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Commonly misunderstood QLD road rule number 2. Understanding the Give Way Rule at Roundabouts

Commonly misunderstood QLD road rule number 2. Understanding the Give Way Rule at Roundabouts:

In Queensland, roundabouts are designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly—but only if everyone follows the rules. One of the most important is the give way rule. When approaching a roundabout, you must give way to all vehicles already in the roundabout, regardless of which direction they’re coming from. That means if a vehicle is coming from your right and is already on the roundabout, you must wait. Here’s how it works: Slow down and prepare to stop as you approach the roundabout. Give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout, including bicycles and motorcycles. Once there’s a safe gap, you can enter and complete your turn. It’s a common myth that you always have to give way to the right, but that’s only true if the vehicle on the right is already in the roundabout. If they’re still approaching, and you can safely enter first, you don’t need to wait. Also remember: Signal left as you exit the roundabout. Choose the correct lane before entering if the roundabout has more than one lane. Failing to give way at a roundabout can cause confusion—or worse, collisions. Stay alert, be courteous, and don’t rush. Want to build more confidence on the road? Contact Advance Driver Training or Cairns Bike Training for professional, local instruction.

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Commonly misunderstood QLD road rule number 1.Turning Right at Traffic Lights Without a Green Arrow

Commonly misunderstood QLD road rule number 1.Turning Right at Traffic Lights Without a Green Arrow in QLD – What You Need to Know:

In Queensland, when you approach a set of traffic lights and want to turn right—but there’s no green right-turn arrow—you’re still allowed to turn, but only when it’s safe. Here’s how it works: you must give way to oncoming traffic and any pedestrians crossing the road you’re turning into. This means you can enter the intersection on a green light and wait in the middle, but you must not turn until the path is clear. If the light turns yellow or red while you’re waiting, you are legally allowed to complete your turn, provided it’s safe to do so. A few key points to remember: Don’t turn too early. Always wait until it’s clear of oncoming traffic. Watch for pedestrians on the road you’re turning into—even when the light is green. Only one vehicle should be waiting in the intersection at a time (though this is often ignored in practice, it’s safer to keep intersections clear). This rule ensures that intersections stay orderly and safe, even without turning arrows. However, if you're unsure or the traffic is heavy, it’s better to wait for a clear gap rather than rush the turn.

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