There is no lawful amount. Possessing any cannabis is an offence (maximum $2,000). An adult alleged to have committed a simple cannabis offence must first be given an expiation notice; the quantity covered by that scheme is set by regulation. (source: South Australian Parliamentary Counsel's Office (South Australian Legislation))
50 km/h is the maximum default speed limit in a built-up area (source: Service SA (My Licence))
Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads
100 km/h is the maximum default speed limit outside a built-up area. Some roads are signed at 110 km/h. (source: Service SA (My Licence))
School zonesPassenger car on public roads
25 km/h in a school zone (between the school zone sign and the end school zone sign) whenever a child is present on the road, footpath, median strip or a bicycle, including outside school hours (source: Service SA (My Licence))
Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads
25 km/h where the limit is shown with a 25 km/h speed sign, such as at roadworks (source: Service SA (My Licence))
Refunds are available for a wide range of beverage containers that bear the approved refund marking and were purchased in South Australia, Glass containers for wine and spirits and juice and flavoured milk containers of 1 litre and above are generally not covered (an expansion to all containers up to 3 litres, excluding plain milk and registered health tonics, has been announced) (source: South Australian Environment Protection Authority)
Plastic shopping bags (plastic bags with handles used to carry goods bought from a retailer) are prohibited rather than charged for. Excluded: bags forming part of packaging sealed before sale, unsealed packaging for perishable food, bags made wholly or partly of listed fabrics (nylon, polyester, woven polypropylene, certain non-woven polypropylene) and certified, labelled compostable bags. (source: Environment Protection Authority (South Australia))
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bags
The definition of a prohibited plastic shopping bag does not use a thickness limit: any plastic bag with handles used to carry goods bought from a retailer is covered unless one of the listed exclusions applies. (source: Environment Protection Authority (South Australia))
Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence
A P1 provisional licence needs age 17 or older, the permit held for 12 full calendar months (6 months if 25 or older), the hazard perception test, 75 hours of supervised driving including 15 at night, and a certificate of competency from a Vehicle On Road Test or a competency based training course. (source: Department for Infrastructure and Transport (South Australia))
Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence
Short-term visitors with temporary visas can drive in South Australia on a current interstate or overseas licence, but only the type of vehicle authorised by that licence. A South Australian licence is needed if the licence expires during the stay or the visitor becomes a permanent resident. The page states no age condition. (source: Department for Infrastructure and Transport (South Australia))
Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence
Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence
A provisional licence holder under 25 must not drive between midnight and 5am with more than one passenger aged 16 to 20 (excluding immediate family members), unless a qualified supervising driver is seated next to them or an exemption applies. (source: Department for Infrastructure and Transport (South Australia))
Tests for a first car licenceCar (category B) driving licence
P1 licence: the hazard perception test and a certificate of competency, issued after passing a practical driving test or completing competency based training and assessment. (source: Department for Infrastructure and Transport (South Australia))
How long the licence is validCar (category B) driving licence
THC is one of four prescribed drugs; having it in oral fluid or blood is an offence and the page gives no numeric limit. (source: Government of South Australia (My Licence))
First offence: fine of AUD 900 to 1,300 and disqualification for at least 6 months. Second offence: AUD 1,100 to 1,600 and at least 12 months. Third or subsequent offence: AUD 1,500 to 2,200 and at least 2 years (at least 3 years for a subsequent offence). (source: Government of South Australia (Legislation))
When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2)
Pyrotechnic sales businesses must verify that the purchaser is a licensed pyrotechnician or the holder of a pyrotechnic displays business licence or pyrotechnic sales business licence. General use fireworks such as sparklers, bon bons and toy pistol caps are excluded from the licence requirement for use. (source: SafeWork SA)
When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)
A pyrotechnician licence, or direct supervision by a licensed pyrotechnician, is needed to use fireworks, excluding general use fireworks such as sparklers, bon bons and toy pistol caps. (source: SafeWork SA)
Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2)
General use fireworks such as sparklers, bon bons and toy pistol caps are excluded from the pyrotechnician licence requirement. Other fireworks may be used only by a licensed pyrotechnician or under their direct supervision. (source: SafeWork SA)
Approval or notification neededChildren of compulsory school age
Parents apply to the Department for Education's Home Education unit for an exemption from attendance at school. Approval is conditional on criteria that include consent from all parents with parental responsibility, except in exceptional circumstances. If approved, the child stays enrolled at their school and does not have to attend for the exemption period. (source: Government of South Australia, Department for Education)
Compulsory schooling ageChildren of compulsory school age
Section 21E of the Summary Offences Act 1953 makes possessing a knife in an education facility, place of worship or public place an offence. The text of section 21E, including any defences or exceptions, could not be read from the official legislation site. (source: Legal Services Commission of South Australia)
Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places
Section 21E of the Summary Offences Act 1953 applies to knives generally: possessing a knife in an education facility, place of worship or public place is an offence. No separate rule for fixed blade knives was found; the text of section 21E could not be read from the official legislation site. (source: Legal Services Commission of South Australia)
Minimum paid leave as the law states itFull-time employee; South Australian private-sector employees (national system)
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; South Australian private-sector employees (national system)
Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car
It is an offence to create, send or look at a text, video message or email on a mobile phone while driving, even if the phone is in a mounting; making or receiving a video call is also an offence. (source: Government of South Australia (My Licence))
Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car
Learner's permit and P1 licence holders may not use any mobile phone function while driving, including hands-free mode, Bluetooth, loudspeaker, GPS and text messaging. (source: Government of South Australia (My Licence))
Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a car
Mobile phone detection cameras operate at high-risk metropolitan sites in Adelaide; the vehicle owner receives an expiation notice and three demerit points. (source: Government of South Australia (THINK! Road Safety))
Up to 6 months: approved rearward-facing infant restraint. 6 months to 4 years: rearward-facing restraint or forward-facing seat with an inbuilt harness. 4 to under 7 years: forward-facing seat with an inbuilt harness or a booster seat with a lap-sash seatbelt or child safety harness. 7 to under 16 years: approved child restraint or a properly fastened seatbelt. (source: Service SA (My Licence))
Children in the front seatPassenger cars
Up to 4 years: not in the front seat of a vehicle with 2 or more rows. 4 to under 7 years: not in the front seat of a vehicle with 2 or more rows unless all other seats are occupied by children also under 7; if there is no space for a third restraint in the back, the child may sit in front if appropriately restrained. (source: Service SA (My Licence))
Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars
Drivers and passengers aged 16 and over can be fined for not wearing a seatbelt, and demerit points also apply (source: Service SA (My Licence))
Booster seat untilPassenger cars
4 to under 7 years: booster seat with a properly fastened and adjusted lap-sash seatbelt or child safety harness. 7 to under 16 years: child safety seat or booster depending on size, or a properly fastened seatbelt. (source: Service SA (My Licence))
Flavoured tobacco and e-cigarettesTobacco and nicotine products
Yes. Commonwealth law, which applies in South Australia, 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
Heavier trailer with a category B licenceCar with a trailer or caravan
A class C licence covers a motor vehicle up to 4.5 tonnes GVM (not a bus, motorcycle or motor trike), which may tow a single trailer subject to the combination mass limits fixed under the Road Traffic Act 1961. (source: Government of South Australia (My Licence))
Higher categories for trailers (B96, BE)Car with a trailer or caravan
A Light Rigid (LR) licence allows towing a single trailer subject to the combination mass limits fixed under the Road Traffic Act 1961 or the Heavy Vehicle National Law (South Australia). Medium Rigid (MR) and Heavy Rigid (HR) licences allow a single trailer (other than a semi-trailer) with a GVM not greater than 9 tonnes. (source: Government of South Australia (My Licence))
Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol
At a private party it is an offence to supply a child with alcohol unless the supplier is a responsible adult and the supply is consistent with responsible supervision (maximum fine $10,000; $500 expiation fee). Under-18s may drink in an unlicensed public place only with a parent or guardian, or a responsible adult who has the parent's or guardian's permission and supervises. On licensed premises it is an offence even with a parent. Liquor can be supplied at meals in the presence of a child but not served to the child. (source: Legal Services Commission of South Australia)
Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol
It is an offence for anyone of any age to drink alcohol in a public area declared a dry zone. Under-18s may drink in a public place only with a parent or guardian, or a responsible adult with the parent's or guardian's permission. (source: Legal Services Commission of South Australia)
Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol
If a child is sold or given liquor on licensed premises, the licensee, responsible person and the person supplying commit offences (maximum $20,000 for a first offence by a licensee or responsible person, $40,000 for later offences, $5,000 for any other person; expiation fee $1,200). Children cannot enter or remain on premises with a late night permit or an entertainment venue licence. (source: Legal Services Commission of South Australia)
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol
0.00%: any concentration of alcohol is an offence for drivers of prescribed vehicles (over 15 tonnes gross mass, buses carrying more than 12 persons, vehicles carrying passengers for hire, vehicles carrying labelled dangerous substances) and for people not authorised to drive the vehicle. (source: Government of South Australia (Legislation))
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol
For a category 3 offence (0.15 or more): first offence a fine of AUD 1,100 to AUD 1,600 and at least 12 months' disqualification; second offence AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,400 and at least 3 years; third or later AUD 1,900 to AUD 2,900 and at least 3 years. (source: Government of South Australia (Legislation))
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.