Australian Road Rules: L- & P-Plate Restrictions by State And Territory

If you're a new driver in Australia, navigating the local rules and regulations can be daunting. As different states and territories have laws on driving restrictions for L- and P-plate drivers, it's essential to know what they are before getting behind the wheel. In this guide, we'll go over the L- and P-plate restrictions in each state and territory across Australia so that you can drive safely wherever you go!

Introduction to L- and P-plate restrictions

In Australia, L-plates must be displayed on the front and back of a vehicle when being driven by a learner driver. P-plates must be displayed on the rear of a car when being driven by a provisional license holder. Each state and territory has different restrictions for L- and P-plate drivers.

Victoria:

• L-plate drivers must not drive over 100 km/h.
• P-plate drivers must not drive over 90 km/h.

New South Wales:

• L-plate drivers must not drive over 90 km/h.
• P-plate drivers must not drive over 80 km/h.

Queensland:

• L-plate drivers must not drive over 80 km/h.
• P1 plate holders (red P plates) can stay within the speed limit by more than 10km/h until they transition to their P2 license (green P plates). They can exceed the speed limit by up to 20km/h until they obtain their full permission.
• P2 plate holders (green P plates) can stay within the speed limit by more than 20km/h until they obtain their full license.

Read More - Penalties And Permits for Driving an Unregistered Vehicle

South Australia:

L-plate drivers must not drive over 70 km/h.

Tasmania:

L-plate drivers must not drive over 60 km/h.

Northern Territory:

There is no speed restriction for L or P platers; however,

Overview of Road Rules by State and Territory

Different road rules apply to L and P-plate drivers in each Australian state and territory. These are designed to help new drivers gain experience and skills and reduce the risk of crashes.

Some common restrictions for L and P platers include a blood alcohol limit of 0.00%, a limit on the number of passengers that can be carried, a curfew on night driving, and speed limits. Different states and territories have different rules, so it's essential to check the requirements in your area before you hit the road.

L platers must follow the same rules as full license holders, with a few additional restrictions. P platers have more restrictive conditions, including lower blood alcohol, speed, and passenger limits. These restrictions vary from state to state, so make sure you know the rules before you drive.

Victoria: L- and P-Plate Restrictions

In Victoria, L-plate drivers cannot drive between 11 pm and 5 am. P-plate drivers are also subject to a night curfew but can drive until midnight. L- and P-plate drivers must have zero blood alcohol content while driving.

P-plate drivers in Victoria are also subject to the following restrictions:

• They must stay within the speed limit by 10 km/h.
• They must not use a mobile phone while driving, including hands-free devices.
• They must not tow a trailer or caravan.
• They must not drive an unrestrained dog in the car's front seat.

Violating any of these restrictions will result in an automatic suspension of your license for three months.

New South Wales: L- and P-plate Restrictions

In New South Wales, L-plate drivers cannot drive on roads with a speed limit greater than 90km/h. P-plate drivers cannot drive on roads with a speed limit greater than 100km/h.

Queensland: L- and P-plate Restrictions

In Queensland, L-plate drivers are prohibited from driving on roads with a speed limit greater than 80km/h. P-plate drivers are subject to the same restriction, with the added condition of being unable to drive on highways or freeways.

South Australia: L- and P-plate Restrictions

As of September 2014, the following L- and P-plate restrictions apply in South Australia:

• L-platers must only drive with one passenger under 21 between 11 pm and 5 am.
• P1 license holders must not drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than 0.02.
• P2 license holders must not drive with a BAC greater than 0.02 and must not exceed the speed limit by more than 10km/h.

Western Australia: L- and P Plate Restrictions

In Western Australia, L-plate drivers must only drive a vehicle with up to nine passenger seats (excluding the driver's seat). P-plate drivers are subject to the same restriction.

Northern Territory: L -and P Plate

In the Northern Territory, L-plate drivers are restricted from:

• Driving on unsealed roads
• Towing a trailer or caravan
• Carrying passengers (except immediate family members)
• Driving between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am

P-plate drivers are restricted from:

• Speeding more than 10km/h over the posted limit
• Using a mobile phone while driving (hands-free devices are permitted)
• Driving an unregistered vehicle
• Driving an uninsured vehicle