Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016C00716:clause:4_5:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016C00716
Segment Type: clause
Provision Reference: sch 4 cl 5 (pt 1/4)
Character Range: 30550–33180

5  Structure and language
  The following points may assist you in reading and understanding the Australian Road Rules.
Arrangement of rules
  Rules have been grouped in Parts and Divisions so that rules on the same subject are, as far as possible, together. However, some kinds of rules are relevant in many different situations. For example, in addition to the general give way rules in Part 7, giving way at traffic lights is dealt with in Part 6 (which deals with traffic lights) and giving way at roundabouts is dealt with in Part 9 (which deals with roundabouts). This arrangement gives drivers a more complete picture of their obligations at traffic lights and roundabouts.
  Notes at the beginning of a Part, or with an application provision, will tell you where other rules on the subject can be found.
Structure of rules
  The rules often deal with complex situations. For this reason the more complex rules set out, in order:
 • the rule (that is what must, or must not, be done in the situation covered by the rule)
 • the exceptions to the rule
 • any other information needed for the application of the rule (for example, particular definitions).
  This enables the reader to see the rule set out in the simplest and clearest way.
Exemptions
  In addition to exceptions that may be set out in a rule, there are a number of general exemptions. Trams, for example, are exempted from the operation of a number of Parts in the Rules because they run on fixed tracks. The list of exceptions for trams is in Part 19 (Exemptions). Also, in Part 19 there are, for example, a number of general exemptions for police and emergency vehicles and for other vehicles and drivers in particular situations.
  A number of rules provide for an exemption if the driver is 'permitted' to do something, or is 'authorised' or 'exempt', 'under another law of this jurisdiction'. Procedures for granting authorisations, permits and exemptions from the Australian Road Rules may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, so the Rules leave these matters to complementary laws of each State or Territory.
Definitions included in a rule
  Most definitions of words and expressions are given in the dictionary. However, some terms are defined in the text of a rule. This is done where the word or expression is used only in that rule and nowhere else in the Rules. In addition, some definitions, particularly of areas or lengths of road that are established by traffic signs or road markings, are complex or need diagrams to be fully understood. They are placed with the basic rule that deals with the area or length of road, so that the rule and