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New changes to Australian Road Rules

Saturday, 30 March 2024

A raft of changes to the Australian Road Rules are coming into effect this week, including updates to electric vehicle parking regulations and child restraint laws. 

The State Government has removed restrictions on the sale and use of certain non-standard child restraints, to make it easier for parents and carers of children with a medical condition or disability to source specifically-designed restraints.

After extensive advocacy from groups such as Mobility and Accessibility for Children in Australia Ltd (MACA), parents and carers will no longer be required to have their vehicle and the associated child restraint inspected, but will still need to carry a certificate from a medical practitioner when driving.

Two new parking offences have also been introduced, prohibiting non-electric cars from parking in designated electric vehicle parking areas and parking in a charging area when the vehicle is not being charged. The first offence will incur a $75 on-the-spot fine, while the second will result in a fine of $111.

Local councils will install signage by electric vehicle parking bays to remind drivers of the new offences.

These have been introduced to address the growing presence of electric vehicles as the State Government aims to facilitate the smooth integration of the vehicles to the state’s road network.

Further changes include revisions to some rules relating to U-turns and giving way to cyclists and pedestrians. It is also now illegal to interrupt or interfere with funeral processions.

The amendments and technical changes to the Australian Road Rules dictionary were approved following an agreement by Infrastructure and Transport Ministers in June 2023.

The Australian Road Rules are a national body of laws governing the use of roads, footpaths and other shared spaces and are regularly reviewed by transport officials and police to improve road safety.

There are over 350 national rules that support the safe and efficient use of roads in Australia, plus some state variations.

For more information on the amended Australian Road Rules, visit mylicence.sa.gov.au/road-rules.

For more information on child restraint rules, visit https://mylicence.sa.gov.au/road-rules/seatbelts-and-child-restraints.