Driving Differences: Australia vs. China Explained
When exploring the roads of Australia and China, it's crucial to grasp their distinct driving regulations and safety norms. From contrasting lane rules and speed limits to unique traffic signal practices, this guide illuminates the essential variances that can impact your journey. Stay informed and drive safely as you navigate these diverse landscapes.
LEFT
Driving Side
The driving side in australia is the Left Side of the road
87
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in australia is 87
1.032 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for australia is 1.032 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| Australia | China | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Not commonly used; can indicate the left edge in tunnels. | Separates directions on multi-lane roads. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Not commonly used; may mark reversible lanes. | Marks centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | Allowed | Yes | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Not allowed except on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right. | Allowed in certain cases; check local rules. | |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas | List length: 5 | List length: 4 | |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 3] | Pedestrian crossings | Railroad crossings | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane if possible. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and taxis; usage by others restricted. | Reserved for buses; other vehicles during off-peak hours in some places. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS LANE'; often with road signs. | Labeled with lane signs and often painted lanes. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Exclusive for bicycles. | Exclusive for bicycles and electric bikes. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and sometimes different texture or color. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Minimum two or more occupants | Usually for vehicles with two or more occupants |
Driving Side
australia:
Left
china:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; can indicate the left edge in tunnels.
china:
Separates directions on multi-lane roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; may mark reversible lanes.
china:
Marks centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
australia:
Allowed
china:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
australia:
Not allowed except on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
china:
Allowed in certain cases; check local rules.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
australia:
List length: 5
china:
List length: 4
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 3]
australia:
Pedestrian crossings
china:
Railroad crossings
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
australia:
Use leftmost lane.
china:
Use rightmost lane if possible.
Bus Lanes: Usage
australia:
Reserved for buses and taxis; usage by others restricted.
china:
Reserved for buses; other vehicles during off-peak hours in some places.
Bus Lanes: Markings
australia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS LANE'; often with road signs.
china:
Labeled with lane signs and often painted lanes.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
australia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
china:
Exclusive for bicycles and electric bikes.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
australia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
china:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes different texture or color.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
australia:
Minimum two or more occupants
china:
Usually for vehicles with two or more occupants
Speeds Limits
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| Australia | China | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 40-60 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 40 km/h | 30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 70-90 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 60-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-110 km/h | 100-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100-110 km/h | 90-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90-100 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits. | Electronic signs display current limits | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common; may vary by area. | Yes, especially in urban areas |
Urban Areas: Standard
australia:
50 km/h
china:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
australia:
40 km/h
china:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
80-100 km/h
china:
70-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
australia:
80-100 km/h
china:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
80-100 km/h
china:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
100-110 km/h
china:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
australia:
100-110 km/h
china:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
90-100 km/h
china:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
australia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
china:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
australia:
Common; may vary by area.
china:
Yes, especially in urban areas
Signals
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| Australia | China | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not commonly used. | Not used in China | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Restricted in some urban areas to reduce noise pollution | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | Chinese; symbols also used | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Diamond-shaped with yellow background | Triangular shape with red borders |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
australia:
Not commonly used.
china:
Not used in China
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
australia:
Signal when entering and exiting
china:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
australia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
china:
Restricted in some urban areas to reduce noise pollution
Traffic Signs: Language
australia:
English; symbols are standard
china:
Chinese; symbols also used
Traffic Signs: Warning
australia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
china:
Triangular shape with red borders
Turns
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| Australia | China | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed, except where signage permits. | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign; varies by locality | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless prohibited by signs. | Allowed unless prohibition is indicated by road signs |
Right Turn On Red
australia:
Not allowed, except where signage permits.
china:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign; varies by locality
U- Turns Allowed
australia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
china:
Allowed unless prohibition is indicated by road signs
Documentation
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| Australia | China | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid Chinese driver's license required | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended. | International Driving Permit required for short visits | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended. | International Driving Permit and temporary Chinese license usually required | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Varies by state; proof may be required | Yes, periodic inspection required for vehicles | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states | Displayed on windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Driver's License: Requirement
australia:
Valid driver's license required
china:
Valid Chinese driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
china:
International Driving Permit required for short visits
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
china:
International Driving Permit and temporary Chinese license usually required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
australia:
Varies by state; proof may be required
china:
Yes, periodic inspection required for vehicles
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
australia:
Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states
china:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
australia:
Not mandatory
china:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
australia:
Not mandatory
china:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Road Etiquette
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| Australia | China | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Frequent use in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the side and stop if necessary |
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
australia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
china:
Frequent use in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
australia:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
china:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
When exploring the roads of Australia and China, it's crucial to grasp their distinct driving regulations and safety norms. From contrasting lane rules and speed limits to unique traffic signal practices, this guide illuminates the essential variances that can impact your journey. Stay informed and drive safely as you navigate these diverse landscapes.
Alcohol
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| Australia | China | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.02% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance in all states. | 0.00%; zero tolerance | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; roadside breath testing often conducted | Common, especially near bars and clubs | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies by state; can be substantial | Severe fines, license suspension possible | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension and legal penalties |
Limits: General Drivers
australia:
0.05%
china:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
australia:
0.02%
china:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
australia:
0.00%; zero tolerance in all states.
china:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
australia:
Common; roadside breath testing often conducted
china:
Common, especially near bars and clubs
Enforcement: Fines
australia:
Varies by state; can be substantial
china:
Severe fines, license suspension possible
Test Refusal
australia:
Can result in license suspension
china:
Can result in license suspension and legal penalties
Roundabouts
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| Australia | China | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal right if intending to turn immediately | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit | |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit or straight ahead | |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to left lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe |
Signaling: Entering
australia:
Signal right if intending to turn immediately
china:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
australia:
Signal left when preparing to exit
china:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
australia:
Use for first exit or straight
china:
Use for first exit or straight ahead
Lane Usage: Left
australia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to left lane before exit when safe
china:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
Emergency Services
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| Australia | China | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 000 | 110 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Varies by state; contact local police | Same as general emergency; 110 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or NRMA | Check with your insurance provider | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory |
Contact: General Emergency
australia:
000
china:
110
Contact: Traffic Police
australia:
Varies by state; contact local police
china:
Same as general emergency; 110
Contact: Roadside Assistance
australia:
Check with your insurance provider or NRMA
china:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
australia:
Not mandatory, but recommended
china:
Mandatory
Penalties And Fines
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| Australia | China | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible | Varies; ¥200 to ¥2,000, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible | ¥50 to ¥200 | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible | Fines and points on license | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible | Fines and points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes; varies by jurisdiction. | Possible; fines often paid online or at banks | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay | Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay |
Common Fines: Speeding
australia:
Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible
china:
Varies; ¥200 to ¥2,000, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible
china:
¥50 to ¥200
Common Fines: Phone Use
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible
china:
Fines and points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
australia:
AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible
china:
Fines and points on license
Payment: On The Spot
australia:
Yes; varies by jurisdiction.
china:
Possible; fines often paid online or at banks
Payment: Deadline
australia:
Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay
china:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay