About the model road rules
The Australian Road Rules are model laws that have no legal effect. They form the basis of road rules of each Australian state and territory. For the most part, each state and territory has copied the Rules into their own laws, however, not every provision of the Rules has been copied exactly in each state and territory. Also, there are a number of provisions in the Rules that specifically leave certain matters to state and territory governments to determine.
Background
The Rules were first approved in 1999 by the former Australian Transport Council (now the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers' Meetings). The Council consists of the ministers responsible for road traffic matters in each state and territory, and of the Commonwealth Minister responsible for transport.
Road rules in your state or territory
To find out what rules apply in your territory or to obtain a copy, visit the ACT Government website.
To find out what rules apply in your state or to obtain a copy, visit the NSW Government Roads and Maritime Services website.
To find out what rules apply in your territory or to obtain a copy, visit the Northern Territory Government website.
To find out what rules apply in your state or to obtain a copy, visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
To find out what rules apply in your state or to obtain a copy, visit the Government of South Australia website.
To find out what rules apply in your state or to obtain a copy, visit the Department of State Growth website.
To find out what rules apply in your state or to obtain a copy, visit the Vicroads website.
To find out what rules apply in your state or to obtain a copy, visit the Department of Transport website.
To find out what rules apply in your territory or to obtain a copy, visit the ACT Government website.
To find out what rules apply in your state or to obtain a copy, visit the NSW Government Roads and Maritime Services website.
To find out what rules apply in your territory or to obtain a copy, visit the Northern Territory Government website.
To find out what rules apply in your state or to obtain a copy, visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
To find out what rules apply in your state or to obtain a copy, visit the Government of South Australia website.
To find out what rules apply in your state or to obtain a copy, visit the Department of State Growth website.
To find out what rules apply in your state or to obtain a copy, visit the Vicroads website.
To find out what rules apply in your state or to obtain a copy, visit the Department of Transport website.
Inclusion of personal mobility devices
A project that ran from 2019-2021 explored the barriers to the safe use of personal mobility devices (PMDs) or innovative vehicles, and motorised mobility devices (MMDs).
Following community engagement for this work - the project separated into two parts:
- analysis and policy recommendations around MMDs
- analysis, policy recommendations and amendments to the ARRs for PMDs.
This decision was made based on agreement that MMDs and PMDs and their users are inherently different.
Our proposed amendments to the ARRs to include PMDs were endorsed by ministers on 30 May 2021. These are now reflected in the ARRs for the first time.
Reviewing the Australian Roads Rules to align with best practice child restraint guidance
Ministers have asked the us to review the Australian Road Rules (ARRs) relating to child restraints for passengers under 16 years old. This includes children with medical conditions and disabilities to ensure they are inclusive and up to date with the latest safety research and best practice guidelines. NTC will work with state and territory jurisdictions, as well as relevant stakeholders to review the current ARRs relating to child restraints. There will be a specific focus on the following areas:
- Appropriate use of child restraints
- Children using adult seatbelts
- Children travelling in the front seat
- Improving the level of protection for children with medical conditions and disabilities
Click here for more information.
