Do you really know the road rules?

Most drivers probably think they know all the road rules in NSW – or at least, the ones they need to know. Yet it is not unusual for the driving basics to become blurry after a few years behind the wheel. As part of Road Rules Awareness Week, introduced in 2013, Transport NSW publishes a list of the top 10 most misunderstood road rules.

This year’s misunderstood rules have changed very little since 2013, except for the addition of misunderstandings about how to use mobile phones legally while driving.

The rules about mobile phones differ depending on your driver status:

L or P1 drivers cannot use a mobile phone for any function at all, even if stuck in traffic or waiting at the lights.

P2 and fully licensed drivers or bike riders can use a mobile phone while driving/riding for an audio call only if the phone is securely attached and they do not touch the phone. Any GPS function can be used, as long as it is securely fastened and does not obstruct driver vision.

Texting, emailing, taking photos (anything but audio calls) can be used only when the vehicle is parked away from traffic lines. They are not allowed when the vehicle is stopped, including waiting at traffic lights or stuck in traffic.

• Roundabouts
• Giving way to pedestrians when turning
• Mobile phones
• Merging
• Keeping left
• Using headlights and fog lights
• U-turns
• Safe following distances
• School zones
• Yellow traffic lights.

When in doubt, find out more details about each one, including video animations at:

http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/roadrules.html

Remember a cheaper greenslip depends on having a good driving record, as well as the type of vehicle you drive. Find out more about how to get the cost of your greenslip down.