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Driving in Australia – Recommendations, Tips and Tricks
22. The use of a mobile phone while driving is also considered a serious violation. If you are caught using a cell phone while driving for the first time, the punishment will be a fine from 70 to 200 dollars, and a repeated violation results in a lot more serious punishment - up to two years in prison.
23. Driving under the influence is also a serious violation with a very large fine. The permissible level of alcohol in the blood is from 0.2 to 0.5 ppm. The content depends on the driving experience and the type of the driving license.
24. If one exceeds the abovementioned limit by at least 0.15 ppm, the offender will be fined $3,300 for the violation. Some additional punishments may be imposed in this case. They include the suspension of the driving license for up to 12 months as well as the imprisonment for up to 18 months.
25. Australian drivers are very disciplined and law-abiding. Despite a huge number of cars there is always order on local roads. Foreign visitors also need to behave politely and be attentive to other vehicles and, of course, to pedestrians.
26. There are many unspoken rules on the roads of Australia. For example, if drivers of cars close to you wink with the beams or make hand gestures, it does not mean that they are unhappy or they want to get acquainted with you. Most probably, they just want you to give way or simply warn of the maneuver they’re about to make.
27. In Melbourne, there are private roads the total length of which is 22 km. You will need to pay to drive on them. It is also worth noting that 93% of Melbourne residents consider their private cars the main means of transport, and only 7% of residents regularly use public transport.
Hints on Car Hire in Australia
When choosing a car for your Australia trip, don’t forget to check and compare the franchise amount (indicated in the rental conditions) for all cars considered in your selection. The franchise may vary from 200 to 2000 euro/dollars even for cars of the same class. A thorough comparison will allow you to choose the option with the lowest franchise.
During your booking, we will offer you to take a full coverage of the franchise ('No Risk' or 'No Excess' package). If you book a car without full coverage, it is recommended to take it at the pick-up time - this will substantially reduce your financial liability in Australia for the whole rental period.
During your car pick-up in Australia, do not forget to check what to do in breakdown-, accident- or theft-cases. Most of our offers include 'Breakdown Assistance' package. Besides this, every rental office would be happy to assist you with this package.
Prior to the car return, please check your voucher for the fuel conditions. If it is indicated that a driver shall return the car with a full tank, do not forget to refuel it on the way back, this will save you from additional charges at the rental office.
If you are looking for a car hire in Australia, we advise you to check OrangeSmile.com actual rental offers. Just use the orange search form at the top. We guarantee that you would not be able to find better rates anywhere else!
29. The police are allowed to stop vehicles for no apparent reason. Most probably, in this case a driver will be required to take the test that shows the content of alcohol in the blood. It is not recommended to reject to take the test as it will be inevitably followed by the heaviest penalty - a fine of up to $3,300 and the driving license suspension for 3-5 years. The imprisonment for 18-24 months can be imposed as an additional penalty.
30. The same penalties are imposed for drivers who do not provide help in the event of an accident. Even if a driver has not been directly involved in the accident, and was a mere witness, he must call the police and the ambulance.
31. There are traditionally many different road signs along busy roads. Some of them may seem rather unusual to foreign drivers. For example, some signs warn drivers that there is a restriction on the import of alcoholic beverages, as well as the production of pornographic materials in the country.
32. In addition to monetary penalties, special points are added for serious violations in Australia. When the number of points reaches the critical level, the driving license of the offender is canceled. So, a driver should not score more than 12 points during three years. Otherwise, he will be able to use his/her driving license only as a proof of identity.
33. Some types of violations can bring as many as 6 points at a time. For example, you will get that much if you exceed the speed for more than 45 km/h. If the speed has been exceeded for less than 15 km/h, such a violation will bring only 1 point.
34. It is allowed to perform overtaking and other maneuvers on the road only when turn signals are switched on. Many local drivers do not only use the turn signals, but also make gestures to show their intentions.
35. It is prohibited to move to the extreme right lane without any particular need, if there is a free left lane. The extreme right lane is only used for overtaking and in extreme cases, when there is a big traffic jam on the road.
36. Note that driving with beam lights and turn signals turned on without any particular need is also considered a violation. In addition to a monetary penalty, such a violation will accrue one penalty point.
38. The drivers, who are accustomed to right traffic, should not worry that there is a risk of making a wrong maneuver by force of habit. In all cities lanes have a clear separation, so it is almost impossible to turn in the wrong direction.
39. Numerous tunnels are an integral part of Australian roads. They are well equipped and are distinguished by an excellent quality of the road surface and lighting. Tunnels are one of the best ways to cover large distances in a quick way because they have no traffic lights and there are several lanes in each direction.
40. It is not difficult to find a parking place in a big city. Even small shopping complexes are equipped with underground parking lots. Payment for parking services is charged through traditional parking machines that have become common in many countries.
41. The cost of paid parking depends on the time of day, and some parking lots take the day of the week into consideration as well. There is a special sign that explains all the nuances next to each parking space. In some car parking areas at a certain time of a day or day of a week it is possible to leave cars for free.
42. Many open parking areas near pedestrian zones have special constraints. They have small curbs that prevent vehicles from driving to the sidewalk. This is very useful when the vehicle is driving backwards and the parking border is not visible to the driver.
43. Road navigation in Australia is distinguished by ease and convenience. Many text road signs are duplicated by graphic signs, so their meaning is clear even to those who do not have a driving license. Road signs in Australia are not distinguished by a large range of colors, and this fact also makes the orientation on roads of the country easier.
Popular cities in Australia with OrangeSmile.com rental points
AVIS
ALAMO
BUDGET
DOLLAR
RENT-A-CAR
EUROPCAR
NATIONAL
PAYLESS
SIXT
THRIFTY
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