Welcome to Understanding Road Signs! If you’ve ever driven down an Aussie highway or navigated through the winding streets of a suburb, you’ve likely encountered a variety of road signs—some straightforward, others a little confusing.
Australia follows an internationally recognized system of road signs, but each state and territory can have its own specific variations. Whether you’re a new driver, a visitor, or just curious, let’s dive into the world of road signs Down Under!
1. Regulatory Signs – The Rules of the Road
Regulatory signs are the ones that tell you what you must or must not do. Ignoring them can lead to fines, demerit points, or worse—accidents. These are typically red, white, and black in colour.
Stop and Give Way
Stop Sign (Red Octagon) – Means you must come to a complete stop and give way before proceeding.
Stop Sign (Red Octagon) – Means you must come to a complete stop and give way before proceeding. 
Give Way Sign (Red Triangle) – Means you must slow down and give way to vehicles on the intersecting road.
Give Way Sign (Red Triangle) – Means you must slow down and give way to vehicles on the intersecting road. 🔍 State-Specific Note: In Victoria, there’s a unique “Give Way to Trams” sign, common in Melbourne, reminding drivers to yield to trams at intersections.
Speed Limit Signs
Speed limits vary across states, but here are the general rules:
- Default Urban Limit: 50 km/h
- School Zones: 40 km/h (during designated hours)
- Highways & Motorways: 100–110 km/h (depending on the state)
🚗 State-Specific Note: In the Northern Territory, some open highways allow speeds up to 130 km/h, the highest limit in Australia!
2. Warning Signs – Watch Out!
Warning signs are yellow with black symbols and alert you to potential hazards ahead.
Common Warning Signs
- Kangaroo Crossing – Common in rural areas, warns of wildlife on the road.
Floodway – Found in flood-prone regions, indicating a low-lying road that may be underwater after heavy rain.
Floodway – Found in flood-prone regions, indicating a low-lying road that may be underwater after heavy rain. 🌊 State-Specific Note: In Queensland, flood warning signs are particularly common due to frequent heavy rains and cyclones.
- Sharp Bend Ahead – Advises drivers to slow down for a dangerous curve.
3. Guide Signs – Helping You Navigate
Guide signs provide location and directional information. These are typically green or blue.
Highway Markers
- M Roads (Motorways): High-speed, controlled-access roads (e.g., M1 Pacific Motorway).
- A Roads (Arterial Roads): Major highways connecting cities.
- B Roads (Secondary Routes): Less direct but still significant roads.
🛣️State-Specific Note: Tasmania has fewer M-class roads due to its smaller size, but the A-road network connects key regions effectively.
Tourist Signs
Brown signs with white text indicate tourist attractions like national parks and heritage sites.
🏝️ State-Specific Note: Western Australia has many brown signs directing visitors to natural wonders like the Pinnacles and Wave Rock.
4. Special Road Signs – Unique to Australia
Australia has a few signs that you won’t see elsewhere!
Road Trains
In outback areas, you might see “Road Train – Long Vehicle Ahead” signs. These massive trucks can be up to 53.5 metres long!
🚛 State-Specific Note: South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory have special road train routes where these giants dominate the highways.
Hook Turn (Victoria Only!)
Melbourne’s CBD has “Hook Turn” signs at certain intersections, instructing right-turning drivers to wait in the left lane until the light changes. This ensures trams aren’t blocked.
🚦 Tip: If you’re visiting Melbourne for the first time, read up on hook turns before driving!
Final Thoughts
Road signs in Australia are designed to keep everyone safe and informed. While many are universal, some state-specific ones can catch you off guard if you’re not familiar with them. Whether you’re a local or a traveller, paying attention to these signs will help you navigate Australian roads with confidence.
Got a road sign that confuses you? Enrol in our Driver Licence Premium Program, and let’s decode it together!
Official References for Australian Road Signs
- VicRoads (Victoria) – Road Rules and Signs
- Transport for NSW – Road Rules and Signs
- South Australian Government – Road Rules and Safety
- Western Australia – Road Safety Commission
- Tasmania – Transport and Road Safety
- Northern Territory – Road Safety and Rules
- Australian Standards for Road Signs (AS 1742) (Note: This standard is not freely available, but it can be accessed through SAI Global or Standards Australia.)
