How to safely reverse your car and tips for reverse parking

Reversing cameras and sensors to become mandatory

All new model vehicles introduced in Australia, from light passenger cars through to heavy commercial trucks, will be required by law to have reversing technologies – including cameras and motion sensors – fitted standard from November 1, 2025. Manufacturers will be required to upgrade new models currently on the market from November 1, 2027.

The new regulations (ADR 108/00) are designed to increase driver awareness of other vehicles and vulnerable road users behind their vehicle. In turn, the mandate is expected to save lives and reduce the devastating impact of road trauma, particularly for pedestrians. Children in driveways are particularly vulnerable.

“Parents and carers would know that young children are unpredictable and do not have the same cognition as adults do,” says RACV Head of Policy, James Williams. “This places young children at an increased risk in driveways, no matter how slow a vehicle is travelling.

“While new safety technology in our cars is recommended for all motorists, we shouldn’t become over-reliant on cameras and sensors. The best way to prevent collisions is to keep children away from driveways and ensure they play in a safe area, far from moving cars.”

Good technique and awareness of your surroundings are also important whenever reversing a vehicle.

Tips for reversing from a driveway or parking space

Reversing from a driveway or parking space can be tricky, but with some mindfulness and good technique you can make it safer and smoother. Here are some tips:

• Walk around your car prior to getting in to check the surroundings for any objects or other hazards, including if children are present.
• Once in the car, adjust your side mirrors and rearview mirror to give you the best view possible.
• Before reversing, check for pedestrians, bikes and vehicles approaching from both directions on the footpath and the road.
• Use the rearview camera and sensors if equipped in the car, but don’t rely on them entirely.
• Combine the use of reversing technologies with your mirrors and head checks. Cameras and mirrors may not show all the blind spots.
• Lower the windows and turn down the radio to listen for approaching hazards.
• Take your time and move slowly while backing out. This gives you more control and time to observe, process and respond to all potential hazards.
• If appropriate, use the horn to warn other road users of the approach or position of your car. (In Victoria, it’s legal to use the horn for this reason.)
• Stay focused while reversing – don’t take phone calls, don’t program the sat-nav and don’t adjust music or climate controls, for example.

It’s also against the law to reverse a vehicle if you cannot do it safely. In Victoria, a penalty of up to $593 applies (current for the 2024/25 financial year).

“I often see drivers who only look in their rearview camera while they’re reversing, which is so dangerous,” says RACV’s Driver Education expert Silvia Morris.

“While the cameras help improve visibility, they may not show you all hazards which may be approaching or in blind spots, so it is vital drivers also continue to use all internal mirrors before and while reversing, and to also perform checks into their blinds spots by looking over both shoulders.

“For full visibility we recommend completing a 3-2-1 check prior to moving: 3 mirrors (centre, left side and right side), 2 shoulder checks (left and right) and 1 camera,” she says. 

Reversing camera technologies are helpful, but do not eliminate the need for the driver to also check their mirrors and blind spots when backing out from a carpark.

Should you reverse into a parking spot or drive in forward?

Driving educators and road safety advocates sometimes recommend backing into a perpendicular (90°) parking spot where possible rather than driving forward, depending on the location and circumstances.

It might be a bit quicker and easier to drive straight in, but reversing can give you time to evaluate the space around you before parking and reduce complications when exiting later – especially if a large SUV or pick-up truck is parked either side.

The Monash University Accident Research Centre’s National Road Safety Partnership Program has listed common arguments for and against, including:

Reversing into a parking space – avoids backing out into a stream of traffic; better visibility of pedestrians and potential obstructions when driving out forward; you can load items in the boot away from traffic.

Going forward into a parking space – you’re going forward into a small space and reversing into a big space; if you use your mirrors and look around before reversing out, safety should not be an issue; loading cargo into a boot nestled up close to another vehicle can be difficult; people who reverse into a park may exit faster and be less vigilant on their way out.

You are not permitted to reverse into an angle park (45°) on the side of the road or a perpendicular (90°) park in the centre of the road, according to VicRoads. In this cases you can only drive forward, unless a sign says otherwise.

Tips for backing into a parking space

Many drivers avoid backing into a parking space at a public carpark, perhaps through lack of confidence or the perception that it will cost them time or disrupt the traffic flow. The Australian-based not-for-profit Road Safety Education Limited says reverse parking is usually the better and safer way to go, offering these tips for drivers:

• Slowly drive in front of the parking space you have selected so that your rear bumper is just in front of the space.
• Turn your indicator on to let those around you know of your intention to park.
• Check for other vehicles in front and behind you (use your rearview camera if you have one).
• Check your mirrors and surroundings for pedestrians and objects such as pillars and trolleys.
• Place your vehicle into reverse and start turning the steering wheel, slowly moving into the parking space.
• As you enter the parking space, straighten your steering wheel and check your side mirrors to ensure you’re clear of any obstacles nearby.
• Make sure you are aligned in the middle of the space with the front of your vehicle tucked neatly out of the way of oncoming traffic.
• Place your vehicle into park (if an automatic) and apply the park brake.

How to reverse parallel park

Reverse parallel parking is a common requirement in licence tests across most Australian states and territories. It’s a handy skill to have, especially when driving in urban areas, but many drivers leave it to others and instead search for an easier park.

Reverse parallel parking is generally considered a safer option than going into a tight space nose-first, allowing drivers to park more precisely and maintain better control of their car. It can also minimise the risk of hitting other cars or obstacles. Here are some key tips from the RACV Drive School on how to reverse parallel park (based on driving test requirements):

• Check your rear and side mirrors and indicate.
• Take it nice and easy as you move forward, stopping when your window lines up with the car’s front bumper next to you.
• Check your mirrors and head check your blind spots, then gently reverse.
• When you see the end of the other car in your rear side window, turn the steering wheel one half rotation to the left.
• When your rear tyre is about 30cm away from the kerb, or you can no longer see the kerb in your left mirror, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right.
• Straighten up the wheel and continue to move into the space.
• Then simply edge forward to make sure there’s space between your car and the other cars around you.
  

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