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 Australia has a good network of
well-maintained roads and highways. The majority of highways are
two-lane roads with frequent passing lanes. Australia is not
linked by expressways but the major highways are usually paved
and well maintained.
Although distances between gateway cities in Australia may seem
vast, the good road network allows an enjoyable self-drive
holiday and the opportunity for travelers to stop as long as
they like at points of interest.
In Australia, your national driver's license is accepted at some
rental companies. It must be a current, non-probationary license
(with, if necessary, an English translation shown on the
license) from your country of residence.
An International Driver's Permit is required at others and is
available from the American or Canadian Automobile Associations,
or, in the United Kingdom, from the AA or RAC. Licenses (and a
valid passport) must be carried at all times when driving and,
for rentals longer than three months, license regulations should
be checked with the motor registration authority on arrival in
Australia.
Australians drive on the left side of the road. Speed limits on
the open highways are 100-110 km/hour. The maximum speed limit
in cities and towns is 60 km/hour (35 mph) and 100 km/hour (60
mph) on country roads and highways (where there is no street
lighting) unless signs indicate otherwise. All speed signs are
in metric as will be the speedometer in your car. There are no
speed limits on the open road in the Northern Territory.
Strict drink-driving laws apply and random breath testing for
the checking of blood-alcohol levels is conducted in all
Australian states. Insurance is invalid if drivers exceed the
legal alchohol limit (currently 0.5 mg per litre of blood).
Emergency Number
Ambulance, Fire Brigade and Police, Dial: 000. |
