Road rules in NT

Introduction

The Northern Territory (NT) road rules are officially known as the Traffic Regulations 1999.

The regulations include:

  • the Australian Road Rules 1999 that have been adapted by the NT Government
  • and traffic infringements and penalties that apply in the NT.

Some basic road rules will always apply. You must always:

  • drive on the left hand side of the road
  • wear a seatbelt
  • give way to the right at unsigned cross intersections
  • abide by traffic signs, lights and road markings
  • obey the speed limit
  • bring all wheels of your vehicle to a complete halt at a stop sign
  • refrain from making a U-turn at a set of traffic lights, unless a sign states you can.

Changing lanes and turning

When you change lanes you must give way to any vehicle in the lane you are moving to – even if your lane is ending.

You must signal to let others know what you plan to do. Give plenty of warning by signalling before you turn left or right, or changing lanes.

Make sure your indicator is turned off after each turn or lane change.

If your indicators are not working, you must get them fixed. You must use a hand signal when turning right or stopping.

Illustration showing a driver signalling a right turn by placing their right arm straight out of the drivers side window

You are turning right

Illustration showing a driver signalling that they are stopping or slowing by placing their right out of the drivers side window with the elbow bent and the hand straight up

You are stopping or slowing down

You can turn into either lane, depending on traffic.

Illustration showing a three lane road at an intersection with a car in each lane. Cars can only turn according to road markings and traffic.

You must follow any road markings that show how the turn must be made. If there are no road markings, you must make a right turn by passing as near as possible to the right of the centre of the intersection.

Illustration showing cars turning into a road with a median strip

Turning and median strips

When making a right turn through a divided road with a median strip, you must:

  • wait for a suitable gap in the oncoming traffic, checking mirrors and blind spots
  • drive as far as you can into the central dividing part of the road and stop until it is safe to continue
  • make sure you obey all give way or stop signs or traffic lights.

U-turns

You must not make a U-turn:

  • where there is a no U-turn sign
  • across any single unbroken (continuous) line or double centre lines, whether or not one line is broken
  • at traffic lights unless you see a U-turn permitted sign at the intersection.

When making a u-turn:

  • check mirrors and blind spots and that you have a clear view of any approaching traffic
  • start your U-turn from the lane nearest to the centre of the road or, if there are no lane markings, the left of the centre of the road
  • give way to all vehicles and pedestrians and signal before you start to turn.

Three-point turn

Before starting a three-point or U-turn, signal, check your mirrors and blind spots.

After completing the turn, signal and check your mirrors and blind spots, before re-joining the traffic.

Illustration showing a car completing a three point turn. The car turns right and reaches the opposite lane's curb, reverses while turning left to reach the middle of the original lane, then drives forward into the opposite lane completing the turn.


Giving way

To give way means to slow down or stop. You must wait until it's safe to proceed.

You must give way at all of the following:

  • at give way signs
  • at stop signs
  • turning across the path of an oncoming vehicle at an intersection
  • turning from a terminating road onto the ongoing road at a T-intersection
  • if you're turning at an intersection, you must also give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.

Below are rules for:

For more information, read the Traffic Regulations 1999.

Stop signs and stop lines

When you come to a stop sign, you must stop completely before reaching the line, and as close as possible to the line.

Illustration showing cars stopping at an intersection close to the stop line

In the diagram above, car A must give way to car B

Giving way to police, fire and emergency services

When you hear a siren or see the flashing blue or red lights of an emergency vehicle, you must give way or pull over to the left until the emergency vehicle passes.

You must always obey any direction you are given from a police officer.

Prepare to stop if you see any of the following:

  • the police
  • a police vehicle
  • red/blue flashing lights
  • the police using signs.

If you're pursued by a police vehicle, you must immediately pull over and stop.

Intersections, give way and turning

You must give way to any vehicles in or approaching the intersection. Don't get caught in the middle of the intersection when the lights change.

You must stay on the approach side of the intersection until you see a space in your lane on the other side of the intersection that is big enough for your vehicle.

Illustration showing that a car can only pass through a green light at an intersection if there is enough room for the car on the other side

Priority for buses

You must give way to buses in all of the following situations:

  • in speed zones of 70 kilometres per hour or below
  • if the bus displays a give way to buses sign
  • if the indicator lights of the bus are operating
  • if the bus is about to enter or proceed in the lane or line of traffic.

A give way sign showing that when cars must give way to buses

The driver of the bus is allowed to enter the lane or line of traffic only if it's safe to do so.

Some traffic lights may have a ‘B’ signal to control traffic around buses at intersections, read more about 'B' signals on traffic lights.

T-intersections

When you approach a T-intersection, you must give way to vehicles travelling on the road that continues unless otherwise signposted.

Illustration of a T intersection. Car A wishes to turn onto the T intersection and must give way to car B who is on the continuing road

In the diagram above, car A must give way to car B.

If you approach a T-intersection where the continuing road goes around a corner, you must signal to leave the continuing road.

Illustration showing a T intersection where car A is on the continuing road which is turning a corner. Car B must give way to car A in order to travel over the continuing road

In the diagram above, car B must give way to car A.

Give way rules where there are no signs

If there are no signs, you must obey give way or stop lines on the road.

When turning at an intersection, you must give way to all of the following:

  • oncoming vehicles going straight ahead
  • oncoming vehicles turning left
  • any vehicle approaching on your right.

Illustration showing car A turning off from an intersection. Before crossing the intersection to turn down another street, car A gives way to car B in the opposite lane

In the diagram above, car A must give way to car B.

Illustration showing car A turning off from an intersection. Before crossing the intersection to turn down another street, car A gives way to car B who is turning down the same street

In the diagram above, car A must give way to car B.

Illustration showing car A turning off from an intersection. Before turning, car A gives way to car B who is travelling down the same street that car A is turning into

In the diagram above, car A must give way to car B.

Illustration showing two cars turning right from opposite lanes at the same intersection. The cars do not cross paths

If you and an oncoming vehicle are turning right at an intersection, both cars should pass in front of each other.


Pedestrians

Safety tips for pedestrians

Stop, look and listen and think before crossing a road.

Never assume that an approaching vehicle will stop.

Use footpaths and nature strips where provided.

Keep to the left side of the footpath.

Wear light or bright-coloured clothing.

Cross at the safest locations or at a pedestrian crossing or traffic lights.

Rules for pedestrians

Crossing the road

You must do all of the following:

  • cross at the shortest, safest route
  • don't stay on the road longer than necessary
  • don't cross 20m from a crossing on the road unless:
    • crossing to or from a safety zone
    • there is a diagonal pedestrian crossing light
    • you are crossing a shared zone.

Crossing at pedestrian traffic lights

Red man or don't walk sign - you must stop and wait for the green man.

Red flashing man - don't start crossing the road, but you can finish crossing the road.

green man or walk sign - it's safe to cross.

Illustration showing a red man and a red don't walk sign indicating that pedestrians must stop and wait

Pedestrians must not start to cross.

Illustration showing a flashing red man and a don't walk sign indicating that pedestrians must not start crossing but may finish crossing

Pedestrians must not start to cross but may finish crossing.

Illustration showing a green man and a walk sign indicating that pedestrians may start to cross

Rules for drivers

Pedestrian crossings

You must give way to pedestrians - even if there is no marked pedestrian crossing or intersection - if there is any danger of colliding with them.

You must also give way when making a turn at an intersection.

You must not stop on or within 20m before or 10m after a pedestrian crossing.

Pedestrian crossings are usually marked by white stripes on the road and are also known as zebra crossings.

Some pedestrian crossings have zigzag lines marked on the road before the crossing.

Illustration showing cars stopped at a pedestrian crossing while a person steps on to the crossing

Don't overtake any vehicle that is stopping or has stopped at a crossing.

Pedestrian refuges

A pedestrian refuge is a concrete island in the middle of the road that allows pedestrians to cross the road in two stages.

When you are approaching a pedestrian refuge you should always look out for pedestrians.

Pelican crossings

A pelican crossing is a special kind of pedestrian crossing controlled by traffic lights.

The traffic lights for drivers have a different colour sequence to other situations.

After the red light, the traffic lights start to flash yellow.  At the same time the pedestrians see a red man or red 'Don't Walk' sign.

When the flashing yellow signal starts you can drive carefully through the crossing if there is no risk of hitting a pedestrian.

Children's crossings

These are crossings which operate before, during and after school hours on school days. They are highlighted by red flags with the words 'Children Crossing' on them.

When the flags are displayed you must slow down and stop before the stop line if a pedestrian is on or entering the crossing. You must not proceed until all pedestrians have left the crossing.

You must not stop on or within 20m before or 10m after a children's crossing.

If there is a school crossing supervisor displaying a 'Children Crossing' sign, you must slow down and stop.

You may proceed when the school crossing supervisor no longer displays the sign in your direction or has indicated it is safe for you to proceed.


Road markings

Painted arrows

Arrows are painted on the road to tell you which direction must be taken by traffic in each lane. When more than one direction is shown, you may go in the direction of either arrow.

Illustration of a three lane road at an intersection with a car in each lane and road markings showing the directions cars can travel.

You must signal that you are going to turn even if the lane you are in is only allowed to turn in one direction. When you turn, stay in the same lane as you move from one road to the other.

Dividing lines

Unless a sign tells you otherwise, you can cross any type of dividing line when:

  • turning right at an intersection or
  • to park in angle parking on the opposite side of the road.

Rule for overtaking and road markings

Do not make a U-turn across any single unbroken line or double dividing lines.

Illustration of car driving on a road which is seperated by a broken white line

Broken white dividing lines – can be crossed to overtake if the road ahead is clear.

Illustration of a car following a motorbike on a road with a broken and solid white line. The broken line is on the side that the car and motorbike are travelling on which allows the car to over take if the road ahead is clear

Double white lines with a broken line closer to you – you can cross the lines to overtake if the road ahead is clear.

Illustration of a car following a motorbike on a road with a broken and solid white line. The solid line is on the side that the car and motorbike are travelling which stops the car from overtaking

Double white lines with an unbroken (continuous) line closer to you – you cannot overtake across these lines unless you are overtaking a cyclist.

Illustration of three lanes of traffic. One lane is seperated from the other two by a single white unbroken line. Cars in this lane cannot overtake.

Single white unbroken (continuous) line – you cannot overtake across this line unless you are overtaking a cyclist.

Illustration of a road seperated by a double white unbroken line. Cars in either lane cannot overtake using the opposite lane

Double white unbroken (continuous) lines – you cannot overtake across these lines unless you are overtaking a cyclist.

When overtaking a cyclist, you must leave:

  • a minimum distance of one metre when passing a cyclist in a 60km/h or less speed zone or
  • 1.5 metres when the speed limit is over 60km/h.

Painted islands

You must not drive on a section of painted road that is surrounded by double lines.

You can drive on a painted island that is surrounded by single continuous or broken lines for up to 50m to enter or leave the road, or to enter a turning lane that begins immediately after the painted island.

Illustration showing a car incorrectly driving over a painted island which is surrounded by double continuous lines

You must not drive on areas surrounded by double lines.

When you enter a turning lane from a painted island you must give way to any vehicle already in the turning lane or entering the turning lane from another marked lane.

You must not stop on a painted island.

You can drive on a painted island regardless of the type of lines around the island in some instances such as:

  • giving way to emergency vehicles
  • when avoiding an obstruction
  • overtaking a cyclist.

Illustration showing car B giving way to car A who is entering a turning lane. Car B is on a painted island surrounded by a broken white line and must give way to car A who is entering a turning lane ahead of car B

Car B must give way to car A (giving way to a vehicle already in the turning lane or entering from another marked lane).

Keep Clear pavement marking

You must not stop between the lines marked across the road. 'Keep Clear' pavement markings may also be used at some T-intersections to prevent queuing across the intersection.

Illustration of keep clear road markings

Edge lines

You can drive on, across or outside edge lines for up to 100m only if you are doing one of the following:

  • stopping
  • overtaking on the inside of vehicles turning right or, in a one way street, overtaking vehicles turning left
  • turning off or onto the road by the shortest route
  • turning left or right at intersections.
  • driving a slow moving vehicle.

Illustration of edge lines on the sides of a T intersection

Audible lines

Audible lines are lines composed of a series of raised pieces of material that create a noise or vibration if driven on by a vehicle.

These lines are used to warn you that you have veered outside your lane.

Kerb lines

These are yellow lines painted near the edge of the road show that there are stopping restrictions and tell you what rules apply to that particular section of road.

Broken yellow kerb line

A broken yellow kerb line is a clearway line.

You must not stop at the edge of the road between the hours shown on the 'Clearway' sign except in a medical or similar emergency.

Buses, taxis and hire cars can only stop to pick up or set down passengers.

Merging lanes

If the line ends before the lanes merge, the vehicle behind must give way to the vehicle in front.

When the lane ends and you have to cross the lines to merge, you must give way.

Illustration of a merging lane with a broken white line that ends before the lane merges. Car A leaves the merging lane ahead of car B who gives way

Car B gives way to car A.

Unbroken (continuous) yellow kerb line

An unbroken yellow kerb line is a 'No Stopping' line.

You must not stop for any reason except a medical or similar emergency.

Illustration of a merging lane with a broken white line that ends when the merging lane ends. Car A in the merging lane gives way to car B before merging

Car A gives way to car B.


Roundabouts

It is important to stay in the correct lane at multi-lane roundabouts – follow signs, lane markings and arrows.

Unless traffic lane arrows indicate otherwise, remember these rules:

  • to turn left, use the left lane and signal left
  • to turn right, use the right lane and signal right
  • to go straight ahead, use either the left or right lane
  • give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout
  • signal left when exiting the roundabout.

Going straight ahead

Do not signal when approaching the roundabout.

You may approach the roundabout from either left or right lanes - unless there are road markings with other instructions - drive in the same lane through the roundabout and exit in the same lane.

Making a U-turn

When you use the roundabout to make a U-turn you must approach in the right lane, signal right, stay in the right lane and exit into the right lane.

Exiting a roundabout

You must signal left when leaving the roundabout.

Illustration of a roundabout demonstrating the rules of signalling as described above

This diagram shows cars entering and exiting a 4-lane roundabout.

Roundabouts and bicycle riders

Bicycle riders are allowed to turn right from the left hand lane.

When passing each exit, the rider must give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout from that exit.

The rules for slowing down, giving way and signalling when approaching and exiting at roundabouts are the same for single lane and multi-lane roundabouts.


Traffic lights

If you drive a vehicle in the Northern Territory, you must follow the relevant traffic light rules below.

Some intersections are controlled by traffic lights.

Some traffic lights may also have arrows to control traffic turning right or left.

If you're in a turning lane, the arrows will tell you when you can go or stop in the same way as a standard traffic light does.

Red signal

Photo of a traffic light with the top light coloured redPhoto of a traffic light with the bottom light coloured green and the top turning light coloured red

A red circle or arrow means stop. You must wait behind the stop line.

Don't go through the intersection.

This includes cyclists and motorcycle riders who are lane filtering.

Yellow (amber) signal

Photo of a traffic light with the middle light coloured yellow (amber)Photo of a traffic light with the bottom light coloured green and the middle turning light coloured yellow

A yellow (amber) circle or arrow means stop.

You can only enter the intersection if you're so close that sudden braking might cause a crash.

If the circle or arrow is flashing, you may proceed with caution while obeying the give way to the right rule or the T-intersection rule.

Green signal

Standard green traffic light onPhoto of a traffic light with the top light coloured red and the bottom turning light coloured green

A green circle or arrow means proceed through the intersection carefully.

You must give way to:

  • other vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection, including turning traffic
  • pedestrians if you're turning to the right or left
  • vehicles from the opposite direction if you're turning right.
Turning right at an intersection

If you're turning right, you can also follow the below steps as a guide:

Step 1. Enter the intersection as shown in the diagram below, unless a sign indicates otherwise or there is a red right turn arrow displayed.

Step 2. Wait until oncoming traffic clears or breaks and then turn safely.

Step 3. If the light changes to yellow or red while you're in the middle of the intersection, you can continue to turn right.

Step 4. While you're waiting to turn, make sure your front wheels and car are straight so it's not blocking the oncoming traffic.

Step 5. You must turn as soon as it's safe to do so.

The diagram below shows the blue car entering the intersection to turn right at the traffic lights.

see description below

Some traffic lights may also have a ‘B’ signal to control traffic around buses at intersections.

The ‘B’ signal only applies to buses, all other traffic must follow the main traffic lights.

If no ‘B’ signals are displayed, buses must obey the main lights.

When the standard traffic light turns green, other vehicles can proceed through the intersection with caution as buses may still be merging with traffic.

Follow the instructions below.

Red 'B' signal

Photo of two traffic lights with one top circle coloured red with a B and the other bottom circle coloured green.

A red ‘B’ signal means buses stay.

The green standard traffic light means other vehicles go.

White 'B' signal

Photo of two traffic lights with one bottom circle coloured white with a B and the other top circle coloured red.

A white ‘B’ signal means buses can go.

The red standard traffic light means other vehicles can't go.

For more information about rules around buses, read about giving way and road safety and buses.

For road signs at traffic lights, follow the relevant instructions below.

No right or left turn

Standard or illuminated signs show when a right or left turn is prohibited. There are some areas when you can only turn during certain times of the day.

Where a time period is displayed on or near the sign, it shows when the sign applies - eg. 7am to 10am.

If there is no time period, the sign applies at all times.

Left turn permitted on red light

left turn on red permitted after stopping sign

A left turn on a red light is only allowed at intersections where a 'left turn on red after stopping' sign is displayed

When turning left, you must give way to all traffic approaching from the right.

U-turns

You must not make a U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights unless there is a 'U-turn Permitted' sign.

When making a U-turn you must:

  • give way to all other traffic and pedestrians
  • not obstruct traffic approaching from the front or behind.

Other signs

For more information on other road signs, read road signs in the Northern Territory.