To ensure you enjoy a safe journey through the Swan Valley region of Western Australia (WA), read the following road safety information.
Alcohol
Wine tastings add to your blood alcohol concentration – in the interest of road safety, it is important to consider the following if you are planning a day out in Western Australia’s (WA) Swan Valley.
As a guide, within any one hour period, five standard 20ml tastes of wine will put you dangerously close to the legal limit (0.05%). So either buy a bottle for home, nominate a skipper or catch a bus tour.
Road Rules
Australian driving laws and road safety regulations are enforced in Western Australia’s Swan Valley. Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and wearing of seatbelts is compulsory for all passengers.
When approaching roundabouts you must give way to vehicles already on the roundabout. Always use the left-hand indicator prior to exiting.
U-Turns are not permitted at traffic lights, unless there is a displayed 'U-turn permitted' sign.
You are required to give way to public buses and always be alert when approaching a railway crossing - country trains do not always run on schedule.
You are permitted to drive on a current out-of-state or overseas licence for a period of one year. If you hold an out-of-state or overseas driver's licence it must be carried with you when you are driving and produced on demand to a police officer if requested.
It is illegal to talk on your mobile phone while driving.
Speed Limits
Speed limits vary across the State, but the maximum limit is 110 kilometres per hour. It is an offence to travel above the speed limit.
Major metropolitan arterial roads are generally capped at 60 kilometres per hour while suburban streets are almost exclusively limited to 50 kilometres per hour.
School zones are clearly marked and restricted to 40 kilometres per hour for two one-hour periods at the beginning and end of the school day.
Freeways and highways vary from 80 kilometres to 110 kilometres per hour.
The Western Australia Police Service employs radar and other speed monitoring devices, and fines are enforceable, even for visitors.
Visit the RoadWise website or call +61 8 9213 2066 for more information about driving laws and road safety in the Swan Valley region of Western Australia (WA).
