Become AuggieStudy / Part 3: Government and the law in Australia
Criminal and traffic offences
- Not knowing the law is no excuse
- Domestic and family violence is illegal for men and women
- It includes hitting, isolating or threatening children or pets
- States and territories set the road rules
- You need a local licence and a registered car
- Everyone wears a seatbelt; young children need approved car seats
- Drug-driving, drink-driving over the limit and hand-held phones are illegal
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Licence | Local driver's licence |
| Car | Must be registered |
| Seatbelts | Everyone in the car |
| Young children | Approved car seat |
| Phones | No hand-held mobile use while driving |
| Drugs and alcohol | No drug-driving; stay under the blood alcohol limit |
Key facts
- Not knowing the law is no excuse.
- Domestic and family violence is illegal; men and women can be jailed.
- It includes hitting, isolating, or threatening children or pets.
- Road rules are set by state and territory governments.
- You need a local licence and a registered car.
- Seatbelts for everyone; approved car seats for young children.
- Illegal: drug-driving, exceeding the alcohol limit, hand-held mobile use.