Whether we’re driving, walking or riding, we all have to cross roads, paths and railway lines. But, do you know your crossings?

Wherever there’s a crossing, there’s the risk of a collision, so take our quiz and get to the other side confidently and safely.

*Enter your answers, then click ‘see my results’ at the end to check your score.

1. The Fletcher Road railway crossing in Mount Barker has a 'Stop – look for trains' sign. You drive across it most days but have never seen a train pass. Do you still need to stop each time you cross the tracks?

A. Yes, but only when the SteamRanger train is running

B. Only if you see a train coming

C. Yes, you must come to a complete stop every time before crossing

D. You only need to give way, but not stop, at this crossing because trains are rare

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2. The 25km/h speed limit in school zones applies for which of these times?

A. Whenever children are present at any time of day, but only during the school term

B. Only between 8am and 9.30am and 2pm and 4pm during the school term

C. Whenever children are present at pick-up and drop-off times, but during the school term

D. Whenever children are present in the zone at any time of day, any day of the year

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3. You’re waiting at a level crossing for a train to pass. Once the train has passed, the boom barriers rise and you drive over the crossing without waiting for the lights to stop flashing. Have you broken the law?

A. Yes

B. No

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4. You’re walking west down Rundle Mall and arrive at King William Street. You notice the numbered pedestrian timer has started counting down. Is it illegal for you to start crossing King William Street?

A. Yes

B. No

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5. In this scenario, the red car is turning right onto North Street from Military Road at Henley Beach, while the blue car is travelling straight ahead. Three pedestrians are approaching North Street to cross. Which of these statements is most accurate?

A. The pedestrians must not cross North Street until all vehicles have exited the roundabout

B. The driver of the red car can legally enter the roundabout but must give way to the pedestrians crossing North Street

C. The driver of the blue car can’t enter the roundabout legally until the pedestrians have crossed North Street

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6. Emu crossings have white road markings, orange flags, and red and white posts either side. Where will you find an emu crossing?

A. Along the North-South Bikeway on Frome Street and Frome Road

B. In areas known for collisions between vehicles and emus, such as national parks

C. Within school zones

D. Nowhere – they’re called koala crossings, not emu crossings

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7. Which of these statements about the zebra crossing on Pirie Street in the CBD is most accurate?

A. All vehicles must give way to pedestrians and cyclists on or entering the crossing, but only during office hours

B. All vehicles must give way to pedestrians and cyclists on or entering the crossing, at all times

C. All vehicles must give way to pedestrians and cyclists on or entering the crossing, but only between 7am and 7pm

D. Pedestrians and cyclists must only cross when there are no vehicles waiting

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8. You’ve pressed the button at the pedestrian crossing near Hotel Eyre in Whyalla. The symbol turns green, and you cross while sending your friend a text. Could you be breaking the law?

A. Yes

B. No

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9. You’re on a pleasant weekend bike ride to Glenelg. Is it legal to ride your bike across pedestrian crossings on the way?

A. Yes

B. No

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10. Which of the following is the most accurate definition of a wombat crossing?

A. Sub-surface tunnel to improve safety for wombats near the road

B. Pedestrian crossing with a button that activates red lights

C. Crossing that enables pedestrians to cross in every direction

D. Pedestrian crossing with white parallel stripes on a raised section of road

The post Quiz: Do you know your crossings? appeared first on samove.com.au.

The traffic light has just turned green but the car in front hasn’t moved. You wait a couple of seconds then… beep. You give your horn a little tap to get the driver’s attention. Was it too soon to toot? Let us know by voting in the poll.

What the rules say

RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says sounding your horn too soon, like in this instance, might be considered an offence.

If you thought your horn sounded good at the time, how about a $228 fine and $105 Victims of Crime Levy? This is how much you can be penalised for improper use of your horn.

The Australian Road Rules defines a vehicle’s horn as a safety device which must only be used to alert other road users of danger. For instance, if the vehicle in front starts rolling back towards you at the lights. That said, if the driver in front isn’t aware that the light has turned green then a quick toot to alert them can be helpful to avoid you and anyone behind you missing the green signal.

While tooting to get your fellow motorists’ attention sounds helpful, you could potentially risk the safety of other road users. “Not only can you receive a fine for beeping a slower driver, but you may also distract other motorists and cause a crash,” Charles says.

What you should do

Lightly tapping your horn to alert them isn’t the same as aggressively holding your hand down to deliberately intimidate other drivers. That said, beeping someone because they’re not moving as fast as you’d like isn’t reason to get too horn happy.

There are a few other scenarios where you can’t use your horn – who knew beeping bye to a mate was against the rules? We’ve outlined a few instances where beeping other road users is acceptable here.

Final word

“Give fellow drivers grace,” Charles says. “It’s important to remember we’re sharing the road and there’s no room for impatience behind the wheel.”

Paying attention at signals so that you move off safely when the light or arrow turns green helps to not only reduce delays and frustration but avoids the need for a reminder toot from the driver behind!

The post Too soon to toot? appeared first on samove.com.au.

Is your side mirror hanging on by a thread? Are your headlights busted? There’s nothing a roll of duct tape can’t fix – temporarily, of course. Here are the rules when driving around with sticky taped mirrors and lights.

The scenario

You pull up next to a car with duct tape wrapped around the side mirror. “That’s bound to be defected,” you think to yourself. Your mind wanders to whether it’s Gorilla or Scotch tape… perhaps let’s stick (pun intended) to the topic.

While the type of tape you use is neither here nor there, surprisingly, in most cases, you won’t immediately be handed a defect notice if your mirrors or headlights are held together by tape.

The (Band-Aid) solution

It’s true that a vehicle can be deemed unroadworthy if the rear-view or side mirrors and lights are missing or damaged. If it’s the latter, stashing sticky tape in your glove box may come in handy.

According to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, you can legally drive with sticky taped mirrors and lights, provided the tape is a temporary repair.

“It’s important that the sticky taped mirrors or lights are securely attached and the tape doesn’t obscure the driver’s view of the road or prevent the light being visible to other drivers when it’s illuminated,” Charles says.

Drivers are required to have a clear view of what’s behind them and to the side of their vehicle. If a driver doesn’t have a clear view due to, in this instance, tape obstructing their vision of the road and traffic, they can be fined $228 and a $105 Victims of Crime Levy.

“In the case of cracked headlights, using tape temporarily is acceptable provided the unit is still functioning correctly and the alignment of the headlamp doesn’t dazzle oncoming drivers,” Charles says.

Final word

Regularly checking your vehicle’s lights and mirrors is important. If they’ve been damaged, consider sticky tape a Band-Aid solution until you can head to a reputable repairer (preferably sooner than later). Ensure the mirror or light is repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid a sticky (yes, we went there) situation.

Learn about other car problems that could put you at risk of receiving a defect notice.

The post Can I repair my car with sticky tape? appeared first on samove.com.au.

For the first time in 25 years, the Disability Parking Permit (DPP) scheme has changed.

In November 2025, the criteria for the DPP scheme were broadened to help more South Aussies access a permit.

What’s the DPP scheme?

The DPP scheme provides eligible people with access to designated parking spaces, marked with the international access symbol.

This access also extends to other Australian states, subject to local rules.

DPPs are issued to people who have limited mobility and/or other impairments as determined by an eligible health practitioner.

Permits are issued on a permanent (five years) or temporary (up to one year) basis. They must be displayed in vehicles used to transport people with disabilities so they’re clearly visible from the outside.

What’s changed?

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) website has outlined the following expansions to DPP eligibility criteria.

• Legally blind applicants are included, and they needn’t meet further mobility criteria. A legally blind person being transported in a vehicle is eligible and doesn’t need a driver’s licence.
• Applicants with a significant intellectual, cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairment are included and they must be unable to mobilise without the continuous support of another person.
• The requirement that the impairment must significantly inhibit an applicant’s ability to use public transport has been removed.
• The term ‘disabled person’ has changed to ‘person with disability’.
• Existing physical mobility impairment criteria are unchanged.

Accessible parking spaces

The changes affect a person’s ability to qualify for a DPP, but not the enforcement of accessible parking spaces or their availability.

According to DIT, the Australian Government sets the minimum number of accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities.

This is outlined in the national Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010. Standards are applied through the National Construction Code.

Properties can choose to provide more accessible parking spaces.

How are other road users affected?

The inclusion of broader criteria, including non-physical disabilities, underscores the fact that road users shouldn’t judge a DPP holder’s eligibility purely by sight.

RAA’s Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain welcomes these changes.

“Not all DPP holders have disabilities that are obvious to other people,” Charles says.

“Everybody’s circumstances are different, and it’s important for road users to be understanding and respectful of DPP holders’ needs.”

Stopping in a designated parking area without a valid permit could result in a $460 fine plus a $105 Victims of Crime levy.

DPP application process

You can apply for a DPP here or call Service SA on 13 10 84.

As of December 2025, the fees were $13 for a temporary permit and $24 for a permanent permit.

The changes don’t affect current DPP holders.

The post Updates to Disability Parking Permits appeared first on samove.com.au.

There are two types of drivers: the ones who indicate and the ones who don’t, especially when no other road users are around.

So, can you get in trouble in South Australia for not indicating if no one is around to see it?

The scenario

You’re heading home from a night shift. It’s the early hours of the morning and, without thinking, you turn into your street without flicking on your indicator. No other road users are in sight. Have you just committed an offence?

The rule

You’re lucky there weren’t any police around. If you’re caught failing to indicate, like in this scenario, you can be fined $392, a $105 Victims of Crime Levy and two demerit points.

This rule applies no matter the time of day or night and whether other road users are present or not.

According to South Australia Police (SAPOL) data analysed by RAA, last financial year there were 1567 offences committed by motorists who failed to give sufficient warning when turning right and left on South Australian roads.

Think of it like brushing your teeth…

RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says using your indicator is required by law whenever you’re changing direction. For example, when you’re switching lanes, turning right or left, merging or negotiating roundabouts.

According to Charles, the motion of flicking the indicator on before signalling your change in direction also reinforces good habits behind the wheel.

“It becomes an automatic part of the driving routine, irrespective of the environment,” he says.

“If drivers go down the road of selective indicating, they’re likely to forget to indicate when they need to, risking the safety of other road users.

“It can also become frustrating for those you’re sharing the road with.”

Final word

Whether it’s late at night, early in the morning, or during peak periods, there’s no exception to the rule. Drivers must always signal changes in direction using their indicator.

“Failing to indicate when turning or changing lanes or giving sufficient warning of your intention to do so is one of the consistent pet peeves of most drivers and, in the worst case, can lead to a crash,” Charles says.

But it’s not as simple as flicking your indicator on and making your move. The Driver’s Handbook states drivers must indicate for at least five seconds when leaving a stationary position by the side of the road. When changing lanes or turning left or right, drivers must give sufficient warning (usually fewer than five seconds) to other road users of their intentions to turn.

A few seconds may seem like an eternity in the dead of night or at the crack of dawn when nobody is around, but it’s worth your time.

The post Do I have to indicate if nobody is around? appeared first on samove.com.au.

The ‘Stop Engine’ sign at petrol stations should be enough of a reminder for motorists to switch off before refuelling, but is it legal to leave the engine running at the pump?

The scenario

It’s a hot day. Your kids wait in the car while you fuel up before you run inside to pay. You’re tempted to leave the engine and air-con running to keep the car cool.

What you can do

According to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, switching off your vehicle’s engine at the pump (whether you’re using the fuel hose or not) is advised, but not required by law.

What you should do

Switch off the engine. The risk of a fire starting from leaving your engine running while you fill your car with fuel is possible.

“There’s a potential fire risk which comes from stray sparks from electrical equipment that’s live when the engine is running,” Charles explains. “Petrol vapour is present so any spark can present a hazard.”

What’s more, a hot exhaust can ignite any spilt fuel if it spits back out of the fuel filler.  When refuelling, there is petrol vapour present at the fuel filler so the present of any spark or intense heat could ignite the vapour.

But there’s another reason leaving your engine running at petrol stations can be disastrous. Leaving your vehicle without a licensed driver in the driver or passengers’ seat with the engine running is inviting theft.

“There’s the risk of someone stealing your car, particularly if the fuel filler is on the left side of the vehicle,” Charles says. “If your fuel filler is on the left, it makes it easier for someone to quickly jump in from the other side of the car while you’re filling up,” he says.

Consider this a reminder to turn off the engine and take your keys with you when you get out of the vehicle.

“That goes for any valuables too, so the vehicle isn’t an easy target for thieves,” Charles says.

Final word

After switching the engine off and exiting, lock your vehicle before you go inside to pay for your fuel. Take any children with you, unless there’s an adult in the vehicle who can look after them. 

Remember, never leave the engine running and never leave children unattended in vehicles– that includes during quick pitstops for petrol.

The post Can I leave the engine running while refuelling?  appeared first on samove.com.au.

Your New Year’s resolution to clear out the garage hasn’t happened yet, so it looks like you’ll be parking on the street – right in front of Barry’s house. Baz won’t mind, right?

In this instance, just because you can, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should.

According to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, there’s no law preventing you from legally parking along the kerb in front of your neighbour’s house, but there are restrictions.

How close can I park to a driveway?

Parking too close to a driveway can obstruct the vision of a motorist trying to enter or exit a property. That’s why it’s important to make sure your kerbside park is legal and safe.

“While it’s legal to park right up to the edge of a driveway, it can make it extremely difficult for the resident to safely reverse their vehicle out of the driveaway and see approaching traffic,” Charles explains.

“This is guaranteed to really annoy your neighbour, particularly if you do this more than once.”

Our advice? Park at least a metre from the edge of the driveway to make manoeuvring in and out of a property easier.

Check your surroundings

Besides your neighbour’s driveway, watch for fire hydrants and plugs, generally marked with a short yellow line. These are in specific locations so firefighters can access water safely and efficiently in an emergency. Obstructing access here with your vehicle can result in a fine issued by the local council.

When there’s no other option…

If you must park your vehicle on the street, park as close to the kerb as possible.

“This minimises the intrusion into the road space and reduces the risk of being sideswiped,” Charles says.

“Some residential streets are quite narrow so if you park opposite another vehicle, there must be at least three metres between the widest point of your vehicle and theirs,” he explains.

“This minimum clearance is important as trucks are 2.5 metres wide, so if you don’t leave sufficient width, not only do you risk your vehicle being damaged, but you can also be fined by the council.”

Final word

Your neighbour might feel territorial about the parking spot outside their house, but it’s not against the law for you – or anyone else – to park there, unless otherwise signed. That said, Charles recommends only using street parking when absolutely necessary. The road shouldn’t be considered a long-term parking spot.

“If you’re going away for a few weeks, don’t leave your vehicle parked on the street unless you have a residential parking permit and no off-street parking options,” he says.

If you must park your vehicle on the street, try to do so in front of your own property rather than your neighbour’s. If you have parking space on your property, like a garage or driveaway, that’s even better – park there when possible to keep everyone happy, especially Baz.

The post POLL: Is it okay to park in front of your neighbour’s house? appeared first on samove.com.au.

More than 1100 motorists were caught doing a U-turn at traffic lights in 2024-25, according to SA Police data.

Of those motorists, 751 were given a warning and 358 were handed a $450 fine, plus $105 Victims of Crime Levy and two demerit points.

Getting caught doing a U-turn at traffic lights where it isn’t allowed can be expensive, but also dangerous. Here’s why it could be dangerous.

Unexpected moves

Picture this: You’re making a U-turn at the traffic lights and as you complete the move, another driver turns left at a slip lane. They don’t expect you to do a U-turn, and think the road is clear, and unfortunately you collide with the car turning left.

In South Australia, motorists aren’t allowed to do a U-turn at the traffic light unless it’s signposted otherwise. That means that if you do a U-turn at the traffic lights, other motorists won’t be expecting the manoeuvre.

RAA Senior Manager for Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says the unexpected U-turn could result in a collision.

“Instead of doing a U-turn at the traffic lights, the motorist should continue in the same  direction through the intersection and then perform a U-turn well away from the intersection where it’s safe to do so,” Charles says.

When it’s legal

There are several locations scattered around Adelaide where motorists can legally perform a U-turn at the traffic lights. You’ll find one on North Terrace in the city and another at St Marys where Ayliffes Road meets with Shepherds Hill Road and the Southern Expressway entrance. At each of these intersections there’s a ‘U-turn permitted sign’.

When performing a U-turn, you must give way to all other traffic and pedestrians and not unreasonably obstruct traffic approaching from the front or behind.

When performing a U-turn at traffic lights always check for any traffic before completing the manoeuvre and give way to any pedestrians.

The rules interstate

Victoria is the only Australian state where you can legally do a U-turn at the traffic lights unless a ‘no U-turn permitted’ sign is present. All other Australian states and territories have the same no U-turn rule as the one in place in South Australia.

Of course, you’ll also find hook turns in Melbourne, so be prepared when you’re driving in Victoria.

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