Drivers in one state are being reminded of an often-ignored traffic rule, as authorities crack down on motorists who do the wrong thing on Australian roads. But it’s also food for thought for people in other states and territories, as similar rules often apply — and breaking them can land drivers with hefty fines.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, part of the NSW Police Force, says there is often a misunderstanding about overtaking. “Command has seen an increase in collisions where drivers are overtaking other vehicles,” they shared on Facebook this week — and often it involves breaking the rules.

The biggest mistake drivers make is cruising in the right lane. Last week, NSW Police issued a statement urging motorists to “ignore left signs unless overtaking.” One suspended driver was caught “failing to comply” with this rule and was fined $410.

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, prominent Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh of Astor Legal said the provisional driver may have gotten off lightly compared to the penalties he could have faced. “You can get a fine of up to $2,200 if you breach this rule,” he told Yahoo News Australia.

Overtaking rules are often ignored on Australian roads

But there are other overtaking rules that police say are often ignored. NSW Road Rules state that drivers are not allowed to overtake another vehicle:

• over a solid dividing line (single or double)

• when you do not have a clear view of approaching traffic, for example before a ridge or bend, or if you have limited visibility

• when a vehicle stops or has stopped at a pedestrian crossing, intersection or railway crossing

• or where a road becomes narrower

“Not only is it illegal to cross a continuous lane to pass, but it is also illegal to pass at a time when it is unsafe to do so,” police said on social media.

“This means that you must have an unobstructed view of the traffic in front of you, that you must not exceed the speed limit and that you must not overtake too close to the car you are overtaking or re-enter the lane.”

Ignoring the passing rules can result in a $410 fine

But another common behaviour on the road may be to speed when another driver is trying to pass you. This is also an offence in NSW. “All of these offences carry fines of up to $410 and 3 penalty points,” warns Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.

Furthermore, you must never exceed the speed limit when overtaking, regardless of the circumstances. This rule applies throughout the country.

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