Transport for NSW relies upon the Authorised Inspection Scheme (AIS) to ensure that vehicles meet minimum safety standards. The scheme authorises mechanics who have undertaken special training to inspect vehicles for compliance with safety standards. These inspections are primarily used for the periodic inspection of vehicles in the registration process or to clear vehicle defect notices. In order to ensure that only qualified and suitable people are able to perform vehicle inspections, Transport for NSW has broad powers over the registration process.

In New South Wales, under the Road Rules 2014, a bicycle is a ‘vehicle’. The road rules for cyclists in NSW are the same as the road rules for drivers of cars and other vehicles. There are also some special road rules for New South Wales cyclists. This article outlines the situation around bicycles and the law in NSW.

Cyclists can be penalised if they commit offences on the roads. Penalties are generally issued by police as on the spot fines.

It is common for the driver of an off-road vehicle to deflate the vehicle’s tyres to create a better driving experience. Less tyre pressure allows the tyre to flex more, reducing the risk of damage from sharp objects and making for a smoother ride over rocks and corrugations. Drivers often travel at lower speeds off road, which also helps achieve these aims.

However, a police officer or transport officer has the discretion to issue a vehicle defect notice if the officer believes driving the vehicle with low tyre pressure is a safety risk.

Food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo and DoorDash, came under the spotlight after the deaths of five delivery riders in the space of 2 months in 2020. The New South Wales Government announced a taskforce to examine the deaths and identify safety improvements for the industry. This article looks at the findings of the taskforce, the proposed laws and the reaction to them.

Jaywalking is an American term which describes a person crossing the road unlawfully. The Road Rules 2014, made under the Road Transport Act 2013, list rules for pedestrian behaviour in NSW and the penalties for breaching the rules. Fines are generally $75 to $220 but if unsuccessfully challenged in court, can be up to $2200 (20 penalty units).

In New South Wales, road rules govern how motorists, cyclists and pedestrians use the road. Road users are usually aware of the more commonly known and tested road rules, such as speed limits and the prohibition against driving while under the influence of drugs or excessive alcohol. Along with these familiar rules there are also many other more obscure road rules. Many drivers are not aware of these rules but ignorance of a rule is not a defence under the law, so it is important that drivers in NSW are aware of these lesser-known road rules in NSW and the associated penalties.

There are a number of reasons an owner or operator of a vehicle may choose to modify the vehicle with non-standard features. Whether raising the height of a vehicle for recreational purposes, adjusting it to improve access for a disabled passenger, modifying the engine for greater capacity or lowering a vehicle for aesthetic purposes, it is important to ensure that the finished product meets the standards of roadworthiness before it is driven on NSW roads.

A motorcycle rider must obey the road rules that apply to drivers but there are some rules specific to motorcycle riders. This article outlines those specific rules as they apply in New South Wales.

New South Wales first introduced vehicle registration plates in 1910. Today, every vehicle owner in NSW must display currently registered and decipherable number plates in accordance with the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017. This article outlines the rules and regulations that relate to the maintenance and display of number plates in NSW.

As someone gets older, they may notice that their eyesight is not as sharp and their reflexes are slower. One consequence of these physical changes is that the person may not be as safe a driver and older drivers need to be aware of the dangers introduced by these physical changes. In each state and territory, older drivers have responsibilities in relation to their changing physical and mental capacity. This article explains the licensing laws relating to older drivers in New South Wales.

In order to drive a vehicle in New South Wales, a driver needs to be familiar with a range of road rules that govern not only their own conduct but also the behaviour of any passengers in their vehicles. Drivers in New South Wales are required to pass theoretical and practical driving tests to demonstrate their knowledge of the road rules, but that does not guarantee an exhaustive knowledge of the more esoteric rules.

There are 201 red light cameras installed at intersections throughout NSW, generating millions of dollars in fines revenue for the State Government. Regulation 56 of the Road Rules 2014 makes it an offence to run a red light. The offence carries a fine of $457 and the accrual of three demerit points. If the camera is in a school zone and the offence is committed during school hours, the penalty is a $572 fine and four demerit points.

Drivers involved in tow-away crashes can organise towing and leave the area if no-one is injured, parties have exchanged details and no-one is affected by drugs or alcohol. The crash must be later reported to police, however. The duties of a driver involved in a traffic crash are contained in the Road Rules 2014.