Roadside tributes

Tribute requirements

You may wish to set up a roadside tribute to someone you have lost due to road trauma. We want to support you in this process, and help you safely place a tribute in an appropriate location. 

When setting up a roadside tribute, there are some important requirements that need to be met to help keep other road users safe, including: 

• where a tribute is placed 
• the size and the material that is used.

Please follow the guidelines below so that your tribute is safe for visitors and other road users. 

Where to place a tribute

Tributes should be on local, regional or arterial roads. It is illegal to stop on a freeway or motorway for any reason other than an emergency, so these roads are not appropriate tribute sites.

The location should:

• not be on a sharp bend
• be well clear of any passing traffic
• have enough room for a vehicle to safely pull off to visit the tribute
• be a safe place for a vehicle to re-enter the roadway after visiting the tribute.

Consideration must be given to residents when choosing a tribute location. Issues can include property access, visual impact and the wishes of property owners. It is your responsibility to address these issues.

Please also contact your local council for policies and advice on where to set up a tribute.

If you are still unsure of where to place your roadside tribute, contact Transport and we can help you choose a safe location.

Phone: 1800 684 490

Email: projects@transport.nsw.gov.au

Tribute materials and size

The tribute:

• must not create a distraction (for example, no lighting or fluorescent materials)
• must not be made of a breakable material.

The dimensions of the tribute must not be more than:

• 50cm high
• 40cm wide
• 40cm deep in the ground.

Relocating or removing a roadside tribute

During roadworks and maintenance we may need to move a roadside tribute. If this happens, we will aim to:

• identify tributes within the road area that may be affected by the work
• contact the family and advise them about the proposed roadwork and the need to relocate the tribute
• consider the family's views on how best to reinstall or relocate the tribute.

If we find a roadside tribute is a safety hazard, we will remove, store or relocate the tribute. We will try to contact family or friends before we move a tribute.