A National Road Rule allowing yellow lines to replace No Stopping signs was included in the Australian Road Rules 1999 and was written into NSW legislation in 2008. Despite this, we regularly hear from NRMA Members who have never heard of the the rule before.
Then, back in November 2012 the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) reminded Councils that a continuous yellow line painted on the edge of a road can be used either instead of – or to reinforce – No Stopping signs. The Northern Beaches and Sutherland Shire Councils were among the first to introduce yellow lines without No Stopping signs and since many others have followed suit.
Disobeying the not-so-new No Stopping restrictions – whether it’s the yellow lines, No Stopping signs or both – can result in a fine of $272, or $352 and two demerit points in a school zone.
You may be aware of this road rule if you a) read the latest Road Users’ Handbook; page 107 b) read the technical-heavy information from the RMS in its Delineation Section 13 pamphlet, or C) were fined.
In the Road Users’ Handbook, this rule is described as:
Kerb lines
Yellow lines painted near the edge of the road show that there are stopping restrictions and tell you what rules apply to that particular section of road.
Broken yellow kerb line
A broken yellow kerb line is a CLEARWAY line. You must not stop at the edge of the road between the hours shown on the sign except in a medical or similar emergency. Buses, taxis and hire cars may only stop to pick up or set down passengers.
Unbroken (CONTINUOUS) yellow kerb line
An unbroken yellow kerb line is a NO STOPPING line. You must not stop for any reason except a medical or similar emergency
The reasoning behind this road rule is that a yellow line would help reduce the ever-increasing number of signs and other distractions on our roads and can reduce maintenance costs.
Were you aware of this new road rule? Have you been fined because of it or know someone who has been?
