Changes to Road Rules, phones, u turns, paying for parking, funeral processions.

[csv8]

A “problematic” road rule that many Aussie drivers find confusing is set to change, and it will impact how motorists use their phone behind the wheel.

Last month ministers approved the proposed changes in the National Transport Commission’s (NTC) Australian Road Rules 13th Amendment Package.

One of the big changes will remove confusion around whether drivers can use their phones when stopped out of the line of traffic but with the car motor still running.

Under the current definition, parking is when a driver stops and allows their vehicle to stay in one place “whether or not the driver leaves the vehicle”.

However, the NTC said this definition had caused unintended problems in regards to the legal use of mobile phones behind the wheel.


The change will allow drivers to use their phone if they are safely stopped out of the line of traffic, even if their engine is running. Picture: iStockSource:istock

“This definition has proven problematic in the context of rules 299 and 300, which prohibit a driver from using a mobile phone, television receiver or visual display unit when the vehicle is stationary but not parked,” the NTC stated in the draft amendment package.

“The problem is that a driver who has pulled out of the line of traffic into an area where parking is permitted but leaves their engine running, and who proceeds to use their mobile phone (i.e. in circumstances where mobile phone usage presents no risk of distraction to the driver in the context of driving) is technically not parked – and has committed an offence.

“This is not the intent of the rules.”

The proposed change will clarify the rule and allow the use of a mobile phone, television receiver or visual display in a vehicle that is stopped out of the line of traffic, even if the keys are in the ignition or the engine is running.

Other amendments presented by the NTC were also approved, including two changes to the rules surrounding U-turns.


There will be changes coming to rules surrounding U-turns as well. Picture: Frank VioliSource:News Corp Australia

Under the current rules there is a clash when a driver is making a U-turn on a road and another driver is waiting to enter the road at the same time from a road-related area.

The rules state each driver must give way to the other, but the coming change gives the driver making the U-turn right of way over the entering driver.

There is also no provision that, in the absence of a no U-turn sign, prevents a driver from doing a U-turn at a children’s crossing, level crossing, marked foot crossing or pedestrian crossing.

“There is also no prohibition on a driver doing a U-turn at the intersection of a road and a road-related area, such as an exit from a school carpark,” the NTC said.

“This causes confusion and presents a safety risk.”

The amendment will prohibit U-turns in these situations, unless a U-turn permitted sign is present.

Rules around paying for parking will also be updated to include paying by electronic means, such as through a parking app.


The changes will also include amendments to allow the use of parking apps. Picture: Jenny EvansSource:News Corp Australia

The current rule includes reference to “buying a ticket or putting money into a parking meter” and “instructions on or with the sign, metre, ticket or ticket-vending machine”.

“This terminology does not sit with modern technology by which parking can be paid for through an app or by phone or by various means,” the NTC said.

Approved amendments will make this rule technology neutral so modern payments methods can be accommodated.

The road rules will also be updated to include provisions about how drivers are expected to behave around funeral processions.

NSW has an existing road rule that prohibits interference or interruption of a funeral procession, with this rule to be extended to cover the rest of the country.

The approved road rule amendments are expected to be introduced by all states and territories within a reasonable time frame."
https://www.news.com.au/technology/i...PvFwcB6tA98tUo

[BA-XT]

Interesting rule change on the U turn. At the moment the person doing the U turn gives way to everyone..... it's even sign posted "U Turn must give way" although very few people seem to know this and just chuck a u turn without giving way.

Is this the same throughout Australia or just Victoria?

This is what the Law States:
In Victoria, you’re allowed to make a U-turn at intersections with or without traffic signals and at breaks in the median, unless there’s a ‘no U-turn’ sign. A ‘no right turn’ sign also prohibits a U-turn.

Here’s what to keep in mind when preparing to make a U-turn:

Make sure you have a clear view of approaching traffic
Only turn when you can do so safely and you’re not going to cause an obstruction to traffic
Give way to all other vehicles and pedestrians when making a U-turn.
This includes giving way to vehicles turning left from slip lane or a side street even if they have a a 'Give Way' or 'Stop' sign.
See rules 37 to 42 of Victorian Road Safety Road Rules 2017 for more information

[Ben73]

If your exiting a side street or driveway, giving way to people doing U turns is stupid. How are you supposed to know whether they are turning into the location you're exiting from, or doing a U turn?

[BA-XT]

Originally Posted by Ben73

If your exiting a side street or driveway, giving way to people doing U turns is stupid. How are you supposed to know whether they are turning into the location you're exiting from, or doing a U turn?

That's what I was thinking too! Plus there's signed everywhere that say U turn must give way... that's why I wasn thinking maybe different in another states.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by BA-XT

Here’s what to keep in mind when preparing to make a U-turn:

Make sure you have a clear view of approaching traffic
Only turn when you can do so safely and you’re not going to cause an obstruction to traffic
Give way to all other vehicles and pedestrians when making a U-turn.
This includes giving way to vehicles turning left from slip lane or a side street even if they have a a 'Give Way' or 'Stop' sign.
See rules 37 to 42 of Victorian Road Safety Road Rules 2017 for more information

And don't try U turns at lights in NSW unless there's a sign saying that they are allowed.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

And don't try U turns at lights in NSW unless there's a sign saying that they are allowed.

Yes that is interesting, while I haven't driven around in NSW, apparently not legal in SA unless its sign posted either.

Also confusion around driving about with their two tram lines, I wasn't sure if I was allowed to drive on the tracks with the trams like you can here

Can you drive on the tracks with the new trams in Sydney?

I've got a good idea - how about we standardise the road rules nationally

[Yellow_Festiva]

Still the underlying issue is the different rules and regulations across the country.

If they standardised motoring rules and regulations across the country things would be better again.

[Citroënbender]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

And don't try U turns at lights in NSW unless there's a sign saying that they are allowed.

Sign? You mean that square white sticker with four black letters, in the front and rear windows of cars that do this?

[wackyv8]

metre? surely they mean meter?- as in parking meter. how are we expercerterted to compile if they carnt spel the rools?

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by csv8

Under the current definition, parking is when a driver stops and allows their vehicle to stay in one place “whether or not the driver leaves the vehicle”.

However, the NTC said this definition had caused unintended problems in regards to the legal use of mobile phones behind the wheel.

The change will allow drivers to use their phone if they are safely stopped out of the line of traffic, even if their engine is running.

“This definition has proven problematic in the context of rules 299 and 300, which prohibit a driver from using a mobile phone, television receiver or visual display unit when the vehicle is stationary but not parked,” the NTC stated in the draft amendment package.

“The problem is that a driver who has pulled out of the line of traffic into an area where parking is permitted but leaves their engine running, and who proceeds to use their mobile phone (i.e. in circumstances where mobile phone usage presents no risk of distraction to the driver in the context of driving) is technically not parked – and has committed an offence.

“This is not the intent of the rules.”

The proposed change will clarify the rule and allow the use of a mobile phone, television receiver or visual display in a vehicle that is stopped out of the line of traffic, even if the keys are in the ignition or the engine is running.

Well i'll be fooked, who ever writes the road rules also reads AFF it seems as I highlighted this exact issue only days ago after the incident I experienced with a do-gooder who misinterpreted this rule.
Finally some common sense is applied.

[jpd80]

So all the times plod has jumped all over motorists using mobile phones while pulled safely out of traffic was an unintended consequence?
I wonder how many other situations there are where plod is exploiting grey areas to serve infringement notices all in the name of safety

[Mr Brooksy]

Originally Posted by Ben73

If your exiting a side street or driveway, giving way to people doing U turns is stupid. How are you supposed to know whether they are turning into the location you're exiting from, or doing a U turn?

That's easily explained! Most Queenslanders don't know what the indicator stick is for or how to use it, so they don't give way to anyone. Simple.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Mr Brooksy

That's easily explained! Most Queenslanders don't know what the indicator stick is for or how to use it, so they don't give way to anyone. Simple.

But as you know, Queensland bans all U-Turns at intersections unless signed otherwise,
a simple rule that stops a lot of the nonsense.

[Fed]

So now when a Uturner meets a Sliproader nobody has right of way?
(Mexican {Victorian} stand-off?)

[lra]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

And don't try U turns at lights in NSW unless there's a sign saying that they are allowed.

U turns in NSW at lights have been legal for years, when signposted.
There just happens to be no sign posts in NSW that state a U turn is permitted.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by BA-XT

Interesting rule change on the U turn. At the moment the person doing the U turn gives way to everyone..... it's even sign posted "U Turn must give way" although very few people seem to know this and just chuck a u turn without giving way.

Is this the same throughout Australia or just Victoria?

This is what the Law States:
In Victoria, you’re allowed to make a U-turn at intersections with or without traffic signals and at breaks in the median, unless there’s a ‘no U-turn’ sign. A ‘no right turn’ sign also prohibits a U-turn.

Here’s what to keep in mind when preparing to make a U-turn:

Make sure you have a clear view of approaching traffic
Only turn when you can do so safely and you’re not going to cause an obstruction to traffic
Give way to all other vehicles and pedestrians when making a U-turn.
This includes giving way to vehicles turning left from slip lane or a side street even if they have a a 'Give Way' or 'Stop' sign.
See rules 37 to 42 of Victorian Road Safety Road Rules 2017 for more information

Well, FMD. I thought I had a pretty good understanding of the road rules, but I must admit that my understanding was that the u-turn vehicle had right of way. Even double-checked the Vicroads website to make sure that you were right. And you are.

I'm sure when i got taught to drive and did my driving test that a vehicle travelling on the main carriage way had right of way over vehicles on the secondary carriage way.

Wonder when that changed?

Thanks for the lesson, BA-XT.

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by lra

U turns in NSW at lights have been legal for years, when signposted.
There just happens to be no sign posts in NSW that state a U turn is permitted.

Exactly.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by lra

U turns in NSW at lights have been legal for years, when signposted.
There just happens to be no sign posts in NSW that state a U turn is permitted.

I thought I said that!

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Fed

So now when a Uturner meets a Sliproader nobody has right of way?
(Mexican {Victorian} stand-off?)

Do they still have that retarded law about left turn traffic giving way to oncoming right turning traffic?
What A hole came up with that?

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Do they still have that retarded law about left turn traffic giving way to oncoming right turning traffic?
What A hole came up with that?

No, I think that went out when the national standardised rules came in.

Merimbula always used to be a hot pot for crashed back in the day when that rule existed in Vic. All the Victorians driving in Merimbula hadn't recognised that they were driving in a different state with different rules. The results were a towies dream

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Do they still have that retarded law about left turn traffic giving way to oncoming right turning traffic?
What A hole came up with that?

No.Left turning traffic has right of way over right turning.Pretty sure the rule you are referring to got changed many years ago

[marty351]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

No.Left turning traffic has right of way over right turning.Pretty sure the rule you are referring to got changed many years ago

1992 by memory. There was.advert campaign advising motorists of the change. Took about 1-2 months for it to sink in and become normal.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by marty351

1992 by memory. There was.advert campaign advising motorists of the change. Took about 1-2 months for it to sink in and become normal.

Good because on a trip there in 1990, I got called something in Greek......

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by Mr Brooksy

That's easily explained! Most Queenslanders don't know what the indicator stick is for or how to use it, so they don't give way to anyone. Simple.

We're trying to join you. It's the new normal thing to not indicate in NSW. Especially at roundabouts. In the past couple of years it has got much worse.