United States → Australia
Driving in Australia when you know the United States
Differences first, worst-to-get-wrong first. Rules that match are folded away at the bottom.
What's different (1)
Emergency number
Good to knowUnited States · home911Checked 3 Aug 2026
Australia · destination000112 also works from mobile phones and reaches the same service.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Known on one side only (13)
Which side of the road you drive on
United States · homeNot yet verified
Speed limit on the motorway
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
Texas75 mphThe commission may set 80 or 85 where the road is designed for it — the highest signed limits in the country.Checked 3 Aug 2026
California65 mphThe general maximum unless 70 is posted.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Australia · destinationNot yet verified
Speed limit on country roads
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
Texas70 mphThe statutory maximum unless the commission raises it for a numbered highway.Checked 3 Aug 2026
California55 mphOn a two-lane undivided highway, and for anything towing a trailer.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Australia · destinationNo single national answer:
New South Wales100 km/hThe default outside built-up areas where no sign is posted. Motorways are signed up to 110.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Speed limit in towns and cities
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
Texas30 mphThe default through an urban district unless zoned otherwise.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Australia · destinationNo single national answer:
New South Wales50 km/hThe default in built-up areas where no sign is posted. School zones are 40.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
How much alcohol you may have in your blood
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
California0.08 % BACChecked 3 Aug 2026
Australia · destinationNot yet verified
Whether you need an International Driving Permit
Varies by regionUnited States · homeDepends on where your licence is fromDepends on your licence country and on the state. Not every state requires an International Driving Permit, and the US does not issue them to visitors — get one at home before travelling. Check the destination state's motor vehicle department.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Australia · destinationNo single national answer:
New South WalesDepends on where your licence is fromA current overseas licence in English is accepted on its own. A licence not in English needs an English translation or an International Driving Permit.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Which side you overtake on
United States · homeNot yet verified
Australia · destinationRightWhere the limit is over 80 km/h or a sign says keep left, you must not drive in the right lane except to overtake.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Holding a phone while driving
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
CaliforniaNot allowedChecked 3 Aug 2026
Australia · destinationNo single national answer:
New South WalesNot allowedTouching the phone at all is illegal while driving, including at lights.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Turning at a red light
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
CaliforniaAllowedAfter a complete stop at the limit line, yielding to pedestrians, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Australia · destinationNo single national answer:
New South WalesOnly where a sign allows itOnly at intersections with a "left turn on red permitted after stopping" sign, after a complete stop, giving way to traffic from the right.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Age below which a child needs a child seat
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNot yet verified
Australia · destinationNo single national answer:
New South Wales7 yearsUnder 7 needs an approved restraint for their age and size; 4 to 7 a forward-facing seat or booster.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Alcohol limit for professional drivers
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
California0.04 % BACCommercial vehicles, and passenger-for-hire driving.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Australia · destinationNot yet verified
How long you may drive on your own licence
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNot yet verified
Australia · destinationNo single national answer:
New South Wales6 monthsAs a temporary overseas visitor. After that, a NSW visitor licence is needed.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Hands-free phone calls
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
CaliforniaAllowed, with restrictionsAdults may use hands-free mode. Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Australia · destinationNo single national answer:
New South WalesAllowed, with restrictionsFull licence holders may use a cradle or hands-free. Learner and provisional drivers may not use a phone at all.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source