13 Road Rules in WA You Might Not Know About
Road Rules in WA You Might Not Know About
Most drivers know the basics: obey the speed limit, wear a seatbelt, stop at red lights and don't use your phone while driving. But Western Australia's road rules also include a number of lesser-known requirements that can easily catch drivers by surprise.
Understanding these rules isn't just about avoiding a fine. They are designed to reduce distractions, prevent accidents and make WA roads safer for drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Below are some WA road rules you may not know about and what they mean when you're behind the wheel.
1. Throwing Litter From a Vehicle Is an Offence
Throwing rubbish from a vehicle isn't just inconsiderate — it can also result in penalties under Western Australia's Litter Act 1979.
Drivers and passengers should make sure rubbish stays inside the vehicle until it can be disposed of properly. In some circumstances, the registered owner of a vehicle may also become involved in an investigation where the person responsible for the littering cannot immediately be identified.
Whether it's a cigarette butt, food packaging or another piece of rubbish, the simplest rule is to keep it in the car until you reach a bin.
2. Pets Shouldn't Distract You While Driving
Taking your dog along for the drive is common, but animals need to be transported safely.
A pet that is moving freely around a vehicle can distract the driver and create a significant safety risk. In particular, driving with an animal sitting on your lap can interfere with your ability to control the vehicle.
Where possible, pets should be safely restrained using an appropriate harness, carrier or other suitable restraint.
3. Don't Leave Your Vehicle Unsecured
Leaving your car for "just a minute" doesn't necessarily mean you can leave the engine running or the vehicle unsecured.
WA road rules contain requirements relating to unattended vehicles. Depending on the circumstances, drivers may need to switch off the engine, secure the vehicle and take appropriate steps to prevent it from moving or being accessed without permission.
Apart from avoiding a potential traffic offence, securing your vehicle can also reduce the risk of theft or an accident.
4. Keep Your Arms and Legs Inside the Vehicle
Hanging an arm, leg or another part of your body outside a moving vehicle might seem harmless, but it can be dangerous.
WA road rules generally require drivers and passengers to keep their bodies within the vehicle, with limited exceptions such as giving an authorised hand signal.
The rule helps protect occupants from passing vehicles, roadside objects and other hazards.
5. Your Horn Isn't for Saying Hello
A quick beep to greet a friend might seem innocent, but a vehicle's horn is intended primarily as a warning device.
Drivers should not use their horn unnecessarily. The same principle applies to deliberately creating excessive vehicle noise.
In practical terms, your horn should generally be used when you need to warn another road user of danger rather than to express frustration, celebrate or get someone's attention.
6. Driving Too Slowly Can Also Be a Problem
Speeding gets most of the attention, but travelling unreasonably slowly can also create a road safety issue.
For example, driving at a very low speed on a high-speed road without a valid reason could obstruct other motorists and potentially breach WA road rules.
Of course, there are plenty of legitimate reasons to slow down, including traffic, poor visibility, road conditions, hazards or mechanical problems. The issue is unnecessarily obstructing other road users.
7. Don't Speed Up When Someone Is Overtaking You
If another vehicle is legally overtaking you, increasing your speed to prevent them from passing can make an already risky manoeuvre much more dangerous.
Drivers being overtaken should allow the other vehicle to complete the manoeuvre safely rather than competing for position.
Keeping a predictable speed and leaving sufficient space can significantly reduce the risk of a collision.
8. Fog Lights Aren't Everyday Driving Lights
Fog lights are designed for conditions where visibility is significantly reduced, such as fog, heavy rain, smoke or dust.
Using them when conditions don't require them can create unnecessary glare for other road users and may breach WA road rules.
If visibility is normal, your standard headlights or daytime running lights will usually be the appropriate option.
9. You Can't Reverse Further Than Necessary
There isn't a set number of metres that you're allowed to reverse.
Instead, WA road rules focus on whether reversing is safe and reasonable in the circumstances.
That means drivers should avoid reversing for an unnecessarily long distance, particularly where doing so could create a hazard for pedestrians or other vehicles.
If you've missed a turn, continuing forward and finding a safe place to turn around will often be safer than reversing a significant distance.
10. Think Carefully Before Swerving for an Animal
It's natural to instinctively swerve when an animal runs onto the road, but a sudden manoeuvre can sometimes create an even greater danger.
Depending on the circumstances, braking firmly while maintaining control of the vehicle may be safer than moving suddenly into another lane or into the path of another vehicle.
Every situation is different, so drivers need to respond in a way that minimises the overall risk to themselves and other road users.
11. Give Cyclists Enough Space When Overtaking
Western Australia has minimum passing distance requirements designed to protect cyclists.
When passing a bicycle, drivers generally need to leave at least:
- 1 metre where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less; and
- 1.5 metres where the speed limit is above 60 km/h.
If there isn't enough room to pass safely, wait until it is safe to do so.
Cyclists are particularly vulnerable road users, so allowing enough space isn't simply about complying with the law — it can prevent serious injury.
12. Motorcycle Riders Need to Sit Correctly
Motorcycle riders are required to maintain a safe riding position.
Generally, riders must sit astride the seat facing forward and keep their feet appropriately positioned while riding. Similar requirements can apply to pillion passengers.
These rules help ensure the rider remains in proper control of the motorcycle and can respond quickly to changing road conditions.
13. Mobile Phone Use While Driving Is Strictly Restricted
Mobile phone use remains one of the most important distracted-driving issues on WA roads.
The rules go beyond simply banning texting. What you can legally do with a mobile phone depends on factors such as whether you're touching or holding the device, how it is mounted and what function you are using.
Even a brief glance at a message can take your attention away from the road.
If you're unsure whether a particular type of phone use is permitted, the safest approach is simple: don't touch your phone while driving. Pull over somewhere safe before using it.
Some Even Stranger WA Road Rules and Laws
Not every unusual road-related law is still in force. Some of Western Australia's historical laws provide an interesting glimpse into how legislation has changed over time.
The Famous WA Potato Law
One of Western Australia's better-known unusual laws related to transporting potatoes.
Under the former Marketing of Potatoes Act 1946, authorised inspectors once had significant powers relating to the transportation and sale of potatoes.
The legislation was eventually repealed in 2016, so drivers don't need to worry about getting into legal trouble simply because they have too many potatoes in the car today.
It's still one of the more entertaining examples of an old WA law that occasionally appears in lists of Australia's strangest legislation.
Don't Block a Public Letterbox
Parking and stopping rules can also apply around public letterboxes.
Drivers should be careful about stopping too close to a public letterbox where doing so would interfere with access, except in circumstances permitted by the road rules.
It may seem like an obscure requirement, but ensuring postal workers and members of the public can safely access letterboxes is the reason behind the rule.
What Happens If You're Charged With a Traffic Offence in WA?
Traffic offences can range from relatively minor infringements to serious charges that may affect your licence, result in substantial fines or lead to court proceedings.
The consequences will depend on the type of offence, the circumstances surrounding it, your driving history and the applicable legislation.
If you're unsure about a traffic infringement or have been charged with a driving offence in Western Australia, obtaining legal advice can help you understand your rights, available options and possible consequences.
Injured in a Car Accident? Speak With Our Car Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured in a road accident and believe another driver may be at fault, getting legal advice early can help you understand your rights and the compensation that may be available to you.
The experienced Car Accident Lawyers at Trewin Norman & Co. assist clients with motor vehicle accident claims across Western Australia. Whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, our team can guide you through the claims process and help you understand your legal options.
Contact Trewin Norman & Co. today to arrange your first consultation.
