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Visiting Drivers 
New to Tasmania
If you’ve recently moved to Tasmania for a short time, are working here for the season, or have come to study and intend to drive a car or ride a motorbike, there are a few simple tips and rules you should know that will help keep you and your passengers’ safe. Tasmania is a great place to explore. Beautiful scenery, changing landscapes, and roads make for a great journey but conditions can take you by surprise.

Road rules and recommendations

The following are important road rules and road signs if you're new to Tasmania:

  • ALWAYS drive on the LEFT side of the road.

  • Driver and passengers must wear a seatbelt AT ALL TIMES.

  • We recommend you NEVER use a mobile phone while driving.

  • Slow down and LOOK-OUT for animals on the road, especially at dawn and dusk.

  • PULL-OFF the road when stopping to take photos, enjoy scenery or read maps.

  • SLOW DOWN on winding, gravel or icy roads in bad weather.

  • You MUST OBEY speed limits. In poor conditions, drive slower than the limit.

  • Hazard markers warn that the road ahead is about to CHANGE DIRECTION.

  • WARNING of a sharp bend ahead.

  • LOOK OUT for winding roads ahead.

  • When passing a cyclist, 1.5 is the MINIMUM PASSING DISTANCE speed zones higher than 60 km/h.

  • When passing a cyclist, 1 metre is the MINIMUM PASSING DISTANCE  in speed zones 60 km/h or lower.

Driving Tips

Driving on unfamiliar roads can increase your risk of having a crash. Plan ahead, drive and ride with caution and always be aware of changing road and weather conditions.

Most roads in Tasmania are single lane in each direction. Some roads can also be narrow, winding and have sharp corners. You may also encounter gravel roads. Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time when travelling, drive with caution and pull over in a safe place to allow others to pass from behind.

In Tasmania, the default speeds limits are 50km/h in urban areas, 100km/h on rural roads and 80km/h on gravel roads, unless otherwise signposted.

Travel times in Tasmania can be longer than you expect. Travelling 150 km may take 2 hours.

Plan no more than 300 km per day and take frequent breaks.

 

Look out for:

  • wildlife and roadkill, especially at night and early morning
  • adverse weather conditions, like fog, snow or black ice especially at night and in the early morning
  • gravel, dirt, rocks and soft corners
  • livestock and farm vehicles along roadsides and at property entrances
  • tree canopies covering roads leaving them damp, slippery or wet
  • black ice and moss on the road, especially in shady areas
  • overhanging branches and fallen tree limbs
  • other vehicles cutting corners and bringing dirt and stone on the departure side
  • trucks, caravans, bicycles or machinery travelling slowly or creating a hazard.

Helpful videos

  • Wear your seat belt
  • Slow down for animals
  • Slow down on gravel or icy roads
  • Roads quickly change

Stay Alert

Take regular breaks and avoid driving tired. Stay hydrated and eat regularly and don’t drive for too long in one day. If you feel the effects of tiredness in any way, stop and rest.

Weather

Regardless of where you are travelling in Tasmania, be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. Blue skies and sunshine can quickly change to rain and hail. Fog, snow and ice can also be experienced in some areas. Hazards on the road can be caused by the weather. The west and east coasts of Tasmania have very different weather conditions. Always check the weather forecast before setting out.

In an emergency

    • Dial 000 or 112 (an alternative to 000 if you are outside your mobile phone provider’s coverage)
    • Make the scene safe by warning and directing traffic
    • Help those injured, reassure them and keep them calm
    • Don’t move people unless they are in danger

Other Important Information

For information on licensing requirements visit Transport Tasmania here.

For information on registering a vehicle or to check the registration status of a vehicle at any time click here.

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