In Australia, stopping on a pedestrian or children’s crossing is illegal, and considered a serious traffic violation with heavy consequences and a toll on your demerit points. These rules are in place to safeguard sensitive road users, mainly children, and to maintain a smooth and safe road system overall.
The Law: Clear Prohibition
The Australian driving laws are blatant and to the point in legislation that a vehicle must never stop on a pedestrian or children’s crossing. This rule stands under any condition as well, including stopping due to traffic, distractions or for the purpose of parking. Vehicles are also not to stop within 20 meters before and 10 meters after a crossing unless there is a sign stating otherwise. This is to reduce the blind spot and maintain visible contact between the drivers and pedestrians on the road.
Fines and Penalties
The laws are backed up with punitive measures. These measures include heavy fines and the amount varies on the state but can reach 962 dollars, in addition to inflicting demerit points on the license. In the state of New South Wales there are also other penalties in place such as leaving a children’s crossing unmonitored. During pedestrian crossing hours it is also possible to receive 2 demerit points and a 283 dollar fine.
Rationale Behind Such Regulations
Stopping on a crossing endangers the safety of pedestrians, especially children. School proximity crossings aim to provide children safe passage, and children can definitely be unpredictable. Hence, the laws are made for drivers to ensure unceasing vigilance and never to obstruct these crossings so pedestrians can freely and safely cross the road.
Misconceived Parking Regulations Around Crossings
The rules implemented around parking near crossings are often misconceived. National and local guidelines state that parking is not permitted within a certain distance of a crossing, and motorists should utilize the legal parking bays or road space set aside for other purposes, which will be open enough to provide safe passage. Local councils regularly patrol these and issue fines for illegal parking on the spot should these guidelines be contravened.
Obligations of Every Driver
All motorists approaching a crossing are legally required to reduce their speed, be ready to stop, and give way to a pedestrian or cyclist crossing, or entering the crossing. Traffic control devices for children crossings must be obeyed at all times. Under Australian laws, frustration or distraction are not considered a legal excuse.
Table: Common Data for Crossings
| Crossing Type | No-Stopping Zone | Penalty Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian Crossing | 20m before, 10m after | $283 – $962 |
| Children’s Crossing | 20m before, 10m after | $530 – $962 |
Common Questions
Q1: Is stopping on a pedestrian crossing legal if traffic is jamming the road?
No, it is illegal to stop on the crossing, even when traffic is jamming the road.
Q2: What is the penalty for stopping at the children’s crossing?
The penalties are $500 and up with the risk of losing several demerit points, depending on the state.
Q3: Do these laws apply near all schools in Australia?
The answer is yes; the laws particularly state that stopping on, or too close to, any marked crossing is illegal, especially in school zones.
