OceaniaWorldwide

1. Oceania

Oceania stretches across Australia, New Zealand and thousands of Pacific islands in Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Driving environments range from Australia’s vast Outback highways and New Zealand’s narrow, winding roads to short island routes exposed to tropical rain and cyclones. There is no single traffic code for Oceania. Left-hand traffic is widespread and is used in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and many other Pacific countries, but it is not universal across every island jurisdiction. Speed limits, alcohol rules, child restraints, licensing and vehicle requirements therefore need to be checked for each destination.

Long distances and isolation can be as important as traffic law in parts of Oceania: Australian routes may have large gaps between fuel and services, while Pacific islands can experience flooding, cyclone damage and temporary road closures. Australia’s traffic laws are made by its states and territories, based largely on the Australian Road Rules model, whereas New Zealand has its own national system. Tolling also varies considerably, from electronic urban toll roads in Australia and three toll roads in New Zealand to countries with little or no road charging. Written signs are mainly in English in Australia and New Zealand, while Pacific countries and territories may use English, French or local languages.