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Rush hourAustralia

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

58. Rush hour

Rush hour is a period when roads and public transport networks experience particularly high demand, commonly because large numbers of people are travelling to or from work, school or other regular destinations. It usually occurs during the morning and late afternoon or evening on working days.

Rush-hour traffic can result in congestion, slower speeds, longer journeys and frequent stopping. Drivers should maintain a safe following distance, remain patient, anticipate changing traffic conditions and follow any temporary or dynamic traffic-management measures.

Rush hour
Passengers during the evening rush hour on Melbourne's train network. (Melbourne, Australia)
Wikimedia.org • MDRX • CC BY-SA
What is rush hour?

Rush hour is a period when unusually large numbers of people travel at the same time, resulting in increased traffic and often congestion.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 18(5); international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 126 and 133–134; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 174 and 192; national guidance example

Should you increase your following distance in rush-hour traffic?

Yes. Leave sufficient distance to react to sudden braking and frequent changes in traffic speed. Avoid following another vehicle too closely even when traffic is moving slowly.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 18(5); international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 126 and 133–134; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 174 and 192; national guidance example

Can speed limits change during rush hour?

Yes. Roads equipped with variable traffic management may display lower speed limits during congestion. Drivers must follow the speed limit currently indicated.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 18(5); international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 126 and 133–134; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 174 and 192; national guidance example

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