5 road rules that are commonly misunderstood
It might have been a few years since your first driving test, but that doesn’t mean you have any excuse not to be on top of the current road rules. Understanding the road rules and having the appropriate level of car insurance is key to ensure you can remain safe behind the wheel while driving in your senior years.
As a bit of a refresher course we’ve put together five rules, highlighted by Transport for NSW’s Road Rules Awareness Week, as being most commonly misunderstood by motorists.
And we think you’ll be surprised:
1. Giving way to pedestrians when turning
Drivers turning left or right into an intersection are required to give way to any pedestrians crossing the road the driver is entering. While this rule does not apply to roundabouts, it applies to any intersection without traffic lights.
2. Sticking to the left-hand lane
If you’re driving on a road with a speed limit exceeding 80km/h, you must stick to the left-hand lane. The only times you’re allowed to drive in the right-hand is if you’re overtaking, making a U-turn, avoiding an obstacle or stuck in traffic.
3. Yellow traffic lights
Unless you’re unable to do so safely, the yellow traffic light means you must stop. If you’re unable to do so safely before the stop lines or traffic light you may proceed, but penalties may apply for drivers who try to speed through.
4. Use of mobile phones
The use of mobile phones while driving is only permitted if it is secure in a commercially manufacture mounting which, when fixed to the vehicle, does not obscure the driver. Vehicles that employ Bluetooth technology to operate the call without the motorist need to touch the mobile phone are also permitted.
5. Changing lanes on a roundabout
Drivers are permitted to change lanes in a roundabout if they wish, although it should be noted that the usual rules for changing lanes apply which means drivers must use their indicator and give way to any vehicle in the lane they are entering.
Source: Transport for NSW
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