Whether you’re navigating turn-only lanes, zip merging or overtaking, indicator rules are less straightforward than you’d think. Here’s what the Australian Road Rules say, and what it’ll cost if you get it wrong.

Imagine a world where indicator rules didn’t exist and motorists were unable to signal their intentions on the road. It would be chaos.

When we’re on the road, we put a lot of trust in other motorists, relying on them to obey the indicator rules, whether it’s stopping at red lights, sticking to the speed limit or using their indicators.

Merging, turning and changing lanes would be extremely dangerous without prior warning, and cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users would be at greater risk.

Thankfully, indicators are installed on all motor vehicles and must be used to show other road users your intentions. Yet, there is still some confusion about indicator rules and how, and when, we need to use the device while on the road. Below we’ve answered a few commonly asked indicator questions.

Do I need to indicate when I’m in a turn-only lane?

Staggeringly, almost two thirds of motorists don’t know that they must indicate when making a turn in a turn-only lane, according to a recent sa move quiz.

What is a turn-only lane? It’s a designated lane that requires drivers to turn in a specific direction (left or right) at an intersection.

The quiz, which tested motorists in several scenarios, revealed that 61 per cent of road users thought they didn’t have to indicate right in a lane where they were unable to turn left or travel straight.

Despite no other turning options being available, the Australian Road Rules state that a driver must indicate when changing direction, including when there’s a turn-only lane.

Making a turn in a turn-only lane, doing a U-turn and pulling over to the side of the road are all examples of changing direction.

RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says it might be obvious which direction you’re heading, but other road users can’t always see the arrow markings underneath your vehicle.

“To ensure the safety of all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, you still have to indicate when you’re in a turn-only lane,” Charles says.

“While it might seem unnecessary to indicate because once you’re in the lane you must follow the specified direction, indicating confirms the direction to other road users and pedestrians.”

How long do I need to indicate for?

You’re at the wheel and moving from a stationary position on the side of the road. How long must you indicate? Three seconds, five seconds or it doesn’t matter if other motorists see you indicate?

If you said five seconds, you’re one of the 62 per cent who answered correctly in a 2024 sa move quiz.

According to the Australian Road Rules, if you’re about to move from a stationary position on the side of the road, you must indicate for a full five seconds before pulling away from the kerb.

Remember to give way to all traffic, including cyclists or pedestrians, before moving off.

If you fail to indicate before moving from a stationary position, you risk a $392 fine plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy and two demerit points.

On the road, the rules change slightly. When switching lanes, there isn’t a set time you need to indicate, but you must provide sufficient warning to other road users that you’re changing direction and ensure there’s enough room to do so.

You must also signal your intentions using your indicators to:

• Turn left or right, including leaving the continuing road at a modified T-junction
• Make a U-turn
• Leave a roundabout (by indicating left where practical)
• Turn left or right when moving into a parking space.

Can I be fined for not flicking my indicator off?

You’re at the wheel of your car and you indicate before turning a corner. A few hundred metres down the road you realise you’ve left the indicator switched on. Can you be fined?

Leaving your indicator on may be seen as a misuse of a direction signal, and you could be fined $262, receive a $105 Victims of Crime Levy and two demerit points.

Charles says leaving your indicator on could confuse other road users if you’re not planning to change directions.

“If you leave your indicator on, a person entering traffic from a side road might assume you’re turning and pull out in front of you,” Charles says.

“It’s good practice to check your indicators have switched off after you’ve completed a change-of-direction manoeuvre.”

Do I need to indicate when zip merging?

When driving on a road and the number of lanes reduces, and there are no lane markings, you must give way to the vehicle ahead of you. Vehicles take turns merging like teeth on a zipper, hence the name zip merge.

While you’re not technically required to signal when zip merging, it’s good etiquette to signal left or right as you move across into the continuing lane. This has the added benefit of helping traffic merge smoothly.

The Driving Companion also advises that when merging and moving left or right by more than one metre, drivers should indicate.

Can I indicate to tell another motorist the road ahead is clear?

You’re driving along a country road and towing a caravan. There’s a car behind looking to overtake and, to give them a heads up that the road ahead is clear, you flick on your right indicator. Courteous or confusing?

Although you mean well, using your indicator for this purpose can be confusing and dangerous if the driver misinterprets your intentions and thinks you’re signalling the road ahead is clear but you’re actually turning right.

At the end of the day, it’s up to the overtaking driver to determine if it’s safe to pass. Using your indicator to show the road ahead is clear could result in a $262 fine, a $105 Victims of Crime Levy and two demerit points.

The post The indicator rules every driver needs to know appeared first on samove.com.au.

E-scooters and e-bikes are a nifty and quick way to get around in the city or suburban streets.

However, there are rules you need to follow when riding personal mobility devices like e-scooter, e-skateboards and e-solo wheels.

Break the e-scooter rules and there are some hefty consequences. According to the SA Government’s My Licence website, personal mobility device users who break the road rules could be fined up to $2500 and receive demerit points. If the e-scooter user accrues 12 points over a three-year period, they could lose their driver’s licence.

South Australians breaking e-scooter rules

Many South Australians are confused about e-scooter laws, with new RAA research revealing eight in 10 respondents don’t know the speed limits on the road (25km/h). The survey also found that 85 per cent of people don’t know the e-scooter speed limit on the footpath is 10km/h.

More than three quarters of people surveyed were unaware that 16 is the minimum age to ride an e-scooter in a public area.

E-scooter riders at risk

In 2025, one person was killed and another 63 injured in e-scooter crashes, according to SA police figures.

RAA Senior Manager of Road Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says the survey results reveal a significant knowledge gap that poses a real safety risk to riders and pedestrians.

“RAA is concerned about people buying and riding e-scooters – including parents buying them for their children – without knowing the laws that exist to protect them,” Charles says.

“E-scooters can be a convenient way for people to get around and complete short trips, but riders need to know the rules to keep themselves and others safe.”

“By understanding the laws and riding responsibly, South Australians can enjoy the benefits of e-scooters while keeping themselves safe and our footpaths and roads safe for everyone.”

The other ways you can lose your licence without driving

Breaking the rules on an e-scooter isn’t the only non-driving related offence that can lead to losing your licence.  Here are a few other ways you could have your licence disqualified.

Breaking the road rules: Riding a bike doesn’t mean you’re exempt from the road rules. In fact, cyclists can get fines and demerit points for a range of infringements. For example, if you’re caught riding a bicycle while under the influence, you could be fined up to $500 and accrue up to six demerit points on your driver’s licence.

Graffiti: Those graffiti tags or ‘artwork’ might seem harmless, but they could result in severe consequences. You might even lose your licence. Vandals busted marking graffiti on multiple occasions could lose their driver’s licence for up to six months and get a fine of up to $5000 or even a 12-month prison sentence.

Unpaid fines or state debts: If you have unpaid fines or state debts, you might want to pay them sooner rather than later. You could have your licence suspended if overdue fines remain unpaid, and you won’t be allowed to drive a vehicle or supervise a learner driver.

A licence suspension is different to a disqualification and can occur regardless of the number of demerit points you have accrued. If your licence is suspended, for this reason, you’ll need to pay your fines in full to have it reinstated.

Passengers without seatbelts: If a passenger is caught not wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle, the driver can be fined $448 plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy and receive three demerit points. If there’s more than one passenger not wearing the correct seatbelt or restraint, the driver can be fined $530, plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy and five demerit points.

It’s not only the driver who could be in strife if passengers aren’t wearing their seatbelts. Passengers over the age of 16 who fail to buckle up will receive a $448 fine, $105 Victims of Crime Levy and three demerit points. If they have a learners permit or provisional licence, they’ll only need one more demerit point before they have their licence disqualified.

The post Can I lose my driver’s licence for an e-scooter offence? appeared first on samove.com.au.

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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.