Turnbull’s Hire is pleased to be working in conjunction with Economy Rent a Car.
With locations in numerous countries around the world, Economy Rent a Car is a well-established and trusted name in car hire.
For customers arriving into Melbourne from other parts of the globe, Turnbull’s Hire would like to offer some information about driving your hire car in Australia
Why choose personal transport?
As you are no doubt aware, Australia is one big country. Choosing to hire a vehicle as your primary mode of transportation gives you the freedom to explore it at your leisure. Australia is a country passionate about cars and our road system reflects that love of driving, from famous scenic tourist roads to bustling city streets, you’ll find driving in Australia a rewarding experience.
Australia’s Road Infrastructure
Visitors arriving in Australia will find the roadway systems maintained to a high standard in both the major cities and regional centres. Road signage is well displayed and easy to understand. Most travel guides provide a basic run down on how to read our road signs, and we suggest that visitors from overseas spend some time familiarising themselves with the various road systems and laws.
Australia’s roads are made up of freeways, highways, toll roads, major roads and local street systems, with driving distances and speeds measured in kilometres.
Drivers in Australia are provided with rest areas situated along most main freeways and highways, as well as a good selection of service or ‘petrol’ stations for refueling your vehicle, as well as access to clean public toilets and the chance to purchase refreshments.
Road Rules
Like many countries, Australia’s road rules differ in each state or territory.
Remember that traffic travels on the left hand side of the street, with the steering wheel located on the right side of the car.
All drivers must be licensed, and drivers from particular countries may also need an international license and perhaps an approved English translation.
Children are required to be seated in an approved child restraint, booster seat or safety harness depending on their age and size.
There is a national legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is reached at 0.05 or over for fully licensed drivers (learner and probationary drivers must have a BAC of 0.00). Mobile alcohol testing stations are regularly set up on both major highways and quiet country streets.
To view further information on state or territory road rules please visit: http://australia.gov.au/content/road-rules
Speed Limits
Each state and territory sets its own speed limits. Whilst most speed limits are clearly marked by road signage, it is important to know the maximum speed for the state and type of road you are driving on as this is the maximum speed you must drive at when a road is not signed.
For example, the maximum state speed for Victorian built up and residential areas is 50kms, unless otherwise signed.
Australian roads have permanent speed and red light cameras set up on some roads and highways, and the use of mobile speed traps is frequent in both city and country areas.
Emergencies
The Australian emergency assistance number is 000. This number accesses police, ambulance and fire in the case of an emergency.
Turnbull’s Hire offers this information as a guide only as at the 24.06.14. Please contact local state and territory’s road management department for up-to-date rules and regulations.
- VicRoads Victoria www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
- Roads and Maritime New South Wales www.rms.nsw.gov.au
- Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland www.tmr.qld.gov.au
- Road Transport Authority Australian Capital Territory www.rego.act.gov.au
- Department of Infrastructure, Energy & Resources Tasmania www.transport.tas.gov.au
- Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure South Australia www.dpti.sa.gov.au
- Department of Transport Northern Territory www.transport.nt.gov.au
- Department of Transport Western Australia www.transport.wa.gov.au