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MotorwayAustralia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Australia. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Australia

2. Motorway

A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.

Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Eastbound Deer Park Bypass at the Western Ring Road interchange. (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
Wikimedia.org • Marcus Wong • CC BY-SA
How do people refer to a motorway in Australia?

The New South Wales handbook uses motorway, also referred to as a freeway or expressway, for a road usually having high speeds and more than one lane in each direction. Use the applicable state or territory rules and actual signs.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — motorway

Start of a motorway. Start of a motorway.

English • Model rule 177 • freeway sign • Start of freeway. The freeway begins here. Follow freeway traffic and stopping restrictions, and any signs restricting entry by particular road users. State and territory rules and exceptions apply.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Pcc.gov.au • Australian Road Rules • model law • rule177; Schedule2p308
🔗 Legislation.qld.gov.au • Queensland Road Rules • local legislation example

SVG source: Government of Queensland • Public domain • Original revision 2012-10-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

End of the motorway. End of the motorway.

English • Model rules 97 and 177 • end freeway sign • End of freeway. The freeway ends here. Expect changing road conditions and continue to obey the applicable speed limit and other signs. State and territory rules and exceptions apply.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Pcc.gov.au • Australian Road Rules • model law • rules97,177; Schedule2p305
🔗 Legislation.qld.gov.au • Queensland Road Rules • local legislation example

SVG source: Government of Queensland • Public domain • Original revision 2012-10-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

What speed limit applies to cars on a motorway in Australia?

There is no single nationwide motorway maximum. Follow the posted limit and any lower limit for your vehicle or licence class in the state or territory where you are driving. Do not import another state’s default.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — motorway

How should I join a motorway in Australia?

Under the New South Wales handbook, when your entry lane ends and you cross a broken line to join a motorway lane, give way to vehicles already in that lane. Slow down, check your mirrors and blind spots, and look for a suitable gap. Obey any ramp-metering signals. Check the applicable rules in other states or territories.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — motorway

Can I stop on an Australian motorway for a break?

Do not stop on a New South Wales motorway or freeway for an ordinary break. Use a designated rest or service area. NSW guidance distinguishes emergencies, such as avoiding a crash or a breakdown, when you should move into the emergency stopping lane if necessary. Check the corresponding rule in other states and territories.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — motorway

1 Australia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Speed limit 5 Advisory speed 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 Toll road 11 One-way traffic 12 Slope 13 Bus stop 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 Mandatory direction 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Slippery road 24 Curve 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Height limit 28 Radar speed sign 29 Selective barriers 30 Traffic lights 31 Traffic lights warning 32 Pedestrian lights 33 Road markings 34 Left-hand traffic 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Emergency telephone 38 No parking 39 No stopping 40 Disabled parking 41 Traffic management 42 Reversing 43 U-turn 44 Uncontrolled crossroad 45 Oversize load 46 Licence plate 47 Charging station 48 Local traffic 49 Moped 50 Truck 51 Bus 52 Police 53 Ambulance 54 Pothole 55 Path 56 Particulates 57 Air pollution 58 Rush hour 59 Road code 60 Two-way traffic 61 Street gutter 62 Cargo bike 63 Forestry vehicle 64 Construction vehicle 65 Semi-trailer truck 66 Trolleybus 67 Speed pedelec 68 Delivery vehicle 69 Idling 70 Tow truck 71 Four-wheel drive 72 Bicycle 73 Motorcycle equipment 74 Tram 75 Rail track 76 Caravan 77 Trailer 78 Tow hitch 79 Fire truck 80 Siren 81 Convoy 82 Emergency vehicle lighting 83 Agricultural machinery 84 Electric bicycle 85 Electric vehicle 86 Pedelec 87 Quadricycle 88 Microcar 89 All-terrain vehicle 90 Van 91 Recreational vehicle 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Personal mobility device 95 Skateboard 96 Segway 97 Kick scooter 98 Roller skates 99 Mailman 100 Hitchhiker ...