Road Rules in Queensland

There are a few road rules in Queensland that are specific to a particular road, or which are different to road rules in other states. If you are new to Queensland, or have been driving elsewhere, it is a good idea to refresh your memory of the road rules in this state, which impose penalties for performing a U-turn where it is not permitted, failing to leave a safe distance when passing a cyclist and failing to give way to pedestrians, among other offences.

Truck drivers on the M1

On the Pacific Motorway (M1) for the stretch between Springwood (exit 20) and Robina (exit 82 Southbound and 79 Northbound), truck lane restrictions apply. These restrictions were introduced in August 2017. The initiative was intended to address the high volume of traffic traveling on the M1 between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which is Queensland’s busiest road and which carries 12,000 heavy vehicles every day.

Trucks weighing over 4.5 tonnes are restricted to the left two lanes between Springwood and Robina. Buses are not included in this restriction and the 4.5 weight limit refers to the Gross Vehicle Mass and does not include the weight of any trailer attached to the truck.

The restriction applies 24 hours a day and means that trucks may not leave the left two lanes even when overtaking. If there is an obstruction in the left two lanes, trucks may travel in the right lane only for as long as it takes to pass it and if it is safe to do so.

Failure to abide by this restriction can result in a $137 fine ($600 for a business) or 3 demerit points.

Roundabouts

When exiting a roundabout in Queensland, you are required to use your left indicator. This is the case whether you are turning left, right or traveling straight through the roundabout.

U-turns at traffic lights or crossings

It is an offence to do a U-turn at traffic lights unless there is a sign indicating that U-turns are permitted. It is also an offence to make a U-turn at a children’s crossing, a level crossing, a marked foot crossing or a pedestrian crossing unless there is a sign indicating that U-turns are permitted. This is punishable by a fine of up to 20 penalty units.   

Passing a cyclist

When you are passing a cyclist in an area where the speed limit is 60 or less, you are required to leave a minimum distance of one metre. If you are passing a cyclist in an area where the speed limit is more than 60, you must leave 1.5metres distance. The penalty for failing to keep a safe distance is a fine of up to 40 penalty units.

When passing a cyclist, you are allowed to drive over centre lines on a two-way road, straddle or cross a lane line on a multi-lane road or drive over a traffic island, provided it is safe to do so.

Mobile phones

When driving, you are not allowed to have a mobile phone in your hand at any time. This is the case even while you are stopped at lights or in a traffic jam. You are allowed to use your phone only if it can be operated without touching any part of the phone, such as by voice activation.

Driving in the right lane

If you are traveling on a multi-lane road with a speed limit of 90 or more, you are not allowed to travel in the right lane unless you are overtaking, avoiding an obstacle, turning right, making a U-turn or all other lanes are congested. You may also travel in the right lane if you are using a special purpose lane that you are allowed to be in.

Give way to pedestrians

If you are turning at an intersection and there are pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into, you must wait for them to cross before completing your turn. This is the case whether there are traffic lights or not.

Stopping in a parking area for electric-charged vehicles

It is an offence to strop in a parking area for the charging of electric vehicles unless you are in an electric vehicle and the vehicle is being charged or has just been charged. This offence attracts a penalty of a fine of up to 20 penalty units.

Interrupting a funeral procession

It is an offence to interfere with, or interrupt, a funeral procession or a vehicle that is part of a funeral procession without a reasonable excuse. This is punishable by a fine of up to 20 penalty units.

If you need legal advice about the road rules in Queensland or in any other legal traffic matter, please contact Go To Court Lawyers.