Driving Differences: Australia vs New Zealand Explained
Driving in Australia and New Zealand presents unique challenges and regulations that every traveler should understand. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane markings, and the approach to overtaking vehicles. Navigating these differences is vital for ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience on the roads of these stunning countries.
Driving Side
The driving side in australia is the Left Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in australia is 87
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
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Australia | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Not commonly used; can indicate the left edge in tunnels. | Marks the right edge on divided roads. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Not commonly used; may mark reversible lanes. | 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 on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and taxis; usage by others restricted. | Reserved for buses during certain hours. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS LANE'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and green pavement. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | Yes | No | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Minimum two or more occupants | Not applicable |
Speeds Limits
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Australia | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 40 km/h | 50 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 90 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-110 km/h | 100 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100-110 km/h | 100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90-100 km/h | 90 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. | No; fines are usually mailed after citation |
Signals
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Australia | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not commonly used. | Not used in New Zealand |
Turns
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Australia | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed, except where signage permits. | Not allowed | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless prohibited by signs. | Permitted unless prohibited by a sign |
Documentation
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Australia | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended. | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended. | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Varies by state; proof may be required | Regular inspection required; proof may be required | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states | Displayed on license plate or windshield |
Road Etiquette
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Australia | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at marked crossings | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Move to the left and stop if necessary |
Driving in Australia and New Zealand presents unique challenges and regulations that every traveler should understand. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane markings, and the approach to overtaking vehicles. Navigating these differences is vital for ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience on the roads of these stunning countries.
Alcohol
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Australia | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance in all states. | 0.00% | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; roadside breath testing often conducted | Common; checkpoints used regularly | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies by state; can be substantial | Substantial fines, can vary widely | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension and other penalties |
Roundabouts
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Australia | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal right if intending to turn immediately | Signal left if making an immediate left turn upon entry | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit | |
| 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 |
Emergency Services
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Australia | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 000 | 111 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Varies by state; contact local police | 111 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or NRMA | 0800 500 222 for AA (Automobile Association) |
Penalties And Fines
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Australia | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible | Varies; $30 to $630, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible | $150, points may also apply | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible | $80 to $150, points in some circumstances | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible | $150, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes; varies by jurisdiction. | No; fines usually paid online or by mail | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay | Varies; typically 28 days to pay |