On 30 November 2009 there will be some changes to the road rules for drivers, including motorcyclists

New road rules for drivers

Whilst all of the new road rules affect drivers, some of the key changes for drivers include the following:

• At an intersection, a driver must stop at the first stop line and must not enter a bicycle storage area for cyclists when the traffic light is red.
• If a driver is blocking a driveway, the driver is only allowed two minutes to pick up or drop off passengers and must not leave the vehicle unattended. People with disabilities have 5 minutes.
• A driver must not have another person or animal on their lap.
• If two vehicles, for example a bicycle and a car or two motorcycles, are travelling in the same single marked lane and one vehicle diverges to the left or right within the marked lane, the diverging vehicle must give way.
• A driver can only operate front or rear fog lights if driving in fog or other hazardous weather conditions. You also must not use a light on a vehicle that dazzles or is likely to dazzle another road user.
• Drivers must now ensure windows of a motor vehicle are secured (in addition to locking the vehicle) if moving more than 3 metres away from the vehicle (unless vehicle is attended by a person aged 16 years or more).
• It is not only illegal to drive a vehicle with a device used to detect speed measuring devices, but now it will be illegal to tow a trailer with such a device in or on it.

What you have to do

Drivers should become familiar with these new rules, as well as all other road rule changes and follow them.

In doing so, drivers will help make the road safer for themselves and other road users.

Road safety reasons

Driving is a complex task, so it is important that drivers concentrate properly and share the road responsibly with other drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists.

•  Fact Sheet(84KB)