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How are laws enforced? · 1 min read

Traffic offences

Road and traffic rules are controlled by state and territory governments. People can be fined or sent to prison for breaking traffic laws. To drive a car in Australia, you must have a local driver’s licence and the car must be registered.

Everybody travelling in a car must wear a seatbelt. Babies and young children must be in an approved car seat. Traffic laws are very strict. It is illegal to drive after taking drugs or if you are above the blood alcohol limit. It is also against the law to use a hand-held mobile device while driving.

Test yourself on this topic

5 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. A driver picks up her mobile phone to make a call while driving. What is the position under Australian law?

    • It is against the law to use a hand-held mobile device
    • It is only against the law at night
    • It is allowed when the traffic is moving slowly
    • It is allowed if the call is a short one

    Explanation: Using a hand-held mobile device while driving is illegal, and breaking traffic laws can bring a fine or prison.

  2. 2. A family is driving with a baby and a young child in the car. What does the law require?

    • The children must sit in the front seat
    • The children must be in an approved car seat
    • The children need nothing on short trips
    • The children may sit on an adult's lap

    Explanation: Babies and young children must travel in an approved car seat, and everyone else must wear a seatbelt.

  3. 3. Driving after taking drugs, or when above the blood alcohol limit, is:

    • Allowed if you drive slowly
    • Illegal under Australian traffic laws
    • Allowed on quiet country roads
    • A matter for your insurance company

    Explanation: Australian traffic laws are strict: drug driving and drink driving over the limit are both illegal.

  4. 4. What must you have before you can drive a car in Australia?

    • A local driver's licence
    • A membership of a motoring club
    • A letter from your employer
    • A national identity card

    Explanation: Driving requires a local driver's licence, and the car itself must also be registered.

  5. 5. Who controls road and traffic rules in Australia?

    • The owner of each road
    • The Australian Federal Police
    • The courts of each city
    • State and territory governments

    Explanation: Traffic law is set by each state and territory government, so rules are handled at that level.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet