Four-wheel driving etiquette

27 March, 2024 By: John Bormolini

The majority of four-wheel drive vehicles on our roads are multi-purpose but are still largely used for city duties. And whilst many rarely venture off-road, the emergence of COVID and lockdowns saw a significant increase in four-wheel drive owners venturing off the blacktop and exploring our national parks and remote areas inland.

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Drivers need to be well informed about the importance of responsible four-wheel driving. Things are basically the same as other licensed vehicles when on the blacktop or city streets but the capacity for four-wheel drives to go much further and into difficult terrain raises lots of other considerations. Environmental impact obviously, but also questions of legal access and restrictions, cultural awareness and private property, off-road safety and even simple driver etiquette.

Restrictions and guidelines for off-road driving

For drivers looking to utilise their four-wheel drive through outback or off-road areas, the most important thing to remember is that off-road does not mean off-track or off-trail.

Essentially, drivers must stay on designated tracks or trails and should not create their own. Drivers wishing to “explore” need to respect the local and state laws in regard to access and private property.

Western Australian legislation covers the use of off-road vehicles under the Control of Vehicles (Off-road Areas) Act of 1978. It is well worth reviewing the details of the Act as well as the constantly changing restricted zones, many of which are specific to local government areas and shires. The Act prohibits the use of off-road vehicles in certain places as well as making provision for areas and conditions where they can be used.

Coastal access and driving on the beach are popular with WA four-wheel drive owners. Any driver considering this off-road option needs to be aware of what applies in that exact local area, however, because it may change from year to year.

An excellent local guide for responsible off-road driving on WA beaches and coastal areas is the Code Off Road, put together by Track Care WA. The practical and specific advice contained within it highlights the vital ethic of “driving safely and lightly” in what can be a very fragile environment. Importantly it also gives technical tips in regard to that driving and the type of equipment essential for coastal four-wheel drive conditions.

Environmental impacts

Travelling through unsealed road areas will have a detrimental impact if we don’t respect nature and the surrounding environment. Avoid driving off the existing trail or tracks, especially if it impacts the vegetation. In many locations, the vegetation does not regenerate quickly and its loss can destabilise dune structures or surface run-off.

Drivers often drive around small obstacles rather than over them, creating new or additional trails that are not necessary. Sadly, some carry a chainsaw not just for cutting up dead firewood but for removing branches and small trees that might impede the track.

Perhaps most irresponsible are the drivers and campers who leave rubbish behind. There’s nothing more disappointing than being in a magnificent, pristine spot somewhere in the bush and coming across that discarded Coke can or a plastic bag of garbage left behind.

Some of that environmental impact is not always visible. The longer-term effect on the ecology of the area can be harder to see, but significant. The spread of phytophthora dieback throughout our South West is a good example.

Many of our unique plant species, including coastal heaths, are susceptible to dieback, caused by a microscopic soilborne, water mould. The pathogen kills many coastal species and vegetation types and can be easily spread by mud and plant material being transported on a vehicle, into unaffected areas.

Cultural and heritage awareness

Four-wheel drivers wishing to explore remote regions can easily be unaware of cultural sensitivities that may exist in an area. It’s important to know as much as possible about the historical and cultural significance of an area before charging through it, taking photographs or collecting any items of interest that you may discover.

By law, visitors passing through Aboriginal Reserves require a permit, which can take some time to obtain. The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage provides an online mapping tool that allows drivers to plan their trip and identifies which land requires a permit.

In some of our northern and central mining areas, permits also need to be obtained before driving on dirt “haul roads” that are used to connect mining leases or follow rail lines for maintenance crews. They can be great access ways for remote inland camping and four-wheel driving but official permission (and payment) needs to happen first.

Access across private property can also be contentious. Some of the more intrepid off-road enthusiasts have a blatant disregard for the lands they’re crossing or exploring, cutting fences or breaking locked gates to gain access.

In other cases, station or property owners generously allow limited access as long as travellers close the gates behind them and respect the place. Its long been a matter of dispute across the extensive landscape of Australia and no doubt will continue to be, given the popularity of recreational four-wheel driving.

Four-wheel drive codes of ethics and driver etiquette

Over the last fifty years, a more refined sense of driver responsibility and off-road ethics has steadily emerged. All Australian states and territories now have similar well-developed codes of ethics, all connected to the hundreds of four-wheel drive clubs and larger statewide four-wheel drive associations.

There’s a great sense of advocacy through these organised four-wheel clubs and peak bodies to ensure that their members are spreading the word about responsible four-wheel drive activities and participation. These clubs offer benefits such as the skill and knowledge of experienced members, club equipment, social events, group tagalong tours and the opportunity to contribute to track maintenance.

As a peak body, Four Wheel Drive Australia, for example, has the following in regard to its published Off-Road Driving - Code of Ethics:

• Obey the laws and regulations for Recreational Vehicles that apply to public lands.
• Respect the cultural, heritage and environmental values of public/private land, by obeying restrictions that may apply.
• Respect our flora and fauna. Stop and look, but never disturb.
• Keep to formed vehicle tracks. When you can, drive over obstacles rather than making the track wider.
• Keep the environment clean. Carry your own, and any other, rubbish out.
• Keep your vehicle mechanically sound and clean to reduce the environmental impact.
• Adopt minimal impact camping and driving practices.
• Lower your tyre pressures; do not try and get through at highway pressures.
• Seek permission before driving on private land. Do not disturb livestock or watering points; leave gates as found.
• Take adequate water, food, fuel, basic spares and a first aid kit on trips. In remote areas, travel with another vehicle and have Royal Flying Doctor Service, or equivalent emergency contact by radio or satellite.
• Plan ahead and lodge trip details with a responsible person.
• Enjoy your recreation and respect the rights of others.
• Support four-wheel drive touring as a legitimate family activity.
• Consider joining an affiliated four-wheel drive club.

Generally, this is consistent with most State and Territory peak bodies as they highlight the values inherent in being responsible four-wheel drivers whilst still enjoying the great privilege of touring to all parts of our state.

Do we need four-wheel drive licences for off-roading?

In some quarters, there are calls for a specialist four-wheel drive licence to ensure there is further regulation of those who operate this type of vehicle. Whether it would be required for drivers when operating on unsealed roads, tracks or beaches or whether it would be universally required for all owners of four-wheel drives is unclear.

There are certainly driver training courses that specialise in catering for owners who wish to upskill and be able to better understand and handle their vehicle in off-road terrains. These are not a licence however and merely provides a Statement of Attainment or “ticket” that confirms your training.

Responsible preparation

There is no doubt that acquiring the right driving skills and being aware of responsible four-wheel driving ethics are very important, before any serious off-road ventures. Just as crucial, however, is being carefully prepared and equipped. The safety of everyone in the vehicle is at stake if tackling really tough terrain or if the conditions become dangerous.

Never take on a very challenging off-road venture without adequate planning and preparation. Thorough navigation skills, vehicle recovery training, essential spares and equipment and the ability to do basic repairs are all essential. Ideally, First Aid and some basic survival training should be in there somewhere too.

Rule number one, before all of that, should be to not go it alone. Travelling in convoy, even if it’s just with one or two other vehicles, can be an enormous help.

Responsible planning and preparation includes knowing where to look for good, reliable advice. The Explore WA website has information on travelling in remote locations and driving off-road safely.

Three other very useful resources for WA four-wheel drivers include HEMA, the WA Four-wheel Drive Association and Track Care. Firstly, HEMA’s comprehensive, long-established mapping platform, which is available in accurate digital and app form, is a great planning tool. It also features an accurate GPS navigator programme.

The WA Four-Wheel Drive Association is one of the main peak bodies for off-road driving in the state. It engages with the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Track Care WA and various organisations to maintain and expand areas for recreational use, encourage safe four-wheel driving and keep our environment clean.

The previously mentioned Track Care WA has over many years become an institution in terms of community-based recreational four-wheel driving. As a volunteer organisation, it works as a conduit, representing four-wheel drivers to other stakeholders such as government. Every year the group engages in projects around track maintenance, pollution clean-ups and restoration of historical points of interest. Their work is well publicised and deserving of recognition.