Unique WA road rules that surprise new residents

By: Cristy Burne

Whether you’re making a U-turn or just wondering why everyone's driving in the left-hand lane, there’s a lot about driving on West Australian roads that is unique.

So, what do new drivers wish they’d known earlier? Let’s unpack are some of the laws and habits WA drivers find most unusual and important.

You see a great carpark, but it’s on the other side of the road

Parking against traffic flow

Sarah moved to Perth from the UK, where during daylight hours it’s totally fine to park your car on either side of the road. “You can just kind of pull into the traffic and park,” she says.

But in WA, this isn’t allowed. Even when you find a super-rare parking bay, just on the other side of the road.

“When we’re trying to park at Cottesloe Beach, we’ll see a spot, but it’s gone by the time we’ve driven past, turned around and come back,” Sarah says. “We’ve honestly done this a comical number of times.”

What’s the rule in WA? It’s illegal to park your car in the opposite direction to oncoming traffic.

When it applies: All the time, for any roadside or street parking.

Violators may receive fines. “We’ve had friends who’ve had a ticket for parking in the wrong direction,” Sarah says.

Tom, who also moved to Perth from the UK, has also been caught out. “We had no idea this rule was actually enforced,” he says.

You want to turn right at the lights, but there’s no green arrow

Making right-hand turns at traffic lights

“I am always a bit doubtful about right turns at the traffic lights,” says Anamika, who has been driving in Perth for more than ten years after coming to WA from India. “If the last car on the other side drives through on the orange light, you’re stuck in the intersection.”

So, how do you avoid being trapped in the middle?

What’s the rule in WA? If there’s a green light with no red arrow and there's no ‘No Right Turn’ sign, you can cross the white line and drive into the intersection. Once you’re there, wait for a gap in oncoming traffic. If the light turns orange while you’re waiting, you can still make the right-hand turn, if it's safe to do so.

When it applies: At intersections where there is no dedicated right-turn arrow. If you don’t turn and end up blocking the intersection, you can be fined for obstructing traffic.

You see flashing lights and stationary vehicles up ahead

Obeying the Slow Down, Move Over (SLOMO) rule

If you see flashing lights on WA’s roads, you can be sure that there's an incident ahead. Slowing down makes sense, and in WA, it’s also the law.

What’s the rule in WA? You need to slow to 40 km/h and move out of the way, or even into another lane, if you can.

When it applies: When you’re approaching any stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks or RAC Roadside Assistance patrols with flashing lights. Non-compliance can result in a $300 fine and 3 demerit points.

You’re driving on a road with a choice of lanes

Keeping left unless overtaking

Keeping to the left-hand lane leaves the right-hand lane mostly free, which helps traffic flow more smoothly. If you’re not used to driving on the left, sticking a KEEP LEFT sticker on your dashboard can help.

What’s the rule in WA? You must keep left unless you’re overtaking, where the speed limit is 90 km/h or more.

When it applies: On multi-lane roads with speed limits of 90 km/h or more. Also, if there is a ‘keep left unless overtaking’ sign. You can be in a different lane if you need to be: for example, if you need to turn right, the left lane is turning, or the left lane is a bus lane.

You see a bus with its indicator on ahead of you

Giving way to buses

While it’s tempting to speed past a bus that has its indicator flashing to leave a bus stop, not giving way is discourteous, can disrupt bus schedules and can also lead to fines.

What’s the rule in WA? Buses have right of way on WA roads.

When it applies: You must give way when a bus signals to leave a bus stop, re-enter traffic or change lanes. If you don’t, it could cost you a $200 fine and three demerit points.

You need to pull over on the freeway

Using emergency stopping lanes or bays

You can’t use emergency stopping lanes or bays for texting, taking a phone call or having a nap.

What’s the rule in WA? You can only stop in an emergency stopping lane or bay if it’s an actual emergency.

When it applies: If your car has broken down or your safety is at risk, you can absolutely use an emergency lane or bay, but please stay no longer than required.

What to do in an emergency: Emergency bays often have roadside help phones. You can also call Main Roads WA on 138 138, or if you need emergency services, call 000. If you’re on the freeway and can’t get to an emergency bay, keep your seatbelt on, stay in your vehicle, turn your flashing hazard lights on and wait. Perth’s freeway is monitored 24/7, so an Incident Response team will soon be on its way to help.

You spot a vehicle with an ‘oversized’ sign

Sharing the road with oversized vehicles

WA’s mining industry means there are often ‘oversized loads’ on our roads. These supersized vehicles often travel in convoy with smaller pilot or escort vehicles with flashing lights.

What’s the rule in WA? If an oversized load is approaching, slow down and move to the left. You may need to pull off the road completely.

To pass an oversized vehicle, be patient. The escort vehicles will signal when it’s safe to pass. Sometimes, the whole convoy will pull over to let this happen.

When it applies: The directions of pilot and escort vehicle drivers must be obeyed. Failure to do so can cost you demerit points and a fine.

You’re traveling behind the biggest truck you’ve ever seen

Passing road trains safely

Road trains on regional WA roads can be up to 60 metres long. Here's to pass one safely and legally.

What’s the rule in WA? To pass a road train, you’ll need a long, straight stretch of sealed road with a clear view of oncoming traffic. Once you've passed the road train, leave lots of space before pulling back into the left-hand lane. Some regional roads have dedicated overtaking lanes, while others only have a single lane each way and require you to overtake by moving into the oncoming traffic lane. Even when passing, you’re not allowed to exceed the speed limit.

When it applies: You’ll usually meet road trains on regional highways. Be extra careful on windy days: road trains can sway from side-to-side, especially the last trailer.

Roos, rain and random breath tests (RBTs)

What other road rules and habits have caught new drivers out?

Speed cameras: In the UK, speed cameras are well signposted. Here mobile speed cameras are often always tucked away, out of sight. Speeding will cost you demerit points and a fine.

Random Breath Testing: In WA, a police officer can stop you at any time to test for the presence of alcohol or drugs in your system. You’ll need to slow down and follow police instructions.

Double demerits: Take extra-care driving during holiday periods. WA has a ‘double demerit’ system: breaking the rules will cost you twice as many demerit points.

Petrol costs: Service stations tend to price their fuel so it’s cheapest on a Tuesday. Use FuelWatch to find the cheapest fuel near you. All fuel retailers must register their daily prices with this government service.

Towing speed limits: In WA, there’s a maximum speed limit of 100km/h for vehicles towing any type of trailer, including caravans or boats.

Rainy days: Over the summer months Perth has very little rain; when wet roads return, they can be extra slippery and hazardous.

L-plate drivers: Learner drivers must display a square yellow ‘L’ sign in the front and rear windscreen. If you spot one, be patient.

No U-turns at traffic lights: Unless there’s a ‘U-turn permitted sign’ you’re not allowed to make a U-turn at traffic lights.

No reversing on freeway on-ramps: If you find yourself accidentally on the freeway, you must continue until you can exit at the next ramp.

Be aware of wildlife on country roads: Many WA drivers try to minimise their need to travel on country roads at dusk, dawn or in the dark. That’s because these times are when kangaroos are most active.