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Tasmania · Tasmanian Road Rules Handbook · chapter 2 · 7 min read

Introduction & Why We Have Road Rules

1. Introduction to the Tasmanian Road Rules Why do we have Road Rules?

The Road Rules are an invaluable safety measure that, when followed, save lives. The rules make our actions on the road predictable, which helps us avoid crashes that can lead to death, injury and property damage. The rules also make for the smooth and efficient movement of traffic through our cities, towns and regional communities. Tragically, every year more than 30 people are killed and close to 300 are seriously injured on Tasmanian roads. Travelling on our roads is one of the most dangerous things anyone can do.

It is always your responsibility to travel safely to avoid crashing with other road users.

Driving with care means following the Road Rules and is a standard that must be maintained throughout your driving life. Road laws change from time to time, and it is also your responsibility to be aware of what the rules are, and how to comply safely. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse if you break a road rule. We all have a responsibility to follow the Road Rules – whether we are a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, bicycle rider or pedestrian.

How road design supports safety Our roads are designed to keep us as safe as possible when using them. Road markings, traffic islands, signs, traffic lights, roundabouts, safety barriers, intersections, warning signs and speed limits are all in place for this purpose. All of these design aspects of our roads are discussed in the Road Rules.

The Road Rules are the law The Road Rules are based on model laws agreed to and adopted by all Australian jurisdictions. Although there are some variations between states, the Road Rules are mostly consistent across Australia. When you are using Tasmanian roads, these laws apply to you:

1. Introduction to the Tasmanian Road Rules

The top five causes of crashes Most crashes that lead to injuries or deaths are the result of one or more of the following factors:

You are responsible for making sure you are fit to drive before you enter onto the road.

Why are motor vehicles dangerous?

Motor vehicles are large, heavy pieces of equipment moving at speed, that we use in complex decision-making environments. Even at low speeds, motor vehicles can cause significant harm. Pedestrians, bicycle riders and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on our roads as they do not have the same protection as motorists in vehicles.

Sharing the road with vulnerable road users

Pedestrians Bicycle riders Motorcyclists

Sharing the road with pedestrians

Pedestrians have a right to share the road. As a driver, you are legally required to give way (refer to Section 7, “Giving Way”) to pedestrians at crossings and when turning at intersections. However, you should always be prepared to stop for pedestrians. Pedestrians include:

Pedestrians do not always act how you expect, particularly children. You should be aware of the location and behaviour of pedestrians at all times, and you must try to avoid a collision even if the pedestrian is doing the wrong thing.

When you are driving in or around pedestrian areas, remember to drive slowly and always be prepared to stop.

Sharing the road with bicycle riders

Bicycle riders have an equal right to use the road as drivers of other vehicles. They share the same rights and responsibilities as drivers and motorcyclists.

Bicycle riders are allowed to use the whole lane on roads with lane markings and ride two abreast (side by side). They are also allowed to ride on footpaths and across pedestrian crossings.

Bicycle riders are much more likely to be killed or injured in a crash than a car driver. This is because they are not as well protected as the occupants of vehicles. Bicycle riders do not have the body of a car around them to protect them from the impact of a crash, and they are less stable because their vehicles only have two wheels. Bicycle riders also travel at much lower speeds than motorcyclists and vehicles, meaning they cannot move as quickly out of the way of harm.

When driving, look out for bicycle riders, particularly when changing lanes, entering roundabouts or opening car doors. You could seriously injure or kill a rider if you crash into them.

Sharing the road with motorcyclists

Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. However, motorcyclists are much more likely to be killed or injured in a crash than a car driver. Motorcyclists are most at risk on:

As a driver, look out for motorcyclists who may be lane filtering or in your blind spot before you move your vehicle (see lane filtering in Section 12 “Overtaking”).

As a motorcyclist, make sure you are riding safely to the conditions, maintain your vehicle, and consider investing in quality motorcycling gear that will provide you with the greatest protection in the event of a crash. 2. Who and what is covered by the Road Rules? The Road Rules apply to road users, vehicles, wheeled recreational devices and pedestrians. Some rules apply to all road users, while other rules apply to some road users. For example, wearing a helmet is only required by motorcyclists and bicycle riders. It is important to understand these differences, as some rules also apply separately to road or road-related areas. Additional laws apply to drivers of heavy vehicles. For more information go to:

Who is a road user? A road user is a driver, rider, passenger or pedestrian. This is how we describe each type of road user.

Driver A person who is driving and in control of a vehicle (this excludes motorcycles, bicycles, an animal or animal-drawn vehicle).

Rider A person who is riding and in control of a motorcycle, bicycle, an animal or animal- drawn vehicle.

Passenger A person who is:

Pedestrian A person walking on or alongside a road, including:

Wheeled recreational device Wheeled devices that are used for recreation or play.

Wheeled toys

Children’s pedal cars, scooters (other than a motorised scooter), tricycles or a similar toy, but only when it is being used by a child who is under 12 years old.

Vehicle Includes:

What is a road or road-related area?

This is what we mean by ‘road’ or ‘road-related area’:

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