Information signsAustralia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Australia. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

An information sign identifies a route, destination, facility or regulated road or area. Some carry legal consequences, so apply the actual sign meaning and local traffic code.

Which signs provide information in Australia?

In the NSW example, information and direction signs help identify routes, destinations and facilities; regulatory signs remain binding.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — information-signs

1. Start of a motorway

This traffic sign indicates the start of a motorway. From this point, special motorway rules apply, including restrictions on which road users may enter and on stopping, reversing and other manoeuvres. Follow the applicable speed limits, lane rules and local motorway regulations.

English • Model rule 177 • freeway sign • Start of freeway. The freeway begins here. Follow freeway traffic and stopping restrictions, and any signs restricting entry by particular road users. State and territory rules and exceptions apply.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Pcc.gov.au • Australian Road Rules • model law • rule177; Schedule2p308
🔗 Legislation.qld.gov.au • Queensland Road Rules • local legislation example

SVG source: Government of Queensland • Public domain • Original revision 2012-10-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. End of the motorway

This traffic sign indicates the end of the motorway. The special motorway rules end at this point. Follow the speed limits, access rules and other traffic signs that apply to the road ahead.

English • Model rules 97 and 177 • end freeway sign • End of freeway. The freeway ends here. Expect changing road conditions and continue to obey the applicable speed limit and other signs. State and territory rules and exceptions apply.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Pcc.gov.au • Australian Road Rules • model law • rules97,177; Schedule2p305
🔗 Legislation.qld.gov.au • Queensland Road Rules • local legislation example

SVG source: Government of Queensland • Public domain • Original revision 2012-10-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Lane for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a lane for cyclists. The lane is designated for bicycle traffic, subject to the applicable road markings, traffic signs and local rules.

English • Model rules 153 and 252 • bicycle lane sign • Bicycle lane. A marked lane is designated for bicycle riders. Other traffic may use or cross it only in circumstances permitted by the local rules. State and territory rules and exceptions apply.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Government of Queensland • CC BY 3.0 au)
🔗 Pcc.gov.au • Australian Road Rules • model law • rules153,252; Schedule2p303
🔗 Legislation.qld.gov.au • Queensland Road Rules • local legislation example

SVG source: Government of Queensland • CC BY 3.0 au • Original revision 2012-10-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Dead end street

This traffic sign indicates a dead end street. The road has no through route for vehicles, although access to properties or other destinations along the road may still be possible.

English • Queensland driver handbook • sign illustration • Dead end. The road has no through route. Be prepared to turn back safely. Illustration identified by its sign family or meaning; the exact current prescribed design has not been confirmed.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Publications.qld.gov.au • Queensland Government • Your Keys to Driving • dead-end sign

SVG source: Dead_End_sign.svg: Ltljltlj / *derivative work: Fry1989 • Public domain • Original revision 2012-06-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Road with one-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Drivers may travel only in the permitted direction.

English • Model rule 98 • one-way sign • One way to the left. Traffic on this road travels only in the direction of the arrow. Follow the left-pointing direction. State and territory rules and exceptions apply.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Cassowary • GFDL 1.2 or later • no Invariant Sections or Cover Texts)
🔗 Pcc.gov.au • Australian Road Rules • model law • rule98; Schedule2p313
🔗 Legislation.qld.gov.au • Queensland Road Rules • local legislation example

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Cassowary • GFDL • Source revision 2012-10-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Information about the next exit

This traffic sign gives information about the next exit. It may show the exit number, destination, direction or distance to the exit.

English • Queensland Government • exit sign • Freeway exit. The arrow shows the exit to the left. Move into the appropriate lane in good time and follow the exit safely.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Qld.gov.au • Queensland Government • exit signs

SVG source: Government of Queensland • Public domain • Original revision 2012-11-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. Lane for buses

This traffic sign indicates a lane for buses. The lane is intended for buses and any other road users permitted by the applicable signs or local rules.

English • Model rule 154 • bus lane sign • Bus lane. This lane is designated for buses and any other vehicles permitted by local law. It differs from a bus-only lane; eligibility and limited access exceptions vary by jurisdiction. State and territory rules and exceptions apply.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Government of Queensland • CC BY 3.0 au)
🔗 Pcc.gov.au • Australian Road Rules • model law • rules154,158; Schedule2p303
🔗 Legislation.qld.gov.au • Queensland Road Rules • local legislation example

SVG source: Government of Queensland • CC BY 3.0 au • Original revision 2012-10-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. Lane for trucks

This traffic sign indicates a lane for trucks. The lane is designated for trucks according to the applicable traffic signs and local rules. Other vehicle categories may use the lane only where permitted.

English • Model rule 157 • truck lane sign • Truck lane. A lane is designated for trucks. Other vehicles may use or cross it only as permitted by local law. State and territory rules and exceptions apply.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Government of Queensland • CC BY 3.0 au)
🔗 Pcc.gov.au • Australian Road Rules • model law • rules157,158; Schedule2p317
🔗 Legislation.qld.gov.au • Queensland Road Rules • local legislation example

SVG source: Government of Queensland • CC BY 3.0 au • Original revision 2012-10-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.