With road rules being constantly amended and the more underused ones being mistaken or forgotten, it can be hard to keep up with all the rules in the sunshine state. Refresh your knowledge with our list of the most misunderstood road rules.
1. Amber Lights
The amber lights mean to slow down and stop if it is safe to do so. Many drivers tend to speed up at yellow traffic lights.
Important
Correct Response: When you see an amber light, you must slow down and stop if it is safe to do so, not accelerate through the intersection.
2. Distance
Drivers must leave enough distance to stop safely. A three-second gap is a useful guide in good conditions. When pulling up to stop behind another vehicle, a good rule of thumb is to always leave enough of a gap that you can see the bottom of the car in front’s back tyres.
Key Points
Following distance: Leave enough distance to stop safely. A three-second gap is a useful guide in good conditions; allow more in poor conditions.
Stopping Distance: When stationary, ensure you can see the bottom of the back tyres of the vehicle ahead.
3. Indicating in a Roundabout
Indicate left when leaving a roundabout where practicable. Indicate right when entering to turn right, left when entering to turn left, and do not indicate on entry when going straight.
Roundabout Rules
Turning Right: Indicate right when entering the roundabout.
Turning Left: Indicate left when entering the roundabout.
Going straight: Do not indicate on entry; indicate left on exit where practicable.
Exiting: Indicate left when leaving a roundabout where practicable.
4. School Zones
Obey the signposted school-zone speed limit and times, including on pupil free days.
Important
Pupil Free Days: The signposted school-zone speed limit still applies on pupil free days during the designated times.
5. Post Boxes
Drivers must not stop within three metres of a public post box otherwise they will be fined, unless briefly dropping mail or dropping/picking up passengers.
Key Points
3-Metre Rule: You must not stop within three metres of a public post box.
Exceptions: Briefly stopping to drop mail or to drop off/pick up passengers is permitted.
6. Animals
Pets must not sit on your lap or interfere with control or your view. Restrain them safely. Be alert around horses and slow down or stop when a handler signals.
Animal Safety Rules
Pets in vehicles: Pets must not sit on your lap or interfere with control or your view. Restrain them safely.
Horses on the Road: If a person handling a horse raises their hand, signalling the horse is difficult to control, you must pull over to the far left, turn off the engine, and keep the car off until the horse is a good distance away.
7. Horns
Using horns in frustration during traffic, or even to say goodbye to friends is not allowed. Horns are only meant warn others on the road.
Important
Proper Use: Horns are only meant to warn others on the road of your presence or danger.
Prohibited Use: Using your horn in frustration during traffic or to say goodbye to friends is not allowed and may result in a fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do school zone speed limits apply on weekends?
School zone speed limits only apply during the times displayed on the school zone signs, which are typically on school days during drop-off and pick-up times. They do not usually apply on weekends unless specifically indicated.
What happens if I don’t indicate when exiting a roundabout?
Failing to indicate when exiting a roundabout is a traffic offence and can result in a fine. It also creates confusion and potential safety hazards for other road users.
Can I use my horn to alert a distracted driver at a green light?
While horns are meant to warn others on the road, a brief, polite toot to alert a distracted driver at a green light is generally acceptable as it serves a safety purpose. However, prolonged or aggressive horn use is prohibited.
Staying informed about Queensland’s road rules helps keep you, your passengers, and other road users safe. If you have been involved in a traffic incident or have questions about road rules and liability, contact Carter Capner Law for legal advice.