TRAFFIC (ROAD RULES) REGULATIONS 1999

Tasmanian Numbered Regulations

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TRAFFIC (ROAD RULES) REGULATIONS 1999

TABLE OF PROVISIONS

PART 1 - Introductory

Division 1 - Road Rules

1. Short title
2. Commencement
3. Object of the Road Rules

Division 2 - Some features of the Road Rules

4. Definitions: the dictionary, &c.
5. Diagrams
6. Examples
7. Headings
8. Notes
9. Readers Guide
10. Offences

PART 2 - Application of the Road Rules

Division 1 - Roads and road-related areas

11. Road Rules apply to vehicles and road users on roads and road-related areas
12. What is a road
13. What is a road-related area

Division 2 - Road users and vehicles

14. Road users
15. What is a vehicle
16. Who is a driver
17. Who is a rider
18. Who is a pedestrian
19. References to driver includes rider, &c.

PART 3 - Speed-limits

20. Obeying the speed-limit
21. Speed-limit where a speed-limit sign applies
22. Speed-limit in a speed-limited area
23. Speed-limit in a school zone
24. Speed-limit in a shared zone
25. Speed-limit elsewhere

PART 4 - Making turns

Division 1 - Left turns at intersections

26. Division does not apply to certain turns
27. Starting a left turn from a road (except a multi-lane road)
28. Starting a left turn from a multi-lane road
29. Making a left turn as indicated by a road marking

Division 2 - Right turns (except hook turns) at intersections

30. Division does not apply to certain turns
31. Starting a right turn from a road (except a multi-lane road)
32. Starting a right turn from a multi-lane road
33. Making a right turn

Division 3 - Hook turns at intersections

34. Making a hook turn at a hook turn only sign
35. Optional hook turn by a bicycle rider
36. Bicycle rider making a hook turn contrary to no hook turn by bicycles sign

Division 4 - U-turns

37. Beginning a U-turn
38. Giving way when making a U-turn
39. Making a U-turn contrary to a no U-turn sign
40. Making a U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights
41. Making a U-turn at an intersection without traffic lights
42. Starting a U-turn at an intersection

Division 5 - Turns into or from road-related areas or adjacent land

43. Starting and making turns

PART 5 - Change of direction and stop signals

Division 1 - Change of direction signals

44. Division does not apply to entering or leaving a roundabout
45. What is changing direction
46. Giving a left change of direction signal
47. How to give a left change of direction signal
48. Giving a right change of direction signal
49. How to give a right change of direction signal
50. How to give a right change of direction signal by giving a hand signal
51. When use of direction indicator lights permitted

Division 2 - Stop signals

52. Division does not apply to bicycle riders or certain tram drivers
53. Giving a stop signal
54. How to give a stop signal
55. How to give a stop signal by giving a hand signal

PART 6 - Traffic lights and twin red lights

Division 1 - Obeying traffic lights

56. Stopping for a red traffic light or arrow
57. Stopping for a yellow traffic light or arrow
58. Exceptions to stopping for a red or yellow traffic light
59. Proceeding through a red traffic light
60. Proceeding through a red traffic arrow
61. Proceeding when traffic lights or arrows at an intersection change to yellow or red

Division 2 - Giving way at traffic lights

62. Giving way when turning at an intersection with traffic lights
63. Giving way at an intersection with traffic lights not operating or only partly operating
64. Giving way at a flashing yellow traffic arrow at an intersection
65. Giving way at a marked foot crossing (except at an intersection) with a flashing yellow traffic light

Division 3 - Twin red lights (except at level crossings)

66. Stopping for twin red lights (except at level crossings)

PART 7 - Giving way

Division 1 - Giving way at a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applying to the driver

67. Stopping and giving way at a stop sign or stop line at an intersection without traffic lights
68. Stopping and giving way at a stop sign or stop line at other places
69. Giving way at a give way sign or give way line at an intersection
70. Giving way at a give way sign at a bridge or length of narrow road
71. Giving way at a give way sign or give way line at other places

Division 2 - Giving way at an intersection without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applying to the driver

72. Giving way at an intersection (except a T-intersection or roundabout)
73. Giving way at a T-intersection

Division 3 - Entering or leaving road-related areas and adjacent land

74. Giving way when entering a road from a road-related area or adjacent land
75. Giving way when entering a road-related area or adjacent land from a road

Division 4 - Keeping clear of and giving way to particular vehicles

76. Keeping clear of trams travelling in tram lanes, &c.
77. Giving way to buses
78. Keeping clear of police and emergency vehicles
79. Giving way to police and emergency vehicles

Division 5 - Crossings and shared zones

80. Stopping at a childrens crossing
81. Giving way at a pedestrian crossing
82. Overtaking or passing a vehicle at a childrens crossing or pedestrian crossing
83. Giving way to pedestrians in a shared zone

Division 6 - Other give way rules

84. Giving way when driving through a break in a dividing strip
85. Giving way on a painted island
86. Giving way in median turning bays
87. Giving way when moving from a side or shoulder of the road or a median strip parking area

PART 8 - Traffic signs and road markings

Division 1 - Traffic signs and road markings at intersections

88. Left turn signs
89. Right turn signs
90. No turns signs
91. No left turn and no right turn signs
92. Traffic lane arrows

Division 2 - Traffic signs and road markings generally

93. No overtaking or passing signs
94. No overtaking on bridge signs
95. Emergency stopping lane only signs
96. Keep clear markings
97. Road access signs
98. One-way signs
99. Keep left and keep right signs
100. No entry signs
101. Hand-held stop signs

Division 3 - Signs for trucks, buses and other large vehicles

102. Clearance and low clearance signs
103. Load limit signs
104. No trucks signs
105. Trucks must enter signs
106. No buses signs
107. Buses must enter signs
108. Trucks and buses low gear signs

PART 9 - Roundabouts

109. What is a roundabout
110. Meaning of halfway around a roundabout
111. Entering a roundabout from a multi-lane road or a road with 2 or more lines of traffic travelling in the same direction
112. Giving a left change of direction signal when entering a roundabout
113. Giving a right change of direction signal when entering a roundabout
114. Giving way when entering or driving in a roundabout
115. Driving in a roundabout to the left of the central traffic island
116. Obeying traffic lane arrows when driving in or leaving a roundabout
117. Giving a change of direction signal when changing marked lanes or lines of traffic in a roundabout
118. Giving a left change of direction signal when leaving a roundabout
119. Giving way by the rider of a bicycle or animal to a vehicle leaving a roundabout

PART 10 - Level crossings

120. What is a level crossing
121. Stopping and giving way at a stop sign at a level crossing
122. Giving way at a give way sign or give way line at a level crossing
123. Entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching, &c.
124. Leaving a level crossing

PART 11 - Keeping left, overtaking and other driving rules

Division 1 - General

125. Unreasonably obstructing drivers or pedestrians
126. Keeping a safe distance behind vehicles
127. Keeping a minimum distance between long vehicles
128. Entering blocked intersections

Division 2 - Keeping to the left

129. Keeping to the far left side of a road
130. Keeping to the left on a multi-lane road
131. Keeping to the left of oncoming vehicles
132. Keeping to the left of the centre of a road or the dividing line
133. Exceptions to keeping to the left of the centre of a road
134. Exceptions to keeping to the left of a dividing line
135. Keeping to the left of a median strip
136. Driving on a one-way service road
137. Keeping off a dividing strip
138. Keeping off a painted island
139. Exceptions for avoiding obstructions on a road

Division 3 - Overtaking

140. No overtaking unless safe to do so
141. No overtaking, &c., to the left of a vehicle
142. No overtaking to the right of a vehicle turning right, &c.
143. Passing or overtaking a vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign
144. Keeping a safe distance when overtaking
145. Driver being overtaken not to increase speed

Division 4 - Driving in marked lanes or lines of traffic

146. Driving within a single marked lane or line of traffic
147. Moving from one marked lane to another marked lane across a continuous line separating the lanes
148. Giving way when moving from one marked lane or line of traffic to another marked lane or line of traffic
149. Giving way when lines of traffic merge into a single line of traffic
150. Driving on or across a continuous white edge line
151. Riding a motor bike or bicycle alongside more than one other rider

Division 5 - Obeying overhead lane control devices applying to marked lanes

152. Complying with overhead lane control devices

Division 6 - Driving in marked lanes designated for special purposes

153. Bicycle lanes
154. Bus lanes
155. Tram lanes
156. Transit lanes
157. Truck lanes
158. Exceptions to driving in special purpose lanes, &c.
159. Marked lanes required to be used by particular kinds of vehicles

Division 7 - Passing trams and safety zones

160. Passing or overtaking a tram that is not at or near the left side of a road
161. Passing or overtaking a tram at or near the left side of a road
162. Driving past a safety zone
163. Driving past the rear of a stopped tram
164. Giving way to pedestrians crossing the road near a stopped tram

PART 12 - Restrictions on stopping and parking

Division 1 - General

165. Stopping in an emergency, &c., or to comply with another rule
166. Application of Part to bicycles

Division 2 - No stopping and no parking signs and road marking

167. No stopping signs
168. No parking signs
169. No stopping on a road with a yellow edge line

Division 3 - Stopping at intersections and crossings

170. Stopping in or near an intersection
171. Stopping on or near a childrens crossing
172. Stopping on or near a pedestrian crossing (except at an intersection)
173. Stopping on or near a marked foot crossing (except at an intersection)
174. Stopping at or near bicycle crossing lights (except at an intersection)
175. Stopping on or near a level crossing

Division 4 - Stopping on clearways and freeways and in emergency stopping lanes

176. Stopping on a clearway
177. Stopping on a freeway
178. Stopping in an emergency stopping lane

Division 5 - Stopping in zones for particular vehicles

179. Stopping in a loading zone
180. Stopping in a truck zone
181. Stopping in a works zone
182. Stopping in a taxi zone
183. Stopping in a bus zone
184. Stopping in a minibus zone
185. Stopping in a permit zone
186. Stopping in a mail zone

Division 6 - Other places where stopping is restricted

187. Stopping in a bicycle lane, bus lane, tram lane, transit lane, truck lane or on tram tracks
188. Stopping in a shared zone
189. Double parking
190. Stopping in or near a safety zone
191. Stopping near an obstruction
192. Stopping on a bridge or in a tunnel, &c.
193. Stopping on a crest or curve outside a built-up area
194. Stopping near a fire hydrant, &c.
195. Stopping at or near a bus stop
196. Stopping at or near a tram stop
197. Stopping on a path, dividing strip or nature strip
198. Obstructing access to and from a footpath, driveway, &c.
199. Stopping near a postbox
200. Stopping on roads: heavy and long vehicles
201. Stopping on a road with bicycle parking sign
202. Stopping on a road with motor bike parking sign
203. Stopping in a parking area for people with disabilities

Division 7 - Permissive parking signs and parking fees

204. Meaning of certain information on or with permissive parking signs
205. Parking for longer than indicated
206. Time extension for people with disabilities
207. Parking where fees are payable

Division 8 - Parallel parking

208. Parallel parking on a road (except in a median strip parking area)
209. Parallel parking in a median strip parking area

Division 9 - Angle parking

210. Angle parking

Division 10 - Other parking related rules

211. Parking in parking bays
212. Entering and leaving a median strip parking area
213. Making a motor vehicle secure

PART 13 - Lights and warning devices

Division 1 - Lights on vehicles (except bicycles, animals and animal-drawn vehicles)

214. Division does not apply to riders of bicycles, animals or animal-drawn vehicles
215. Using lights when driving at night or in hazardous weather conditions
216. Towing a vehicle at night or in hazardous weather conditions
217. Using rear fog lights
218. Using headlights on high-beam
219. Lights not to be used to dazzle other road users
220. Using lights on vehicles that are stopped
221. Using hazard warning lights
222. Using warning lights on buses carrying children

Division 2 - Lights on animal-drawn vehicles

223. Using lights when riding an animal-drawn vehicle at night or in hazardous weather conditions

Division 3 - Horns and radar detectors

224. Using horns and similar warning devices
225. Using radar detectors and similar devices

Division 4 - Portable warning triangles for heavy vehicles

226. Heavy vehicles to be equipped with portable warning triangles
227. Using portable warning triangles

PART 14 - Rules for pedestrians

Division 1 - General

228. No pedestrians signs
229. Pedestrians on a road with a road access sign
230. Crossing a road: general
231. Crossing a road at pedestrian lights
232. Crossing a road at traffic lights
233. Crossing a road to or from a tram
234. Crossing a road on or near a crossing for pedestrians
235. Crossing a level crossing
236. Pedestrians not to cause a traffic hazard or obstruction
237. Getting on or into a moving vehicle
238. Pedestrians travelling along a road (except in or on a wheeled recreational device or toy)
239. Pedestrians on a bicycle path or separated footpath

Division 2 - Rules for persons travelling in or on wheeled recreational devices and wheeled toys

240. Wheeled recreational devices and toys not to be used on certain roads
241. Travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or toy on a road
242. Travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or toy on a footpath or shared path
243. Travelling on rollerblades, &c., on a bicycle path or separated footpath
244. Holding onto a moving vehicle

PART 15 - Additional rules for bicycle riders

245. Riding a bicycle
246. Carrying people on a bicycle
247. Riding in a bicycle lane on a road
248. No riding across a road on a crossing
249. Riding on a separated footpath
250. Riding on a footpath or shared path
251. Riding to the left of oncoming bicycle riders on a path
252. No bicycles signs and markings
253. Bicycle riders not to cause a traffic hazard
254. Bicycles being towed, &c.
255. Riding too close to the rear of a motor vehicle
256. Bicycle helmets
257. Riding with a person on a bicycle trailer
258. Equipment on a bicycle
259. Riding at night
260. Stopping for a red bicycle crossing light
261. Stopping for a yellow bicycle crossing light
262. Proceeding when bicycle crossing lights change to yellow or red

PART 16 - Rules for persons travelling in or on vehicles

263. Application of Part to persons in or on trams
264. Wearing of seatbelts by drivers
265. Wearing of seatbelts by passengers 16 years old, or older
266. Wearing of seatbelts by passengers under 16 years old
267. Exemptions from wearing seatbelts
268. How persons must travel in or on a motor vehicle
269. Opening doors and getting out of a vehicle, &c.
270. Wearing motor bike helmets
271. Riding on motor bikes
272. Interfering with the drivers control of the vehicle, &c.

PART 17 - Additional rules for drivers of trams and public buses

Division 1 - Trams

273. Division also applies to public buses travelling along tram tracks
274. Stopping for a red T light
275. Stopping for a yellow T light
276. Exception to stopping for a red or yellow T light
277. Proceeding after stopping for a red or yellow T light
278. Proceeding when a red traffic light and a white T light or white traffic arrow is showing
279. Proceeding when a white T light or white traffic arrow is no longer showing

Division 2 - Public buses

280. Division does not apply to public buses travelling along tram tracks
281. Stopping for a red B light
282. Stopping for a yellow B light
283. Exception to stopping for a red or yellow B light
284. Proceeding after stopping for a red or yellow B light
285. Proceeding when a red traffic light and a white B light or white traffic arrow is showing
286. Proceeding when a white B light or white traffic arrow is no longer showing

PART 18 - Miscellaneous road rules

Division 1 - Miscellaneous rules for drivers

287. Duties of a driver involved in a crash
288. Driving on a path
289. Driving on a nature strip
290. Driving on a traffic island
291. Making unnecessary noise or smoke
292. Insecure or overhanging load
293. Removing fallen, &c., things from the road
294. Keeping control of a vehicle being towed
295. Motor vehicle towing another vehicle with a towline
296. Driving a vehicle in reverse
297. Driver to have proper control of a vehicle, &c.
298. Driving with a person in a trailer
299. Television receivers and visual display units in motor vehicles
300. Use of hand-held mobile phones

Division 2 - Rules for people in charge of animals

301. Leading an animal while driving a vehicle
302. Rider of an animal on a footpath or nature strip to give way to pedestrians
303. Riding an animal alongside more than one other rider

Division 3 - Obeying directions

304. Direction by a police officer or authorised person

PART 19 - Exemptions

305. Exemption for drivers of police vehicles
306. Exemption for drivers of emergency vehicles
307. Stopping and parking exemption for police and emergency vehicles and authorised persons
308. Exemption for police officers and emergency workers on foot
309. Exemption for drivers of trams, &c.
310. Exemption for road workers, &c.
311. Exemption for oversize vehicles
312. Exemption for tow truck drivers
313. Exemption for postal vehicles

PART 20 - Traffic control devices and traffic-related items

Division 1 - General

314. Diagrams of traffic control devices, traffic-related items and symbols
315. Legal effect of traffic control devices mentioned in the Road Rules
316. When do traffic control devices comply substantially with the Road Rules
317. Information on or with traffic control devices
318. Limited effect of certain traffic control devices
319. Legal effect of traffic-related items mentioned in the Road Rules
320. When do traffic-related items comply substantially with the Road Rules
321. Meaning of information on or with traffic control devices and traffic-related items
322. References to traffic control devices and traffic-related items on a road, &c.
323. References to lights that are traffic signals

Division 2 - Application of traffic control devices to lengths of roads and areas

324. Purpose of Division
325. References to traffic control devices: application to lengths of road and areas
326. When do traffic control devices apply to a length of road or area: the basic rules
327. Length of road to which a traffic sign (except a parking control sign) applies
328. References to a traffic control device applying to a length of road
329. Traffic control devices applying to a marked lane
330. Traffic control devices applying to a slip lane
331. Traffic control devices applying to an intersection
332. Parking control signs applying to a length of road
333. Parking control signs applying to a length of road in an area to which another parking control sign applies, &c.
334. How parking control signs apply to a length of road
335. Traffic control devices applying to an area
336. How separated footpath signs and separated footpath road markings apply

Division 3 - Application of traffic control devices to persons

337. Purpose of Division
338. References to traffic control devices: application to persons
339. When do traffic control devices apply to a person: the basic rules
340. Traffic control devices (except road markings and parking control signs)
341. Road markings
342. Traffic signs (except parking control signs) applying to a length of road
343. Traffic signs (except parking control signs) applying to an area
344. Traffic control devices applying to a driver in a marked lane
345. Traffic control devices applying to a driver in a slip lane
346. Parking control signs

PART 21 - General

347. Meaning of abbreviations and symbols
348. References to a driver doing something, &c.
349. References to certain kinds of roads
350. References to stopping or parking on a length of road, &c.
351. References to left and right

PART 22 - Local Road Rules

Division 1 - Powers of police officers and authorised persons

352. Direction by police officer or authorised person in connection with offences
353. Portable traffic signs
354. Seizure of detection devices
355. Seizure of vehicles
356. Disposal of seized vehicles

Division 2 - Hazardous actions

357. Hazardous lights and reflectors
358. Obscuring traffic control devices
359. Tampering with traffic control devices
360. Unlawful road markings
361. Use of vehicles exclusively for advertising

Division 3 - Livestock on roads

362. Stopping for livestock
363. Leading livestock on road during daylight
364. Leading livestock on road at night
365. Livestock on road not to be unattended
366. Permits to lead livestock on national highway

Division 4 - Miscellaneous road rules

367. Driving without due care, &c.
368. Avoiding off-road collisions and dangers
369. Turning left or right at traffic lights
370. Carrying passengers on motor bikes
371. Ride-on lawnmowers

Division 5 - Qualifying rules

372. Permissive parking sign not avoided by moving a vehicle
373. Closed parking spaces

Division 6 - Special transitional rules

374. Transitional rule: crossing broken parallel dividing line
375. Transitional rule: parking control signs marked on road surface
376. Transitional rule: riding bicycle or animal on footpath

Division 7 - Special speed-limits

377. Speed-limits for learners and provisional licensees
378. Speed-limit near school buses

PART 23 - Local Exemptions

Division 1 - Exemption permits and certificates

379. Exemption permits and certificates

Division 2 - Specific exemptions

380. Rule 267: Seatbelt exemptions
381. Rule 268: Mode of travelling exemptions
382. Rule 298: Driving with person in trailer exemptions

Division 3 - Occupational exemptions

383. Exemption for transport inspector
384. Exemption for road safety officer
385. Exemption for school crossing patrol officer
386. Exemption for railway employee

Division 4 - Other exemptions

387. Exemption for driver on parking meter

PART 24 - Miscellaneous

388. Jurisdictional qualifications
389. Provision of Part 22 or 23 or Schedule 6 is another law of this jurisdiction
390. Expiry of Part 22
SCHEDULE 1 - Abbreviations and symbols
SCHEDULE 2 - Standard or commonly used traffic signs
SCHEDULE 3 - Other permitted traffic signs
SCHEDULE 4 - Symbols and traffic-related items
SCHEDULE 5 - Dictionary
SCHEDULE 6 - Jurisdictional qualifications

Part 1 - Jurisdictional qualifications for specific rules

Part 2 - Jurisdictional qualifications - definitional

Division 1 - Meaning of terms defined in the dictionary

Division 2 - Meaning of terms for particular rules

Division 3 - General

Part 3 - Jurisdictional qualifications approvals

Part 4 - Miscellaneous
Readers Guide
Introduction
The Road Rules ("the Rules") provide rules to be followed by all road users in this State.
The Rules are arranged in 24 Parts.
The Rules in Parts 1 to 21 are road rules that Tasmania has in common with other States and the Territories. They are part of a national scheme to provide uniform road traffic laws throughout Australia.
Some of the Rules, such as those relating to trams and hook turns, are not presently relevant to Tasmania but they have been included here to preserve the uniformity of the national scheme.
The rules in Part 22 are peculiar to, and apply only in, Tasmania. Although these local rules are not part of the national scheme, they have been included here so that Tasmania's road rules may be found in one place.
Other jurisdictions also have local road rules. If you visit another State or a Territory you must observe its local road rules as well as the national rules.
Part 23 deals with exemptions from the Rules and Part 24 provides for certain qualifying, explanatory and definitional matters.
Aim of the Guide
The aim of this Guide is to help you to understand the Rules and the way they apply to different kinds of roads, vehicles and road users. The Guide also gives information on the structure of the Rules.
As a matter of law the Guide is not part of the Rules.
How to use the Rules
1. Contents and dictionary
The contents at the beginning of the Rules will help you to find particular rules or groups of rules that you may be interested in. They may also be helpful in giving you an overview of the structure of the Rules.
The dictionary at the end of the Rules defines words and expressions that have special meanings in the Rules. It includes words and expressions that are defined elsewhere in the Rules.
2. Application of the rules and some key concepts
The application of the Rules and some key concepts are explained in Part 2 of the Rules. You will need to understand Part 2 to apply the Rules properly.
Roads and road-related areas
The Rules apply to vehicles, animals and persons on roads and ‘road-related areas’. ‘Road-related areas’ are areas like footpaths, nature strips and parking areas. The Rules generally apply to road-related areas in the same way as they apply to roads.
In the Rules, a reference to a ‘road’ generally includes road-related areas. If a particular rule does not apply to road-related areas, or applies only to road-related areas, this will be stated in the rule.
Drivers and riders
The Rules are generally expressed to apply to drivers of vehicles, since they are the largest category of road users. A driver is the person driving or otherwise in control of a vehicle. For example, a person steering and pushing a stalled motor vehicle would be in control of the vehicle and be the ‘driver’.
Persons riding, or otherwise in control of, motor bikes or animal-drawn vehicles, or riding bicycles or animals, are called ‘riders’, rather than drivers. The Rules generally apply to them in the same way as they apply to drivers.
In the Rules, a reference to a ‘driver’ generally includes a rider. If a particular rule does not apply to riders, or applies only to particular kinds of riders, this is stated in the rule.
The definition of a ‘vehicle’ (also in Part 2) is very broad and is not exhaustive. It includes, for example, motorised wheelchairs that can travel over 10 kilometres per hour. However, it does not include trains, wheeled recreational devices or wheeled toys. The driving of trains is not covered by the Rules. Riders of wheeled recreational devices and wheeled toys are treated as pedestrians.
Although most of the Rules apply to vehicles of all kinds and to both drivers and riders, there are some rules that apply only to particular drivers or riders. For example, the rules in Part 15 apply only to bicycle riders, and the rules in Part 17 apply only to the drivers of trams and public buses.
Pedestrians
It is not appropriate to apply the Rules to persons in control of some kinds of vehicles as if they were drivers of conventional motor vehicles. For this reason, some persons who might otherwise come within the definition of ‘driver’ are treated as pedestrians. For example, a person pushing a motorised wheelchair is treated as a pedestrian.
The rules that apply to pedestrians are in Part 14.
3. Diagrams of traffic signs
Diagrams of all traffic signs mentioned in the Rules are shown in alphabetical order in Schedules 2 and 3 at the end of the Rules. The traffic signs in Schedule 2 are those in the relevant Australian Standard (AS 1742) as well as some existing non-standard signs in common use that will continue to be used and some new signs. The traffic signs in Schedule 3 are alternative signs still in use in one or more jurisdictions, but are being phased out.
Diagrams of signs have also been included after particular rules to help you identify the signs when reading the Rules. These diagrams may be a black and white version of the signs or may be printed in colour.
A number of traffic signs have 2 or more permitted versions. Notes to the diagrams of signs included in particular rules will tell you if there are other permitted versions of the signs or if the signs can have other permitted features. For example, there is more than one permitted version of a speed-limit sign. Also, a speed-limit sign can have a different number. Notes to the diagram of the sign in Part 3 will tell you about these things.
Diagrams (including diagrams that are examples) are part of the Rules.
4. Notes and examples
Notes are used throughout the Rules. They may tell you that certain terms are defined (and where they are defined), draw your attention to other relevant rules, or help in other ways. The notes are not part of the Rules.
Examples are also given throughout the Rules, sometimes by explanation and sometimes by diagrams. They are not exhaustive. Examples are part of the Rules
5. Structure and language
The following points may assist you in reading and understanding the Rules
Arrangement of rules
Rules have been grouped in Parts and Divisions so that rules on the same subject are, as far as possible, together. However, some kinds of rules are relevant in many different situations. For example, in addition to the general give way rules in Part 7, giving way at traffic lights is dealt with in Part 6 (which deals with traffic lights) and giving way at roundabouts is dealt with in Part 9 (which deals with roundabouts). This arrangement gives drivers a more complete picture of their obligations at traffic lights and roundabouts.
Notes at the beginning of a Part, or with an application provision, will tell you where other rules on the subject can be found.
Structure of rules
The Rules often deal with complex situations. For this reason the more complex rules set out, in order:
(a) the rule (that is what must, or must not, be done in the situation covered by the rule)
(b) the exceptions to the rule
(c) any other information needed for the application of the rule (for example, particular definitions).
This enables the reader to see the rule set out in the simplest and clearest way.
Exemptions
In addition to exceptions that may be set out in a rule, there are a number of general exemptions. In Part 19, for example, there are a number of general exemptions for police and emergency vehicles and for other vehicles and drivers in particular situations.
A number of rules provide for an exemption if the driver is ‘permitted’ to do something, or is ‘authorised’ or ‘exempt’, ‘under another law of this jurisdiction’.
Definitions included in a rule
Most definitions of words and expressions are given in the dictionary. However, some terms are defined in the text of a rule. This is done where the word or expression is used only in that rule and nowhere else in the Rules. In addition, some definitions, particularly of areas or lengths of road that are established by traffic signs or road markings, are complex or need diagrams to be fully understood. They are placed with the basic rule that deals with the area or length of road, so that the rule and the definition (with any accompanying diagrams) can be seen and understood together. For example, see the definitions of bicycle path and separated footpath in rule 239. This also means there is no need for diagrams of the signs to appear in the dictionary as well as at the end of the rule and in the Schedules. The definitions are, however, signposted in the dictionary at the end of the Rules. Notes are also included in relevant rules drawing attention to these definitions.
Use of the terms vehicle and road in a rule
Because of the way ‘driver’ is defined, it is generally not necessary to say ‘the driver of a vehicle’ or mention the driver’s vehicle in a rule.
In the same way, because the Rules apply only to roads and road-related areas, it is not generally necessary to say in a rule that something must, or must not, be done ‘on a road’, except where the kind of road, or the place on a road, is relevant to the rule or it is necessary to exclude road-related areas.
Use of the terms bus and public bus
If a rule is directed to the driver of a public bus, the term ‘public bus’ is used in the rule, and the rule applies only to public buses. For examples, see Part 17 (Additional rules for drivers of trams and public buses). However, if a rule directs a driver of any vehicle to take or not take some action in relation to a bus, the term ‘bus’ is used and the rule applies to buses of all kinds. This is because, although the rule is primarily intended to apply to public buses, a public bus may not be marked in a way that makes it distinguishable from a private bus, and it is preferable from the point of view of road safety that the driver treat any bus as a public bus. For examples see Part 11, Division 7 (Passing trams and safety zones). There are also some rules that refer specifically to the drivers of all buses.
Use of the term does not apply in relation to a rule
A rule may say that it does not apply to a driver of a particular kind, or in a particular situation. This does not mean, however, that another rule will not apply to the driver in the same situation. An example is rule 95 (Emergency stopping lane only signs). A bicycle rider does not commit an offence under rule 95 by riding in an emergency stopping lane, because the rule expressly states that it does not apply to bicycle riders. However, the rider may still commit an offence by riding in the emergency stopping lane if a no bicycles sign applies to the lane (see rule 252 (No bicycles signs and markings)).
Use of present tense for some actions
The rules may say that a driver ‘is turning’ at an intersection. The use of the present tense is intended to cover both the present and future aspects of the present tense. That is, it refers to a driver who is preparing to make the turn as well as a driver who is in the course of making the turn. The context will make this clear in the rule.
Obligation to give way
There are a number of rules requiring a driver to give way to another driver or a pedestrian. However, under the Rules the other driver or pedestrian does not have a ‘right’ of way. Indeed, in some situations, a number of drivers may be required to give way to each other, for example at an intersection with a stop sign or give way sign on more than one of the intersecting roads. Similarly, although a driver may be required to give way to a pedestrian, the pedestrian is required under rule 236 (1) not to cause a traffic hazard by moving into the driver’s path.
Offences and penalties
If a rule (or subrule) creates an offence, this is indicated by the inclusion of a penalty provision in the rule (or subrule). A person who breaches the rule (or subrule) commits an offence punishable by a penalty not exceeding the penalty specified in that provision.
Penalties can include a fine and, in some circumstances, disqualification from driving. Although the Rules are part of a national scheme to provide uniform road traffic laws throughout Australia, the penalty that may be imposed for an offence under Tasmania's Rules could be quite different to the penalty that may be imposed for the equivalent offence if committed in another jurisdiction.
Other aids to using and understanding the rules
Part 20 of the Rules explains how traffic signs, traffic signals, road markings and other traffic control devices on roads must comply with the Rules to be legally effective. The Part also explains the way traffic control devices apply to lengths of road and areas, and also to drivers and other road users. Traffic signs and signals generally apply to a person if they face the person, but there are exceptions.
Part 21 of the Rules contains a number of provisions to put certain legal issues beyond doubt. They enable the language and concepts in the Rules to be expressed more simply.
Other road laws
The Rules are not completely self-contained and need to be read with the associated laws of the State.
The Rules do not provide all the rules to be followed by road users. Other rules applying to road users are to be found in other laws. For example, other laws deal with drink-driving. Some of these other rules are indicated by notes in the Rules.

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