Are horses allowed on the roads?

Absolutely! Horse riders and carriage drivers are permitted to travel on the roads, unless a Road Access sign says otherwise, or the road is a designated freeway.

Do the road rules apply to horses and carriages using the roads?

Yes. Animals and animal drawn vehicles, including horses, are treated in the same way as other vehicles under the Road Traffic Code 2000. This means that almost all the road rules that apply to cars and bicycles will also apply to horse riders and carriage drivers. This includes common rules such as:

• Obeying traffic signs, such as Give Way signs, Stop signs, or No Entry signs
• Obeying all traffic lights and road markings
• Giving way to pedestrians
• It is illegal to ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the extent as to be unable to control the animal properly
• It is illegal to ride or drive an animal recklessly.

Are there any special rules that apply to horse riders and carriage vehicles?

Yes, there are. These are specifically designed to keep everyone safe on the roads and include the following:

• Horse riders are permitted to use the footpaths and nature strips provided they give way to pedestrians, unless otherwise signed
• Horses can be ridden on the shoulder of a road, or the left of any continuous edge line, in the same direction as traffic
• Horses can be ridden across roads but must give way to other traffic
• Horses cannot be ridden or driven across a pedestrian crossing or children’s crossing. The rider or driver MUST dismount and walk the horse across
• Give hand signals when changing direction
• Horses must not be tethered to a moving vehicle or led by a person in a motor vehicle
• If you are leading a horse while walking, you are considered a pedestrian (rather than a vehicle) and must obey laws applying to pedestrians
• If you are leading a horse, use the path or nature strip if provided. If a path or nature strip is not available, then walk facing incoming traffic.

Do you have safety tips for horse riders?

Absolutely! We want a ride to be as safe as possible for everyone so please be aware of the following tips:

• Ride on the nature strip as a first option. While you can legally ride on the road or road shoulder, the nature strip is safest if there is one available, and in turn, road shoulders than riding on the road
• Ride as far left as possible
• Always check your surroundings, and behind you, before changing direction
• Listen and pay attention to your animal. Don’t ride on the road if your horse is unsettled
• Always wear your helmet when driving or riding any animal
• Wear light coloured clothing during the day, or reflective clothing at night, to help make you visible to other road users
• Avoid riding at night, if possible, but if the need arises, wear a reflective vest and attach reflective bands such as leg bands to your horse.
• If you are driving a carriage at night, ensure your carriage is fitted with the required lighting (front and back) as outlined in the traffic regulations.

What is the safest way to pass a horse on the road?

Pass Wide and Slow - that's always the best way so as not to spook the horse and cause unnecessary risk to road users.

• Slow down on the approach to a horse
• Pass at least 2m from the horse. Preferably go onto the other carriageway to pass
• Accelerate smoothly away from the horse once passed, without revving the engine
• Obey any hand signals from the rider
• Be patient and enjoy the sight of a horse on the road.