Ask anyone who drives if they’re a good driver and the majority of them will say they are, without question. Ask the same person a question about the road rules and they’ll swear blind they know the rules, even if it turns out to be wrong.
There are quite a few driving myths out there, so when we saw the Queensland Police post up a few myths on their website, we decided to take a look at the best 5 that you get into arguments about.
Myth #1: It’s legal to drive at 80 on the highway
It’s actually illegal and according to QPS, you can be charged with failing to show due care and consideration. They suggest pulling over if you’re going too slow, i.e. there are four or five cards behind you.
Myth #2: If I’m in a slip lane and it ends, I have the right of way
Not true. Law dictates that if your lane comes to an end with dotted lines you must give way to the traffic you are moving into. But if there isn’t a dotted line, then the vehicle behind must give way to the vehicle in front.
Myth #3: I need to indicate right when I enter a roundabout, unless I’m turning left.
That’s just a myth, you don’t need to indicate right if you’re going straight, but need to if you’re going right or doing a U-turn. You can indicate left out of the roundabout.
Myth #4: My licence plate doesn’t need to be visible, just attached.
Nope, in fact, if your number plate isn’t visible from 20 metres away, that’s illegal. It cannot be covered by bull bars, towbars, driving lights or be faded or obscured. In Queensland, you can receive a $227 fine if your plate/s are not legible.
Myth #5: If I’m a cyclist, I need to get off my bike to go across the zebra crossing.
Actually, from January 1 this year, you can ride across a pedestrian crossing as long as you stop before doing so.
According to QPS, there are other cyclist rule changes to be aware of:
Did any of these laws/road rules surprise you? What’s another question you have that you and your friends can’t decide on?