Ask NRMA: Must pedestrians obey road rules?

pedestrians crossing the road pedestrians crossing the road

Road aren’t only for motorists and cyclists - they are for pedestrians too. As with cars, there are a number of rules, some better known than others, that govern how pedestrians use the road - as well as fines for breaking them.

Part 14 of Road Rules 2014 covers pedestrians. Some of the key rules in this section are:

230 Crossing a road - general

1. A pedestrian crossing a road:
(a) must cross by the shortest safe route, and
(b) must not stay on the road longer than necessary to cross the road safely.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

236 Pedestrians not to cause a traffic hazard or obstruction

1. A pedestrian must not cause a traffic hazard by moving into the path of a driver. Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

2. A pedestrian must not unreasonably obstruct the path of any driver or another pedestrian.

238 Pedestrians travelling along a road (except in or on a wheeled recreational device or toy)

1. A pedestrian must not travel along a road if there is a footpath or nature strip adjacent to the road, unless it is impracticable to travel on the footpath or nature strip.

Read the full road rules for pedestrians.

Book a driving lesson with the NRMA

Most of the Rules for pedestrians are taught to us as children. However, pedestrian deaths continue to be significant. As the road is a shared zone, it is important that all users respect and adhere to the rules to make it the safe place that it can be.

Do you obey these road rules?