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The Official Car Rental Blog
15 February, 2013 - Peta Daniels Peta Daniels

Quick Tip: Difference Between Sealed and Unsealed Roads

When it comes to car hire in Australia, various suppliers will apply restrictions for where you can drive their rental vehicles. Majority of suppliers have stipulated that their rental vehicles are not to be driven on unsealed roads. Here is an overview of what suppliers generally refer to with respect to sealed and unsealed roads.


  • Sealed Roads

    Sealed roads are recognised as properly formed and constructed road surfaces made with materials such as tar, bitumen, or concrete.

  • Sealed Roads

  • Unsealed Roads

    Unsealed roads are categorised as routes accessible by vehicles that are not sealed, metalled, or gravel roads. Therefore, driving routes such as, fire trails, beaches, sand, tracks, fields, paddocks, etc, are not to be accessed with a rental vehicle.


  • Unsealed Roads

Top Tip: Always thoroughly peruse the individual terms and conditions of the supplier. If you have any concerns relating to where you are planning on driving, please consult the supplier prior to pick up.

We hope this assists drivers and car hire customers in understanding the types of roads that are classified and referred to within the car hire industry.

Enjoy your travels!