Plate or stickerScooter-type device above 200 W or 10 km/h
A scooter-type device with more than 200 W or capable of more than 10 km/h on level ground is not an excluded vehicle, so it is a 'motor vehicle' (any vehicle for use on land designed to be wholly or partly self-propelled) under the Motor Vehicles Act 1949. (source: Northern Territory Government (NT Legislation website))
Maximum speedLow-powered motorised scooter (up to 200 W and 10 km/h)
Footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes unless prohibited, keeping to the left and giving way to pedestrians. On a road only for less than 50 m, where an obstruction on the footpath, nature strip or shared path or impracticability prevents using the adjacent area. (source: Northern Territory Government)
There is no lawful amount. For an adult, possessing up to 50 g of cannabis plant material, 10 g of resin, 10 g of seed or 1 g of oil is an infringement notice offence (amount payable: 2 penalty units); larger quantities are dealt with as ordinary offences. (source: Northern Territory Government (Northern Territory Legislation))
Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult
It is an offence to drive a motor vehicle, or to be a driving instructor in the passenger seat, while a prohibited drug is in the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a prohibited drug for which the section 29 defence does not apply. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units or 3 months' imprisonment for a first offence; 7.5 penalty units or 6 months for a second or later offence. (source: Northern Territory Government, Legislation)
60 km/h default speed limit in built-up areas, unless the town has gazetted a lower default limit (source: Northern Territory Government)
Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads
110 km/h default speed limit outside built-up areas, unless a sign states otherwise (source: Northern Territory Government)
School zonesPassenger car on public roads
40 km/h or less in a school zone, on school days and during the times shown on the sign (source: Northern Territory Government)
Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads
The speed limit signs at the work zone must be followed, and drivers must be prepared to stop and obey a traffic controller (source: Northern Territory Government)
Containers holding up to 3 L of beverage that bear the approved refund marking, Not covered: containers for more than 3 L; concentrated juice to be diluted, health tonics and cordial are not beverages (source: Northern Territory Government (Legislation NT))
A retailer must not make a prohibited plastic bag available to a customer for carrying goods, whether or not the customer is charged a fee for it. The maximum penalty is 50 penalty units. (source: Northern Territory Government (Legislation NT))
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bags
A prohibited plastic bag is a carry bag with handles whose body is wholly or partly polyethylene less than 35 microns thick, or a bag of a kind prescribed by regulation. Biodegradable bags and bags forming an integral part of sealed packaging are not prohibited. (source: Northern Territory Government (Legislation NT))
Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence
A class C learner licence is available from 16 (driver knowledge test or the DriveSafe NT program). The practical driving test needs the learner licence held for a continuous 6 months. The provisional licence lasts 2 years (1 year if 25 or older) before a full licence. No minimum number of supervised hours is required. (source: Northern Territory Government (Motor Vehicle Registry))
Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence
A visitor from interstate must hold a current interstate licence. A visitor from overseas must hold a current licence from their own country, with an International Driving Permit or an official English translation if it is not in English. A person who has been in the NT for more than three months and wishes to continue to drive must apply for an NT licence. The handbook states no age condition for visitors. (source: Northern Territory Government (Motor Vehicle Registry))
Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence
How long the licence is validCar (category B) driving licence
A provisional licence is for two years (one year if 25 or older). A learner licence can be renewed for another two years by re-sitting the theory test. (source: Northern Territory Government (Motor Vehicle Registry))
First offence: AUD 400 traffic infringement notice or a court fine of 5 penalty units and up to 3 months' imprisonment. Second offence: at least 3 months' disqualification, a court fine of 7.5 penalty units and up to 6 months' imprisonment. (source: Northern Territory Government)
A bicycle designed to be propelled by pedals and a motor with a power output not exceeding 200 W, or a bicycle meeting European standard EN 15194 (electrically power assisted cycle), is excluded from the definition of motor vehicle. (source: Northern Territory Government (NT Legislation website))
HelmetRiding on public roads
The rider and any passenger of a bicycle must wear an approved bicycle helmet (rule 256). Riders over 17 are exempt on a public place, bicycle path, shared path or crossing, and in declared exemption areas. (source: Northern Territory Government (NT Legislation website))
Plate and insuranceRiding on public roads
Bicycles with up to 200 W, and EN 15194 bicycles, are excluded vehicles under regulation 4D, so they are not motor vehicles for the purposes of the Motor Vehicles Act 1949. (source: Northern Territory Government (NT Legislation website))
Cycle pathsRiding on public roads
Riders may use footpaths and shared paths, keeping left and giving way to pedestrians. A prohibition on riding on footpaths or in public places is ineffective unless 'No Bicycles' signs are displayed. (source: Northern Territory Government (NT Legislation website))
When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2)
Shopgoods fireworks may be bought only on 1 July (Territory Day) each year. In 2026 sales were between 9 am and 9 pm on that day. (source: Territory Day (Tourism and Events NT))
When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)
Shopgoods fireworks may be used only on 1 July each year (Territory Day). It is an offence to possess or use fireworks outside the approved period. (source: NT WorkSafe)
Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)
Mindil Beach is the only exclusion zone in the Northern Territory where members of the public may not ignite their own Shopgoods fireworks. (source: NT WorkSafe)
Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2)
Shopgoods fireworks are fireworks with a pyrotechnic content of 100 g or less that are suitable for use by members of the public. Since 2014 the sale of shopgoods fireworks with a sound level over 115 decibels, including "salutes", has been banned. (source: NT WorkSafe)
Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2)
Approval or notification neededChildren of compulsory school age
Before providing home education a parent applies to the CEO for approval with details of the proposed education. The CEO may have an officer inquire and report, then approves or refuses. Approval is for one school year only and is subject to conditions: an approved curriculum (ACARA, unless exempted), any teacher registered under the Teacher Registration Act, and inspections by departmental officers. (source: Northern Territory Government (Legislation NT))
Compulsory schooling ageChildren of compulsory school age
A child becomes of compulsory school age on 1 January of the year in which the child is 6 years old at 30 June. The child stops being of compulsory school age at the first of: completing year 10 and taking part full time in approved education, training or work; completing year 10 and being exempt; or reaching 17. (source: Northern Territory Government (Legislation NT))
A knife or axe that is not a prohibited weapon is a controlled weapon. A person must not, without lawful excuse (proof of which is on the person), possess, carry or use a controlled weapon in a public place or school (maximum 200 penalty units or 12 months' imprisonment for an individual), and must carry it in a safe and secure manner. (source: Northern Territory Government (Parliamentary Counsel))
Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places
A flick knife (blade concealed when folded and opened by gravity, centrifugal force or pressure on a button, spring or device), a butterfly knife, and a knife whose blade is concealed by a sheath that retracts into the handle are prohibited weapons. (source: Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services)
Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places
A fixed blade knife that is not a prohibited weapon is a controlled weapon and is covered by the public place and school offence. Throwing blades, push knives, trench knives, non-metal or ceramic knives and several other knife types are prohibited weapons. (source: Northern Territory Government (Parliamentary Counsel))
Pepper sprayCarrying in public places
An article designed or adapted to discharge oleoresin capsicum spray is a prohibited weapon. A trial extended to 31 December 2026 allows eligible members of the public aged 18 or over to purchase, possess, carry and use OC spray for self-defence, bought in store from declared firearms dealers with a signed buyer declaration. (source: Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services)
Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places
Lawful excuse includes the pursuit of lawful employment or duty, taking part in lawful sport, recreation, entertainment or activity, and the legitimate collection, display or exhibition of weapons. It does not include self-defence. (source: Northern Territory Government (Parliamentary Counsel))
Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places
A flick knife, being a knife designed or adapted so that the blade is concealed when folded or recessed into the handle and that opens by gravity, centrifugal force or by pressure on a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle, is a prohibited weapon. (source: Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services)
Minimum paid leave as the law states itFull-time employee
Full-time and part-time employees get 4 weeks of paid annual leave a year, based on their ordinary hours of work. Shiftworkers get more than 4 weeks if their award or enterprise agreement provides the extra week under the National Employment Standards. Casual employees do not get paid annual leave. (source: Fair Work Ombudsman)
Public holidays and annual leaveFull-time employee
Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car
Apart from an audio call or use as a driver's aid, a mobile phone may not be used while the vehicle is moving or stationary but not parked; 'use' includes entering anything other than by voice, or sending or looking at anything on the phone, and an 'audio phone call' does not include a text message, email or video message. (source: Northern Territory Legislation)
Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car
A learner or provisional driver using any mobile phone is an offence (AUD 500 and 3 demerit points). (source: Northern Territory Government)
All children under 7 must use a car seat in a vehicle. A rear-facing seat must be used from birth to 6 months, a forward-facing seat can be used from 6 months to 7 years, and a booster seat from 4 to 7 years. (source: Northern Territory Government)
Children in the front seatPassenger cars
If all the back seat rows are occupied by younger children, a child older than 4 can sit in the front with the appropriate car seat. With no back seats (such as a single cab ute or van) the front seat can be used with the right car seat. Children older than 7 can ride in front if necessary. In a taxi, a child under 4 may not sit in the front. (source: Northern Territory Government)
Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars
Drivers who do not follow the seatbelt and restraint rules could face seatbelt offences and penalties, and passengers over 16 could also be fined (source: Northern Territory Government)
E-cigarettes in indoor public placesTobacco and nicotine products
Yes. The Act treats e-cigarettes as tobacco products and reads references to smoking as including vaping, so vaping is banned in smoke-free areas such as enclosed public areas, enclosed workplaces and public transport. (source: Northern Territory Government, Legislation)
Smoking in cars with childrenTobacco and nicotine products
A person aged 16 or over must not smoke in a motor vehicle on a public street or in a public place while a person under 16 is in the vehicle. Maximum penalty 20 penalty units. (source: Northern Territory Government, Legislation)
Flavoured tobacco and e-cigarettesTobacco and nicotine products
Yes. Commonwealth law, which applies in Northern Territory, bans tobacco products that contain flavouring additives, menthol or menthol derivatives, fruit, spices, sugars or sweeteners, synthetic cooling agents, or a device such as a card, capsule or bead that alters flavour. (source: Federal Register of Legislation (Commonwealth))
Towing trailers and caravans
Rule
What applies
Compared with other states
Higher categories for trailers (B96, BE)Car with a trailer or caravan
Light Rigid (LR), Medium Rigid (MR) and Heavy Rigid (HR) licences allow towing a trailer of no more than 9 tonnes GVM; a rigid vehicle towing a trailer of more than 9 tonnes GVM needs a Heavy Combination (HC) licence. (source: Northern Territory Government (Motor Vehicle Registry))
Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol
An adult who is a parent, step-parent, spouse or guardian of a child may serve or supply liquor to the child if they supervise responsibly. Anyone else commits an offence (100 penalty units). A defence applies for liquor supplied for worship in a religious service by a person approved by the Director. A child must not consume or possess liquor on or in licensed premises. (source: Northern Territory Government)
Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol
A person must not consume liquor in a public place (or in a vehicle at a public place) in Alice Springs, Darwin, Katherine, Palmerston, Tennant Creek, the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, any council area that declares it, and any public place within 2 km of licensed premises. Exceptions and permits apply under Division 6. (source: Northern Territory Government)
Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol
A licensee commits an offence (200 penalty units) if their conduct results in a child being sold, supplied with, served or consuming liquor on or in licensed premises; for a licensee's employee the maximum is 100 penalty units. Defences include that the person was at least 16 and showed identification reasonably acceptable as indicating they were an adult. (source: Northern Territory Government)
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol
0.00%: drivers under 18, learner licence holders and provisional licence holders (and unlicensed drivers) may not drive with alcohol in the breath or blood. (source: Northern Territory Government)
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol
0.00%: drivers of vehicles over 15 tonnes GVM, vehicles carrying dangerous goods, commercial passenger vehicles and vehicles seating or carrying more than 12 people; also drivers under 25 who have held a licence for less than 3 years. Subject to the Regulations. (source: Northern Territory Government)
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol
High range driving (s 21): first offence up to 10 penalty units or 12 months in prison; second or later offence up to 20 penalty units or 12 months. Low range (s 23): first offence up to 5 penalty units or 3 months. Licence disqualification is not covered here. (source: Northern Territory Government)
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.