Visiting Sydney is one of the best travel decisions you can make. The city is simply gorgeous, with its great history, rich cultural heritage and art scene that will make even Paris jealous. Every corner of Sydney is worth exploring, from its wide avenues to tiny, picturesque streets. All in all, the “Harbour City” can be explored on foot, with a bike or using public transport, but its size makes it a perfect car destination. Even though Sydney has very organized traffic, there are a few things to keep in mind when behind the wheel to ensure a safe trip.
Follow the traffic rules
Unless indicated otherwise, Sydney’s urban areas have a speed limit of 50 km/h, while other roads usually allow some more freedom of 100 km/h. Going over these limits can result in hefty fines and even license suspension periods of 3 to 6 months. In case you’re coming from abroad, keep in mind that Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. Switching to this type of traffic can be quite hard for foreigners, so make sure to drive slowly and stay concentrated on the road at all times. If you’re heading to the Outback, feel free to skip navigating through the city and take a by-pass.
Don’t drive under the influence
Drinking and driving is a very serious offence in Australia. Your maximum legal driving limit is 0.05 or 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. Everything above that will cost you anywhere from $1,100 to $3,300 plus license suspension. Even if you don’t care about money and fines, drunk driving puts your life and the lives of other road users and pedestrians at risk.
Have an emergency situation plan
The safety in the city is truly high and there are various laws that regulate traffic safety and efficiency. However, being cautious is always a good idea, especially if you’re not a very experienced driver. Make sure to have a good emergency situation plan in case of a collision or car theft. Dial 000 and first responders will be sent to your location. Knowing where to find cheap car keysis another great preparation step. Having an extra key will ensure you never stay locked out of your car, so you can continue your Sydney adventure in peace.
Stay safe inside the car
Wearing a seat belt at all times will not only ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers but also save you up some good money. New South Wales laws state that the unrestrained driver can be fined with $337, while fines for other seat belt offences reach as high as $1422. Make sure your view is not obstructed and your car interior is free of distractions. Sydney traffic can be quite busy and hectic, so having your full attention directed to the road is the key to safety.
Keep some change at hand
There are several roads with tolls in the Sydney city area. For instance, you’ll need to have some change at hand if you want to pass through the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Tunnel tolls. Another thing to be familiar when driving around Sydney are its strict parking zones. Pay attention to where you park and make sure to put enough money into the parking meter ($7 per hour during business hours, and $3 during off-business hours). On the other hand, parking fines will set you back around $80 or even get you towed if you park in a no-park zone.
Driving in a beautiful city like Sydney is an experience in itself, so make sure to grab a car and give it a spin through Sydney streets and down its amazing avenues. As long as you’re acting like a responsible driver, you’ll have an unforgettable Sydney car adventure.
