Driver Information

Your visit to Queensland will be more enjoyable if you are aware of some basic road rules and road conditions. It will mean a safer and happier visit.

This page presents a simple introduction to those rules. A more comprehensive guide appears in the English language only booklet, "Your keys to driving in Queensland ", available from Queensland Transport offices and newsagencies. Alternatively, visit Queensland Transports road safety website at www.roadsafety.net.

When enjoying a temporary stay in Queensland, you may drive only if you hold a current valid driving licence issued under any law of the State or Territory of Australia, or the country in which you usually reside, and the licence covers the class of vehicle being driven.

You must carry your licence at all times when driving and, if it is not in English, also carry your International Permit or an official translation of that licence.

Anybody who allows another person to drive knowing the person does not hold a driver’s licence is committing an offence.

All vehicle occupants must wear properly adjusted and securely fastened seat belts or child restraints, where fitted.

If you are a driver, you must ensure all children are properly restrained in approved child restraints or seat belts.

• You must drive on the left except on a one-way road
• You must give way to traffic on your right at crossroad intersections not controlled by signs or traffic lights. This rule also applies if traffic lights at an intersection are continuously flashing yellow or are not working
• If you are on a road which ends at another uncontrolled intersection with a continuing road, you must give way to all other traffic
• Even if you have a green traffic light, it is an offence to drive into an intersection if the road ahead is blocked by traffic
• You must always give way to pedestrians, not just at marked pedestrian crossings
• You must always turn left into a roundabout to travel clockwise and give way to traffic already in the roundabout
• You must clearly signal your intention at least 30 metres prior to turning right or left or prior to stopping
• You can only make a U-turn at intersections controlled by traffic lights when a sign specifically allows this.

Unless otherwise indicated by official traffic signs, the maximum permitted speed limits are as follows:

^* A Built up Area is an area with a system of street lighting.

^** A local street is one that is mainly used to provide direct access to homes and private properties

If you don't see a speed limit sign in a built up area, don't drive faster than 50km/hr.

• You may cross a single centre line to complete a safe overtaking except when approaching the crest of a hill or within 30 metres of an intersection or a level crossing
• Where the road marking is a double centre line comprising two continuous lines or a continuous line on the left of a broken or dotted line, you cannot cross the lines from the continuous side at any time. This means no right hand turns, U-turns, overtaking or turning into private property
• You must drive in the direction indicated by roadway directional arrows

Parallel parking applies unless another method of parking is shown by an official sign. You cannot reverse out of a parking area established across the centre of a road and remember, where angle parking is permitted, your vehicle should be at a 45 degree angle to the kerb unless official signs state otherwise.

Parking is forbidden on footpaths, at bus stops and close to official post boxes, intersections and railway level crossings.

It is also illegal to park against the flow of traffic and on any hill or curve where your parked vehicle could obstruct the clear view of approaching drivers.

When looking for a parking space in a busy area, be sure to read the official traffic signs, especially where there are few, if any, vehicles parked close to where you intend to park. The area may be a prohibited parking area.

Clearways are reserved for through traffic. You cannot park or stop in clearways during the times indicated by the signs.

Queensland has a .05 percent blood alcohol limit for drivers with an open licence. Two or three standard drinks in one hour could put you over the limit.

A zero blood alcohol content applies for provisional licence holders under 25 and all heavy vehicle and licensed-vehicle drivers.

If you refuse to supply a breath specimen to a Police Officer, you will be charged with failure to supply and may be arrested and be required to blow into a breathalyser or undergo a blood or urine test.

	STOP You must stop your vehicle completely as close as possible to the associated stop line on the road and give way to all vehicles including oncoming traffic. If there is no stop line painted on the road, stop where you have a clear view of all approaching traffic.
	GIVE WAY You must give way to all vehicles including oncoming traffic. You should slow down when nearing this sign because you may have to stop to avoid an accident.

Plan your route before you enter a freeway and know your exit. Please observe these basic rules:

• Do not stop except in an emergency or in case of breakdown. If you must stop, use the emergency lane or bay provided;
• Do not travel in the emergency lane except when stopping;
• Do not make U-turns and do not use reverse;
• Signal before changing lanes and allow a greater warning time to compensate for higher speeds than usual;
• Be ready and in the correct lane when approaching your exit ramp. If you miss your exit you cannot turn back and you must continue ahead to the next exit.

Because of Queensland’s vast size, road and weather conditions can vary substantially. Roads, particularly in rural areas, can narrow quickly and can have dangerous edges. Vehicles travelling in opposite directions must share the available bitumen by slowing down and placing the left wheel of their vehicle on the road shoulder.

Enjoy your sightseeing but stop occasionally to allow vehicles behind you to pass.

Remember gravel road surfaces are deceptive and should be approached with extreme caution.

Queensland’s weather can vary from extreme dryness to heavy rain and cause any hazard from clouds of dust which reduce visibility or flash floods which can cover even major roads with deep water.

Wherever possible, avoid driving into the rising or setting sun.

You should take extra supplies of food, water and petrol and tell local police of your intended route if you drive in the outback.

Queensland’s animal population ranges from native species to farmyard animals and family pets and, especially in country areas, animals including horses, cattle, sheep, koalas and kangaroos find their way onto roads. They can be a road safety risk for an unwary driver.

Drive with caution - especially at night - and approach animals slowly!

Queensland is vast and long distance road travel could be an essential part of your visit, so remember the effects of driver fatigue caused by long hours behind the wheel. Unless you are used to driving long distances, please consider other means of travel.

If you do choose to drive, make sure you begin your trip fresh, rest at least every two hours and share the driving if possible.

The information provided here is a basic introduction only to Queensland road rules and is not a comprehensive or definitive explanation.