This official guide from Transport NSW explains ten commonly misunderstood road rules to help drivers stay safe and compliant:
- Roundabouts – Proper signaling when entering, navigating lanes, turning, exiting, and even U-turns is essential.
- Giving Way to Pedestrians When Turning – Drivers must give way at intersections (but not at roundabouts).
- Mobile Phones – Learner/P-plate drivers cannot use any phone function—even hands-free. Fully licensed drivers may only use secured hands-free setups.
- Merging – When lanes end or reduce, give way to traffic in the continuing lane.
- Keeping Left – On 80 km/h+ roads, stay left unless overtaking, turning, avoiding obstacles, or directed otherwise.
- Headlights & Fog Lights – High beams must not dazzle; fog lights only when visibility is seriously reduced.
- U-turns – Only where permitted; never over solid lines, at traffic lights, or where signage prohibits.
- Safe Following Distance – Keep at least a 3-second gap to ensure ample stopping time.
- School Zones – Observe 40 km/h speed limits during school hours (including pupil-free days).
- Yellow (Amber) Lights – Drivers must stop at a yellow light unless it is unsafe to do so.
The guide clarifies these rules with clear examples and illustrations, making it easier for road users—drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists—to understand their responsibilities .
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