10 Tips For Driving In Sydney Traffic

• By: Editor
• On: 30/Sep/2009
• In: Australia Travel Tips

1. Unless you see a signpost dictating otherwise, the driving speed limit in the urban areas of Sydney is 50km per hour. On country roads or freeways, the normal speed limit is usually 100km per hour or on parts of the M4 it can be 110km per hour.
2. Motorists drive on the left hand side of the road in Australia.
3. If you happen to be driving slowly (especially in the formative stages of your vacation and getting used to traffic) – the lane that you must use is the left most lane – in the event that there is more than one lane in the direction you are travelling in.
4. If you are entering and crossing a junction (intersection) – you must give way to traffic on the right unless the STOP or the YIELD sign regulates them. At a T-junction, the driver that is driving straight through always has the right of way.
5. Please ensure to have your drivers’ licence and identification with you at all times when driving in Sydney. Legal driver’s age in New South Wales and Sydney is 16 years of age.
6. The wearing of a seat belt has been law in Australia since the early 1960’s. This regulation is applicable to both front and rear passengers of the vehicle. Child safety restraints must also be provided.
7. Do not drink and drive in Sydney. The blood to alcohol level in Sydney is 0.05 (which amounts to 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 mililitres of blood). Nobody wants his or her holiday ruined by getting prosecuted; so the message is clear – if you are driving, abstain from drinking alcohol.
8. Some roads in Sydney, especially in the area around The Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, and some of the local freeways are Toll Way roads, so have the correct change ready to go through the toll gates with the minimum of hassle!
9. When driving in Sydney it is important to park properly and safely to avoid getting a parking fine or ticket! You are able to park off the street where No Standing, Parking or other restrictions might apply. There is generally an hourly rate for parking at car parks or parking stations. Where there are parking meters you need to have the right change to park and do not overstay there or you will be fined. As in most cities in Australia such as Melbourne $5 an hour seems to be the hourly parking rate or $10–20 per day – our advice is to shop around to get a good rate around Sydney.
10. Make sure that you are up to speed with road traffic procedures regarding roundabouts – roundabout traffic in Sydney travels in a clockwise direction. In the two lanes of the roundabout, you keep to the left if you are turning left or going straight ahead. Keep to the right if turning right. Follow the road markings – in some cases you can use the right lane if you are going straight. It is now law in Sydney and New South Wales that drivers must signal left in all cases when exiting from a roundabout.

Find out more about Driving in Sydney.

Hope you found our guide to driving in Sydney useful. Obviously the best way to get around the city and the surrounding region is to reserve a hired car. For great deals in car rental, check out our Car Rental Sydney page.

Have you drove around Sydney? If you have any driving tips or indeed any tourist information about Sydney please let us know. We appreciate your comments.