Last December, the NSW Premier, announced a number of changes to the Road Rules Act (NSW) 2014 that commence on 1 March 2016. These changes affect cyclists, motorists and pedestrians and can be broadly split into three categories.
- Drivers must give cyclists at least 1 or 1.5m of space. When driving past a cyclist in a 60kmph zone you must allow 1m and if its a100kmph zone, 1.5m must be allowed. To ensure the proper space is left for the cyclist, as long as a driver has a clear view of oncoming traffic, the driver is allowed to do a number of other things such as drive on painted islands and cross to the incorrect side of the road.
- Cyclists over 18 must carry photo identification. The form of the required photograph for identification is unclear at the moment. The legislation does not appear to require a driver’s license or an RMS identification card, however this will need to be clarified.
- Increased penalties for cyclists. These fines will increase so that they are in line with offences committed by motorists/motorbike riders:
- not wearing a helmet $171 to $319;
- running a red light $71 to $425;
- riding dangerously $71 to $425;
- holding onto a moving vehicle $71 to $319;
- not stopping for pedestrians $71 to $425.
These are some of the increases and there are many others but those outlined above include the major changes.
If you require any assistance in respect to these or other matters, please do not hesitate to contact us at Everingham Solomons because Helping You is Our Business.
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