One state, but two different sets of rules for P-platers from ACT and NSW

The laws governing P-platers can be confusing when it comes to differences between NSW and the ACT, and which ones apply where.

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Both NSW and ACT provisional drivers are subject to a zero blood alcohol limit, must display p-plates, and are bound by the respective state and territory road rules.

The ACT government plans to review P-plate restrictions soon. Photo: Cole Bennetts

But that is where the similarities end.

ACT P-platers driving in NSW are not bound by that state's stricter rules on provisional drivers.

The Canberra Times reported this week that the rules governing territory P-platers are the most relaxed in the country, despite the over-representation of young people in crashes.

And even as the Australian Medical Association calls for national action in the wake of a horror holiday road toll, the ACT's police union says the ACT government has been "asleep at the wheel" on road safety.

But that could all change after an ACT government spokeswoman confirmed a review would take place this year.

In both NSW and the ACT, ACT P-platers

• can go the posted speed limit even up to 110km/h
• can have a carload of their friends under age 21 at anytime
• can drive a high-powered car
• can tow a trailer weighing less than 750kg
• can use a hands-free mobile phone
• will not necessarily lose their licence if caught speeding

Whereas NSW P-platers in NSW

• cannot exceed 90km/h on their red Ps and 100km/h on their green Ps
• cannot drive a high powered car cannot carry more than one under-21-year-old friend between 11pm and 5am
• cannot tow trailers weighing more than 250kg
• cannot use a mobile phone at all unless parked
• will automatically lose their licence for speeding (if caught once on red Ps and twice on green Ps)

The differences exist because NSW road rules, including those governing P-platers, apply to only NSW P1 and P2 drivers, rather than provisional drivers more generally.

Police will enforce the conditions relevant to the person's driver licence, whether it is from NSW or the ACT, the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website says.

Centre For Road Safety executive director Bernard Carlos said all licence conditions and restrictions that apply to NSW learner and provisional drivers also apply when they drive outside of NSW in all Australian states and territories, including novice driver speed limits.

The 2018 road toll currently stands at one for the ACT.

On January 2, the 24-year-old son of long-time Canberra Liberal politician Bill Stefaniak died in a crash in Hughes.

In NSW, the 2018 road toll is at 10.