Can you drop off passengers in a bus zone?
You’re looking for a place to drop off a carload of footy fans who are heading to the game at Adelaide Oval. You see a clear spot on the side of North Terrace… but it’s a bus zone. Oh well, you’ll only be a second. Those few seconds might cost you.
If you’re caught stopping in a bus zone you could receive a $158 fine plus $102 Victims of Crime Levy – and will likely annoy the bus driver who just pulled in behind you.
So, what are the rules for stopping briefly at the roadside? It depends where you’re stopping.
Loading zone
You can’t stop to drop off or pick up passengers in a loading zone. Unless signposted for commercial vehicle use only, passenger vehicles can stop in a loading zone to load and unload goods that are difficult to handle due to their weight or size.
Some loading zones are 24/7 while others operate during the times shown on the sign.
Fine: $81, plus $102 Victims of Crime Levy if the fine’s issued by SA Police.
No-stopping zone
The clue’s in the name – no stopping allowed.
Fine: $114, plus a $102 Victims of Crime Levy if the fine’s issued by SA Police.
Solid yellow line
Stopping where a continuous yellow line is painted on the road edge costs a couple of dollars more than a no-stopping zone.
Fine: $116, plus a $102 Victims of Crime Levy if the fine’s issued by SA Police.
Taxi zone
Drive on, this spot’s for taxis only.
Fine: $158, plus $102 Victims of Crime Levy if the fine’s issued by SA Police.
Bicycle lane
If a bike lane is operational (24/7 or during the signposted times), you can’t stop to drop off or pick up passengers unless you’re driving a taxi or bus.
Fine: $321, plus a $102 Victims of Crime Levy if the fine’s issued by SA Police.
No parking zone
Finally, somewhere to release passengers. You can drop off or pick up passengers in a no parking zone if you stay no longer than two minutes and don’t leave the car unattended – that means you can’t be any more than 3m from the vehicle.
Clearway
Like a bike lane, you mustn’t stop in a clearway during the operating hours shown on the clearway sign.
Fine: $319, plus $102 Victims of Crime Levy if the fine’s issued by SA Police.
Driveway
This might come as a surprise, but you can stop across a driveway to drop off or pick up passengers if you don’t leave the vehicle unattended and stay no longer than two minutes.
Red traffic light
Strangely, perhaps, there’s no specific law prohibiting passengers from leaving a car while it’s stopped at a red light. Though, your companions could be in strife if opening the door creates a hazard for other road users, which carries a hefty fine.
Fine: $220, plus $102 Victims of Crime Levy if the fine’s issued by SA Police.
Keep in mind, the trip from the car to the footpath could be dangerous, and there might be serious injuries if your vehicle’s hit from behind while passengers are getting out.
There are several other zones where no-stopping rules apply. The Driver’s Handbook has more information and the SA Police’s Expiable Offences and Fees – Traffic page shows the cost of fines.