised wheelchair that can travel at over 10 kilometres per hour (on level ground); but does not include another kind of wheelchair, a train, or a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy.
Note: Various terms mentioned in this rule are defined in the dictionary.
(1) A driver is the person who is driving a vehicle (except a motor bike, bicycle, animal or animal‑drawn vehicle).
Note 1: Bicycle and motor bike are defined in the dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.
Note 2: Drive includes be in control of—see the definition in the dictionary.
(2) However, a driver does not include a person pushing a motorised wheelchair.
Note: Wheelchair is defined in the dictionary.
(1) A rider is the person who is riding a motor bike, bicycle, animal or animal‑drawn vehicle.
Note 1: Bicycle and motor bike are defined in the dictionary.
Note 2: Ride, for the rider of a motor bike or animal‑drawn vehicle, includes be in control of—see the definition in the dictionary.
(2) A rider does not include: (a) a passenger; or (b) a person walking beside and pushing a bicycle.
A pedestrian includes: (a) a person driving a motorised wheelchair that cannot travel at over 10 kilometres per hour (on level ground); and (b) a person in a non‑motorised wheelchair; and (c) a person pushing a motorised or non‑motorised wheelchair; and (d) a person in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy.
Note: Wheelchair, wheeled recreational device and wheeled toy are defined in the dictionary.
Unless otherwise expressly stated in the Australian Road Rules, each reference in the Rules (except in this Division) to a driver includes a reference to a rider, and each reference in the Rules (except in this Division) to driving includes a reference to riding.
A driver must not drive at a speed over the speed‑limit applying to the driver for the length of road where the driver is driving.
Offence provision.
Note 1: The rules about speed‑limits are as follows:
• rule 21—speed‑limit where a speed‑limit sign applies
• rule 22—speed‑limit in a speed‑limited area
• rule 23—speed‑limit in a school zone
• rule 24—speed‑limit in a shared zone
• rule 25—speed‑limit elsewhere.
Note 2: Road includes a road‑related area—see rule 11(2).
Note 3: Length of road includes a marked lane, a part of a marked lane, or another part of a length of road—see the definition in the dictionary.
Note 4: Part 20, Division 2 deals with the way in which a traffic sign applies to a length of road. Part 20, Division 3 deals with the way in which the traffic sign applies to drivers driving on the length of road.
(1) The speed‑limit applying to a driver for a length of road to which a speed‑limit sign applies is the number of kilometres per hour indicated by the number on the sign.
Note: Length of road is defined in the dictionary.
(2) However, if the number on the speed‑limit sign is over 100 and the driver is driving a bus with a GVM over 5 tonnes, or another vehicle with a GVM over 12 tonnes, the speed‑limit applying to the driver for the length of road is 100 kilometres per hour.
Note 1: Bus and GVM are defined in the dictionary, and vehicle is defined in rule 15.
Note 2: Five tonnes is specified for the definition of heavy omnibus in the Australian Design Rules issued under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cth).
Note 3: If the vehicle is an oversize or overmass vehicle, the vehicle may be restricted to a lower speed‑limit under another law of this jurisdiction.
(3) A speed‑limit sign on a road applies to the length of road beginning at the sign and ending at the nearest of the following: (a) a speed‑limit sign on the road with a different number on the sign; (b) an end speed‑limit sign or speed derestriction sign on the road; (c) if the road ends at a T–intersection or dead end—the end of the road.
Note 1: T–intersection is defined in the dictionary.
Note 2: Rule 322(1) and (2) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign on a road.
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="text-align:center"><a id="BK_S6P25L26C27"><span style="font-size:9pt">Speed</span><span style="font-size:9pt">‑</span><span style="font-size:9pt">limit signs</span></a></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:50%; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Picture" style="margin-top:3pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Speed</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">‑</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">limit sign</span><br><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">(Standard sign)</span></p></td><td style="width:50%; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Picture" style="margin-top:3pt; line-height:10pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Speed</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">‑</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">limit sign</span><br><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">(Variable illuminated message sign)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:50%; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="text-align:center"><img src="image.002.png" width="86" height="112" alt=""></p></td><td style="width:50%; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="text-align:center"><img src="image.003.png" width="85" height="112" alt=""></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Picture"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Other signs</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:50%; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Picture" style="margin-top:3pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">End speed</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">‑</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">limit sign</span></p></td><td style="width:50%; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Picture" style="margin-top:3pt"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Speed derestriction sign</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:50%; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="text-align:center"><img src="image.004.png" width="74" height="112" alt=""></p></td><td style="width:50%; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="text-align:center"><img src="image.005.png" width="86" height="112" alt=""></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
Note 1 for diagrams: There is another permitted version of the speed‑limit sign and the end speed‑limit sign—see the diagrams in Schedule 3.
Note 2 for diagrams: A speed‑limit sign or end speed‑limit sign may have a different number on the sign—see rule 316(4).
(1) The speed‑limit applying to a driver for any length of road in a speed‑limited area is the number of kilometres per hour indicated by the number on the
This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.