Most Commonly Broken Road Rules in Queensland

Queensland Police have listed the most commonly broken road rules within our state.

This may be due to drivers being unaware of them or are simply reluctant to follow them.

Queensland’s road rules are contained within the Transport Operations (Road Use Management- Road Rules) Regulation 2009 (the Rules).

This article is available for the purpose of informing drivers of these common mistakes as many may be unaware of these road rules, these mistakes are listed below.

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Broken Road Rules – Mobile Phones

Section 300 of the regulation states the rules prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving a motor vehicle or stationary (not parked).

The maximum penalty for this offence is 20 penalty units. The penalty unit value in Queensland is $137.85 (current from 1 July 2021), meaning you may be issued a fine up to $2,757.

It is also important to note that hands-free use of mobile phones rules differ between learners, provisional and open drivers.

Learner and P1 provisional drivers must not use hands-free, wireless headsets or a phone’s loudspeaker function.

However, open and P2 provisional drivers may use hands-free functions.

Broken Road Rules – Roundabouts

When approaching a roundabout, a drive must indicate their direction when either turning left, right or making a U-turn.

This is not necessary when travelling straight ahead.

Section 118 of the Rules states that when practicable, a driver leaving a roundabout must give a left change of direction signal and must stop this signal as soon as they leave the roundabout.

Failing to do so may result in a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units ($2,757).

Broken Road Rules – U-Turns

U-turns are only permitted in positions where there is a clear view of oncoming traffic.

The driver performing the U-turn must give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.

The driver is prohibited from crossing a single continuous diving line, or two parallel continuous diving lines or a painted island.

A U-turn at a traffic light or right turn lane is permitted only if there is a sign authorising such turn, if this is not present then it is illegal.

Merging

A driver of a vehicle merging must give way to all traffic in the lane they want to enter.

However, section 149 states that if “a driver in a line of traffic that is merging with 1 or more lines of traffic travelling in the same direction as the driver must give way to a vehicle in another line of traffic if any part of the vehicle is ahead of the driver’s vehicle.”

Pedestrians

At an intersection, section 352A of the Rules states that a driver must give way to a pedestrian crossing a road, or part of a road they are entering.

Keeping Left

Section 130 of the Rules relates to keeping left on a multi-lane road where the speed limit is over 80km/h, or a ‘keep left unless overtaking’ sign applies on the length of road.

A driver must not drive in the right-hand lane unless:

The driver is overtaking;
the driver is turning right of making a U-turn in the centre of the road, where permitted and signalling to do so;
the left lane must turn left, or road arrows apply and the driver is not turning left;
there is a marked lane which applies to the driver;
the driver is avoiding an obstruction;
the traffic is congested; or
the driver has a lawful purpose to do so.

A breach of this rule may result in a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units ($2,757).

Use of Lights

A driver’s use of high-beam lights is permitted in areas less than 200m behind a vehicle travelling in the same direction, or less than 200m from an oncoming vehicle.

School Zones

School zones within Queensland are governed by section 23 of the Rules.

The speed limit applying to the driver are indicated at the beginning and end of a school zone (this is most commonly 40km/h).

These limits apply from 7am to 9am in the mornings, and from 2pm to 4pm in the afternoons on school days.

Sunshine Coast Criminal Lawyers

Hopefully this article has been helpful in clearing up any uncertainties surrounding road rules in Queensland.

These mistakes are common and being able to identify and cease these mistakes will in turn make for safer roads.

However, if you believe you require a criminal solicitor, please use our websites search engine today to find the best and most suitable solicitor on the Sunshine Coast.