Traffic signsAustralia

26. Wrong-way driving

Wrong-way driving occurs when a driver travels against the legally permitted direction of traffic. It may happen on a one-way road, divided road, motorway entrance or exit, or another road section reserved for traffic travelling in one direction.

Wrong-way driving creates an extreme risk of a head-on collision. Drivers must follow direction signs, no-entry signs, lane arrows and road markings. Anyone who accidentally enters a road in the wrong direction should slow down, warn other traffic, stop in the safest available place and contact the emergency services.

27. Height limit

A height limit prohibits vehicles whose total height exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel, gateway or other structure. The vehicle’s height includes its load and any equipment attached above it.

Drivers of high vehicles must know their exact height, observe advance warnings and use an alternative route when necessary. They should never rely only on visual judgement or attempt to pass beneath a structure when safe clearance is uncertain.

28. Radar speed sign

A radar speed sign warns drivers that vehicle speeds may be monitored by a fixed camera, mobile radar, lidar or average-speed enforcement system. It reminds drivers to check and respect the applicable speed limit.

The sign does not normally establish the speed limit itself. Drivers must follow the general, posted or variable speed limit applying to the road and must not brake suddenly merely because speed enforcement is indicated.

29. Selective barriers

Selective barriers are physical access-control devices that allow certain road users or authorised vehicles to pass while restricting other traffic. They may include fixed, removable, folding or retractable bollards, gates, barriers and width-filtering installations.

The permitted users are determined by traffic signs, access conditions and local regulations, not by the barrier alone. Drivers should approach slowly, verify that they are authorised and wait until any moving barrier is fully open or retracted before continuing.

30. Traffic lights

Traffic lights use coloured lights, arrows or symbols to regulate when road users may proceed, must prepare to stop or must remain stopped. Separate signals may apply to particular directions, lanes, pedestrians, cyclists or public-transport vehicles.

A green light permits movement only when the route is clear and the movement is otherwise legal. Road users must still follow priority rules, turning restrictions, lane markings and instructions from authorised traffic controllers.

31. Traffic lights warning

A traffic lights warning is a warning sign that alerts drivers that traffic signals are located ahead. It is commonly used where the signals may be unexpected, difficult to see from a distance or located on a road where drivers need additional time to prepare to stop.

Drivers approaching a traffic lights warning should reduce speed when necessary, watch for the signals ahead and be prepared to stop if the traffic light changes or traffic is waiting at the intersection.

32. Pedestrian lights

Pedestrian lights are traffic signals that regulate when pedestrians may begin crossing a road. They normally display a red standing figure to prohibit starting and a green walking figure to permit crossing.

A flashing signal or countdown may warn that the permitted crossing period is ending. Pedestrians should cross without unnecessary delay, while turning drivers must remain alert and allow pedestrians who entered lawfully to finish crossing safely.

33. Road markings

Road markings are lines, symbols, arrows, words or other markings applied to the road surface to regulate, guide or inform road users. They can separate traffic lanes and opposing directions, indicate where vehicles must stop or give way, mark pedestrian and cyclist crossings and identify areas reserved for particular road users.

Road users should observe the meaning of each road marking and combine it with the applicable traffic signs, signals and traffic rules. Colours, patterns and legal meanings can differ between countries.

34. Left-hand traffic

Left-hand traffic is a traffic system in which vehicles normally travel on the left side of the road. In countries using left-hand traffic, vehicles usually overtake on the right and most cars have the steering wheel on the right-hand side.

Drivers who are unfamiliar with left-hand traffic should pay particular attention at intersections, roundabouts, when turning and when entering or leaving roads, because familiar traffic movements are reversed compared with right-hand traffic.

35. Driving licence

A driving licence is an official document authorising a person to drive one or more specified categories of motor vehicle. It may contain conditions, restrictions, category codes and expiry dates that determine which vehicles the holder may drive.

Drivers must hold a licence that is valid for the vehicle category and jurisdiction concerned. A licence may be provisional, full, restricted, suspended or withdrawn, and additional qualifications may be required for professional driving.

36. Location marker

A location marker is a roadside reference showing a measured position along a road. It normally identifies a kilometre, mile or smaller interval measured from an established starting point on that route.

Kilometre and hectometre markers help road users, emergency services, road authorities and maintenance crews identify an exact section of road. They do not impose a speed limit, priority rule or access restriction.

37. Emergency telephone

An emergency telephone is a dedicated roadside or tunnel telephone that connects road users directly with an emergency, traffic-control or roadside-assistance centre. Emergency telephones are commonly installed in tunnels, along motorways or at other locations where quickly reporting an accident, breakdown or fire is important. They can provide operators with useful information about the caller’s location and may remain available where mobile-phone reception is poor.

38. No parking

No parking indicates that vehicles may not be left parked at the location or along the section of road covered by the restriction. Depending on local law, a driver may still be allowed to stop briefly to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods, provided stopping itself is not prohibited.

A no-parking restriction may apply continuously or only during specified times, days, vehicle categories or sections of road. Its exact extent and exceptions are determined by the traffic sign, supplementary panels, road markings and local traffic regulations.

39. No stopping

No stopping means that vehicles are not permitted to stop voluntarily at the indicated location, even briefly for picking up or dropping off passengers or loading or unloading goods. It is a stricter restriction than a no-parking rule.

A no-stopping restriction may be indicated by a traffic sign, road marking or local traffic regulation. Drivers should continue to a place where stopping is permitted unless they are forced to stop by traffic conditions, an emergency or another legal requirement.

40. Disabled parking

Disabled parking refers to parking spaces and parking privileges reserved for people with disabilities who meet the applicable eligibility requirements. Reserved spaces are normally identified by the international wheelchair symbol and are positioned to provide easier access to nearby facilities.

Use of a disabled parking space generally requires a valid disabled parking permit or card. The permit normally belongs to the eligible person rather than to a particular vehicle and may only be used when that person is driving or travelling in the vehicle.

41. Traffic management

Traffic management is the organised control, regulation and guidance of road users to improve safety, traffic flow and the efficient use of roads. It can include traffic lights, road signs, road markings, lane controls, variable speed limits, diversions and directions given by authorised persons.

Traffic management may be permanent or temporary. Temporary measures are commonly introduced during roadworks, congestion, collisions, public events or other incidents. Drivers and other road users must follow the signs, signals and instructions applying at the location, even when they differ from the normal traffic arrangement.

42. Reversing

Reversing means driving a vehicle backwards. It is commonly used when parking, leaving a confined space or repositioning a vehicle where forward movement is not practical.

Before reversing, the driver should check mirrors and blind spots, look carefully around the vehicle and make sure the area behind is clear. Reversing should be performed slowly and only for as long as necessary because visibility behind the vehicle is often limited.

43. U-turn

A U-turn is a driving manoeuvre in which a vehicle turns around to travel in the opposite direction. It normally involves crossing part of the roadway and re-entering traffic facing the direction from which the vehicle came.

Before making a U-turn, the driver should check surrounding traffic, pedestrians and cyclists, signal when required and make sure there is enough visibility and space to complete the manoeuvre safely. U-turns may be prohibited by traffic signs or on particular types of roads.

44. Uncontrolled crossroad

An uncontrolled crossroad is an intersection where traffic priority is not specifically regulated by traffic lights, an authorised person or signs assigning priority to particular approaches. Drivers must therefore determine who has priority using the default traffic rules that apply in that country.

The applicable rule varies between countries and may include priority from the right, priority from the left or another default right-of-way rule. Drivers should approach an uncontrolled crossroad carefully, observe traffic from every direction and never assume that a wider or busier road automatically has priority.

45. Oversize load

An oversize load is a load that causes a vehicle or vehicle combination to exceed the normally permitted dimensions for road traffic, such as maximum length, width or height. Oversize loads often involve large machinery, construction components or other items that cannot reasonably be divided into smaller loads.

Transporting an oversize load may require a special permit, an approved route, warning signs, lights or escort vehicles. Drivers must comply with the conditions imposed by the authorities responsible for the roads on which the transport takes place.

46. Licence plate

A licence plate, also called a registration plate or number plate, is a plate displaying a unique registration identifier assigned to a vehicle by the competent registration authority. It allows the vehicle to be identified for purposes such as registration, traffic enforcement, taxation, insurance and parking control.

The appearance, format, placement and number of plates required vary between countries and vehicle categories. Drivers must ensure that required licence plates are correctly fitted, clearly visible and legible and must follow the local rules when a plate is lost, stolen, damaged or replaced.

47. Charging station

A charging station is a location equipped with one or more charging points where the battery of an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle can be connected to an electricity supply and recharged. Charging stations may be located along public roads, in car parks, at service areas or on private property.

Charging spaces may be reserved for vehicles that are charging and can be subject to parking restrictions, time limits, payment requirements or other conditions. Drivers must follow the traffic signs, parking regulations and charging instructions applying at the location.

48. Local traffic

Local traffic is traffic that needs access to a particular street or area because its journey begins, ends or requires a stop there, rather than simply passing through. Roads may be restricted to local traffic to reduce unnecessary through traffic.

The exact meaning of local traffic depends on national traffic rules. It commonly includes residents, visitors, deliveries and vehicles providing services within the restricted area.

49. Moped

A moped is a lightweight motor vehicle, usually with two or three wheels, whose power, engine capacity or maximum design speed is limited by law. Mopeds generally occupy a legal category between bicycles and motorcycles, although their exact classification varies between countries.

Special rules may apply concerning the minimum riding age, driving licence, helmet, registration, insurance, maximum speed and use of cycle paths or roadways. Riders must therefore follow the classification and traffic regulations applying in the country where they are travelling.

50. Truck

A truck is a motor vehicle designed primarily for transporting goods. Trucks range from relatively small delivery vehicles to large heavy goods vehicles and articulated combinations used for long-distance freight transport.

Because trucks are generally larger, heavier and slower to manoeuvre than passenger cars, they require more space for turning and braking and often have larger blind spots. Specific speed, lane-use, overtaking and access rules may apply depending on the vehicle's weight and the country.