5 common driving myths busted

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:

• From January 1, 2015 a cyclist can choose whether they wish to ride in a bicycle lane. They do not have to use it.

• From January 1, 2015 cyclists do not have to ride on the far left side of the road on a single lane roundabout.

• From 7 April 2014, for motorists passing cyclists the minimum passing distance is at least 1m in a 60km/hr or less speed zone and 1.5m if the speed limit is over 60km/h. Other road rules have also been changed to allow motorists to cross centre lines, straddle lane lines or drive on painted traffic islands to make it easier for them to pass cyclists, when it is safe to do so. This change is a two year trial.

Did any of these laws/road rules surprise you? What’s another question you have that you and your friends can’t decide on?