Be honest. When was the last time you opened the Road User Handbook?
If you're like most Hawkesbury drivers, the answer is probably somewhere between "when I got my licence" and "never."
Whether you're navigating the busy intersections of Richmond, tackling the roundabouts in North Richmond, driving the school run through Windsor, or joining commuter traffic heading towards the M7, even experienced motorists can find themselves second-guessing some of NSW's road rules.
According to Transport for NSW, there are 10 rules that continue to confuse drivers across the state—and chances are a few of them might surprise Hawkesbury residents.
Leading the list are roundabouts, where many motorists still forget that while you don't indicate when travelling straight through, you should indicate left as you exit whenever it's practical to do so.
Another common mistake involves pedestrians. If you're turning left or right at an intersection, pedestrians crossing the road you're entering always have right of way even if there are no traffic lights.
Mobile phone laws also continue to catch drivers out. Fully licensed motorists may only use a phone if it's secured in an approved cradle or operated hands-free through Bluetooth or voice control. Learner and provisional drivers, however, cannot use a phone at all while driving, even for navigation or music.
Merging also remains a source of confusion. Where lane markings disappear, the vehicle ahead generally has priority. However, when changing from one marked lane into another, the driver moving across must give way to traffic already in that lane.
For Hawkesbury residents who regularly travel along the M7, M2 or M4, there's another rule worth remembering: on roads over 80 km/h, motorists must keep left unless overtaking, turning right, making a U-turn, avoiding an obstacle or caught in heavy traffic. If a "Keep Left Unless Overtaking" sign is displayed, the rule applies regardless of the speed limit.
Winter mornings also bring a reminder about lights. High beam must be dipped when you're within 200 metres of an oncoming vehicle or following another vehicle within 200 metres. Fog lights, despite looking impressive, are only legal when visibility is actually reduced by fog, mist or similar conditions.
U-turns are another area where drivers can come unstuck. They remain prohibited across continuous centre lines, at many signalised intersections unless specifically permitted, and on motorways.
Transport for NSW also recommends maintaining at least a three-second gap behind the vehicle in front under normal conditions, increasing that distance in rain, darkness or on gravel roads.
Finally, there's the humble amber traffic light. Contrary to what some drivers appear to believe during the morning rush, a yellow light doesn't mean "put your foot down." Drivers must stop if it is safe to do so, with failure to stop attracting a $562 fine and three demerit points.
While most Hawkesbury motorists pride themselves on being courteous drivers, a quick refresher on the rules could help avoid an expensive surprise—and make local roads a little safer for everyone.
After all, knowing the road rules never goes out of fashion, even if your licence photo did years ago.
The tone can easily be made even more humorous or expanded with local quotes from police, the NRMA, or a Hawkesbury driving instructor if you'd like to publish it as a feature.
Article sourced from Open Road
