Ask NRMA: What do solid yellow lines on the kerbside mean?
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 Service NSW, formerly known at the time as 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 $320.
In the Road Users’ Handbook, this rule is described as:Kerb lines
Yellow kerb lines painted near the edge of the road show there are stopping restrictions.
Broken kerb line (clearway)
A broken kerb line marks a clearway. You must not stop in a clearway between the hours shown on the sign, except in an emergency.
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.
