Other road rules

Overhead lane control devices

A driver must not travel in a lane marked with an illuminated red diagonal cross or pass a traffic sign above a lane displaying a red diagonal cross.

A flashing illuminated red diagonal cross means that the driver must leave the marked lane as soon as it is safe to do so.

A white, green or yellow arrow pointing downwards, or in a particular direction, or a speed limit sign above the lane, means that a driver may drive in that lane.

Section 152 of the Queensland Road Rules applies.

High beam headlights

A driver must not switch headlights to high beam if another vehicle is closer than 200 metres in front of the driver's vehicle.

A driver may flash the headlights briefly before overtaking another vehicle.

Drivers must ensure that they do not dazzle other road users.

Sections 218 and 219 of the Queensland Road Rules apply.

Fog lights

A driver can only use front or rear fog lights if it is difficult to see other vehicles or objects due to poor weather conditions (for example, heavy rain or fog). Fog lights cannot be used in clear weather conditions, whether it is day or night.

Section 217 of the Queensland Road Rules apply.

Using mobile phones while driving

Driving with a mobile phone in the driver's hand is illegal, even when you are stopped at traffic lights. This includes making and receiving calls. A driver may use a mobile phone if the phone is not in his or her hand and is attached to a hands-free kit, in a cradle or using wireless headset technology.

Two-way radios and citizens band (CB) radios are permitted.

Note: There is a ban on all mobile phone use (including hands-free) for learners and P1 provisional drivers under the age of 25 years. There is also a ban on mobile phone use on loudspeaker function for supervisors and passengers of these drivers.

Section 300 of the Queensland Road Rules applies.

Special purpose lanes

Special purpose lanes include bus lanes, transit lanes, and bicycle lanes.

A driver may drive in a special purpose lane if the vehicle being driven or ridden is specifically allowed in that lane.

Other vehicles may drive in special purpose lanes in certain situations and in certain instances for a permitted distance. The permitted distance for a bicycle lane is 50 metres. For all other special purpose lanes the permitted distance is 100 metres.

A driver may enter a special purpose lane to:

• avoid an obstruction
• conform with a traffic sign that may be operating in the lane.

A driver may enter a special purpose lane and drive for the permitted distance to:

• enter or leave the road
• move from one part of the road to another part (moving to or from a service road for example)
• overtake to the left of a vehicle that is signaling to turn right
• enter a marked lane from the side of the road.

Section 153 — 158 of the Queensland Road Rules applies.

Riding in the back of a utility

A person must not travel in any part of a motor vehicle that is not designed for passengers or goods and is not an enclosed part of the structure of the vehicle.

It is an offence to ride in the back of a utility vehicle.

Section 268 of the Queensland Road Rules applies.

Secure parked vehicles

Your vehicle must be secure before leaving it parked on a road. A driver is considered to have left the vehicle when he or she is more than three metres from the vehicle. Unless there is somebody 16 years of age or older in the vehicle, before you leave the vehicle, you must:

• switch off the engine
• apply the parking brake
• remove the ignition key
• wind up the windows (if possible), however a gap of 5 cm or less is acceptable
• lock the doors (if possible).

This rule also applies in road-related areas, which includes car parks.

Sections 13 and 213 of the Queensland Road Rules apply.

What should I do if I have a crash?

You must report a crash to the police when:

• a vehicle involved needs to be towed away
• any driver involved in a crash fails to provide his or her details
• any person involved is killed or injured
• the crash causes A$2500 or more damage to property (other than the driver's vehicle).

Section 287(1) of the Queensland Road Rules apply.