A number of minor amendments to road rules commenced in the Northern Territory from today, Wednesday 5 August 2020.

These minor changes are being rolled out to create a safer road environment and to ensure the Australian Road Rules in the Northern Territory remain harmonised with the Model Australian Road Rules.

Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics General Manager of Transport and Civil Services, Louise McCormick, said the changes are technical clarifications, or amendments to address minor inconsistencies, safety risks, emerging issues or contemporary circumstances.

The key changes:

• Clarify existing rules relating to U-turns at various crossings and other places.
• Clarify that a motor cycle rider does not have to indicate when changing position within a lane.
• Clarify that a driver cannot stop on a bicycle crossing.
• Provide rules and signage for electric vehicle parking.
• Insert technological neutral terminology regarding the payment of parking fees.
• Clarify the rules regarding the wearing of seatbelts by drivers.
• Clarify when a motorcycle rider may remove both feet from footrests.
• Clarify that a mobile phone, television receiver or visual display unit may be used when the vehicle is parked, even though the key may be in the ignition or the engine is running.
• Provide an offence for a driver to interrupt a funeral procession.

“These rules provide a safer road environment for all road users by providing more consistency across jurisdictions,” said Ms McCormick.

“All road users need to understand the road rules, for their safety and the safety of other road users.”

To view a full list of these changes and the Northern Territory road rules, visit www.towardszero.nt.gov.au.

ENDS

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