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Road rules and penalties

Information about driving offences including speeding, drink/drug driving, mobile phones and distractions, intersections and red lights, double demerit periods in WA, and more.

Most Western Australian road rules are contained within the WA Road Traffic Code 2000 and have been summarised in the links below.  More information is available about traffic matters on the WA Police website.

Speed camera in front of trees

Speeding

The faster you travel, the longer it takes to stop and the larger the risk of serious injury. Information about speeding penalties and offences.
Glass of whiskey and car keys

Drink and drug driving

Alcohol remains one of the biggest contributors to road trauma in Western Australia, with an average of 40 people killed in alcohol related crashes every year.
Police car with door open after pulling over a car

Double demerits

During holiday periods and long weekends, certain driving offences are subject to double demerits. Information about offences, penalties and periods.
Using a phone to text message behind the wheel

Mobile phones and distractions

Two seconds on your phone at 60km/h is 33 metres driving blind. Information about penalties for using your mobile phone while driving.
Learner driver buckling up with supervising driver in passenger seat

Learner drivers

L-platers, P-platers, FAQs, zero blood alcohol content (BAC) offences.
A red traffic light and camera

Red lights, intersections and pedestrian crossings

Penalties for driving through a red traffic light and failing to give way appropriately at intersections.
Close up of a bike's handlebars and basket

Cycling

Information about safe cycling, cycling on roads and footpaths and related offences and penalties.
4wd towing a pop up caravan

Towing

Road rules and penalties specific to towing caravans, boats and more and information about packing your caravan or boat to stay safe on WA roads.
Person riding a motorcycle on a country road

Motorcycles

While only making up around 6% of WA's road users, motorcyclists account for more than 20% of serious injuries and fatalities on WA's roads.
POV of a driver overtaking trucks on a highway

Overtaking

Overtaking can be dangerous. Information about safely overtaking cars and trucks as well as related penalties and offences.
Form 1 Lane sign against a blue sky

More road rules and penalties

Seatbelts, emergency and breakdown vehicles, merging, following distances, crossing continuous lines, keeping left, headlights, U-turns, pilot vehicles and roundabouts
Page reviewed 1 October 2021

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

© Government of Western Australia 2017 to 2021