Drivers beware: This obscure road rule could cost you $215!

Navigating the roads can be tricky enough with the myriad of signs, signals, and markings expected to be understood and obeyed by drivers.

However, when local councils introduce little-known road rules, it can catch even the most conscientious drivers off guard, leading to frustration and, unfortunately, hefty fines.


In south Sydney, confusion has risen due to the introduction of solid yellow line markings on the roads.

These unfamiliar lines and their meaning have been the subject of much debate among residents.

The Bayside Council will offer a crash course in road markings after drivers were fined for stopping in areas marked by these yellow lines.

The solid yellow lines serve the same purpose as the more commonly recognised solid red 'No stopping' signs.

The council's use of these markings aims to reduce 'visual clutter' in an area already saturated with traffic signs.


compressed-kerb.jpeg
The Bayside Council introduced yellow lines along a kerb, indicating a ‘No Stopping’ zone. Image Credit: Facebook/Bayside Council


'Council recently made the decision to roll out the yellow C3 line marking in lieu of “No stopping” signage in the first instance to address the visual clutter associated with sign proliferation throughout the LGA,' a spokesperson explained.

The council says these yellow line markings have been in use for some time and that their recent decision will lead to a more widespread application.

This has prompted an education campaign to help motorists understand these lines and how to avoid fines.


According to reports, the use of yellow line markings was introduced back in 1999 as an alternative to 'No stopping' signs. They became part of NSW legislation 16 years ago.

Despite this, many drivers are still unaware of their significance.

The National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) has noted that confusion over this rule is common among their members.

The consequences of stopping on these yellow lines are not insignificant.

Those who park in these zones face a fine of $215 and two demerit points, with the fine increasing to $387 if the offence occurs in a school zone.

Last year, the issue gained attention when a Sydney driver vented their frustration on social media after receiving a fine for parking along a continuous yellow edge line.

They were not alone in their ignorance of the rule, asking fellow residents, 'How long have you not been allowed to park on a continuous yellow-edge line?'

The driver resignedly noted they would 'have to wear it', indicating they had no choice but to accept the fine.


This situation reminds drivers to stay informed about old and new road rules.

It's also a call to local councils to promptly announce any changes to traffic regulations immediately to avoid penalising drivers unfairly.

The next time you’re out driving, please take note of these yellow lines and remember that they mean 'No stopping' at any time.

If unsure about road markings or signs, always be cautious and find a different parking spot.
Key Takeaways

  • Bayside Council has introduced solid yellow line markings to indicate 'No stopping' on roads, replacing some road signs to reduce clutter.
  • Many drivers are unaware of the new yellow markings, leading to confusion and fines.
  • The NRMA has acknowledged the lack of public knowledge about this road rule, which has been in place for years.
  • Motorists caught stopping on these yellow lines face fines of $272, or $352 and two demerit points if within a school zone.
Have you encountered these yellow lines in your area? How do you keep up-to-date with changing road rules? Share your insights with us in the comments section.
 
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The use of yellow lines varies greatly between different countries making it very confusing for immigrants and visitors who are used to a particular system. This post doesn't make it clear what the local rules are. A solid yellow line means no stopping at any time. A broken line means no stopping at certain times described on nearby signs (According to the Road Users Handbook 09/22).
 
It used to be simple to get hold of the current NSW road rules. They were all published in a small, glove box sized, pamphlet that you could get free from the NRMA or many petrol stations.

The NRMA would notify members when the rules changed.

Now however you need to look for the NSW Road User Handbook. Which is a 192 page pdf file, available online. But sometimes changes its location.

It contains a lot more than just the road rules, which makes it too big to carry in the car, and it doesn't get much publicity when it changes.

BTW in case people don't know, it changed last year. So if you weren't aware it would be a good idea to get the updated version.

Don't ask me what's different, I am unable to drive at the moment (eye problems) and am having trouble reading too.

(Which is why some of my posts get a bit garbled)
 
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Bayside - Victoria. Right next to SA, where these yellow lies have used for years. Another thing 'stolen' by the Vic government.
 
SA have had them forever. I began driving in 1973 and I'm sure they were around then.
I do believe there should be notices or a link to open when rules change. With licences renewing up to 10 yearly that 's not a viable option. We shouldn't have to be regularly looking up to check if there are changes.
 
It used to be simple to get hold of the current NSW road rules. They were all published in a small, glove box sized, pamphlet that you could get free from the NRMA or many petrol stations.

The NRMA would notify members when the rules changed.

Now however you need to look for the NSW Road User Handbook. Which is a 192 page pdf file, available online. But sometimes changes its location.

It contains a lot more than just the road rules, which makes it too big to carry in the car, and it doesn't get much publicity when it changes.

BTW in case people don't know, it changed last year. So if you weren't aware it would be a good idea to get the updated version.

Don't ask me what's different, I am unable to drive at the moment (eye problems) and am having trouble reading too.

(Which is why some of my posts get a bit garbled)
There are over 216 road rules, last count, that have to be adhered to....
 
Every state & territory makes up this country we call Australia. It beats me why we have different road rules in every state etc. With the availability of highways, major roads and minor roads to get from one place to the next opening up this country for us together with the number of cars driving from one place to the next every day, how are we to drive from A to B, crossing state/territory borders when road rules are so different? Let’s just take one example - the right turning rule at certain intersections in Melbourne. Totally, totally ridiculous!

It is about time our state governments standardised road rules and traffic signs. Another bugbear is the rail line gauges which didn’t match one another - narrow gauge, broad gauge!! Not sure if that system has been standardised now. And having to access the internet to read each state’s road rules is also ridiculous and very time consuming. Are we to carry each state’s road rules book in the car before setting off on a trip? Our brains are also capable of absorbing and storing only just so much and no more information at the ready to recall and use.

Queensland has had the solid yellow line for years indicating no stopping and no parking along the line.
 
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Every state & territory makes up this country we call Australia. It beats me why we have different road rules in every state etc. With the availability of highways, major roads and minor roads to get from one place to the next opening up this country for us together with the number of cars driving from one place to the next every day, how are we to drive from A to B, crossing state/territory borders when road rules are so different? Let’s just take one example - the right turning rule at certain intersections in Melbourne. Totally, totally ridiculous!

It is about time our state governments standardised road rules and traffic signs. Another bugbear is the rail line gauges which didn’t match one another - narrow gauge, broad gauge!! Not sure if that system has been standardised now. And having to access the internet to read each state’s road rules is also ridiculous and very time consuming. Are we to carry each state’s road rules book in the car before setting off on a trip? Our brains are also capable of absorbing and storing only just so much and no more information at the ready to recall and use.

Queensland has had the solid yellow line for years indicating no stopping and no parking along the line.
National Transport Commission

Actually there was a merging of the road rules in 2014, whicis linked to the above NTC site. The Australian Road Rules contains all the rules both common and unique for the whole of Australia.


Not all railway gauges are standard. But there now is a Standard Gauge used for interstate railway lines.
 
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Makes more sense than adding to the road side ''sign pollution'' ; much of which is insurance against insurance claims :(
Little off topic: the best sign pollution is "new road work -- no lines -- don't over take -- slow down" and 100 mts on is "end road work" WTD!!
 

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