Understanding Western Australia Road Rules
A plain-English guide to the road rules every learner needs to know for safe driving in Perth and across WA.
Road rules are not identical around Australia. If you have driven interstate, held a licence overseas, or just want to be confident for your Hazard Perception Test and PDA, these are the rules that matter most on a Perth road. The governing authority is the WA Department of Transport (DoT).
Speed limits in WA
- Built-up areas: 50 km/h unless signed
- School zones: 40 km/h during signed hours
- Shared zones: 10–20 km/h
- Freeways: usually 100 km/h, 110 km/h on Kwinana Freeway and Forrest Highway
- Roadworks: always obey the temporary sign, even if no workers are visible
Give way and stop signs
A stop sign means wheels fully stop, for at least a moment. A rolling stop is treated the same as ignoring the sign. A give way means slow enough to stop if needed and yield to traffic with right of way.
Mobile phone laws
If you are on a Learner or P-plate licence, you cannot touch your phone at all — hands-free included. A fully licensed driver may use hands-free audio, but never hold the phone. Using your phone while stopped at a red light still counts as using it.
Keep left unless overtaking
On any multi-lane road with a limit of 90 km/h or more, you must keep left unless overtaking. This is actively enforced on the Mitchell Freeway, Kwinana Freeway and Graham Farmer Freeway.
Alcohol and drugs
Zero tolerance for learners and P-platers. Any reading will cost you your licence, your car for 48 hours, and possibly your job if you drive for work. Drug driving is tested roadside with a saliva swab.
Seatbelts and passengers
- Every occupant must wear a fitted seatbelt
- Children under 7 must be in an approved restraint
- The driver is responsible for all passengers under 16
Emergency vehicles
Slow to 40 km/h when passing any emergency vehicle stopped with lights flashing — including tow trucks and breakdown assistance.
