Merging is one of the most misunderstood and misapplied road rules in Queensland. While it may seem simple, confusion around give way laws leads to unnecessary risk, frustration, and crashes. Here's exactly what you need to know to stay safe and legal.
Dylan Anderson
Changing Lanes
Changing lanes follows a straightforward rule: you must always give way to any vehicle in the lane you are moving into. Even if your lane is ending and it feels like you should have priority, the law requires that you yield.
Key Points:
- Always indicate long enough to give other drivers notice.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots.
- Turn off your indicator once the lane change is complete.
Merging Rules: Two Situations, Two Laws
Queensland road rules outline two distinct merging situations:
1. Merging with Lane Markings (Lane Ends)
If your lane ends and there's a line between you and the next lane:
- You must give way to any vehicle already in the continuing lane.
- This is treated the same as a lane change.
Example: If you are in the left lane and it ends, you must give way to the car on your right in the continuing lane.
Dylan Anderson
2. Merging Without Lane Markings
On roads without lane lines, such as construction zones or rural merging:
- The vehicle behind must give way to the vehicle ahead, regardless of side.
Example: If you and another car are in unmarked merging traffic and you're slightly behind, you must give way to the car ahead.
Motorway Merging Safety
Joining a motorway comes with additional challenges, especially at high speeds. Follow these guidelines:
- Plan your route and exits before entering.
- Use the on-ramp to build up speed and match traffic.
- Look for a gap and merge smoothly at traffic speed.
- If you're already on the motorway, be courteous: adjust your speed or change lanes to allow safe entry for merging vehicles.
- Never slam on brakes or stop on the ramp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Believing that the car on the right always has right of way—this is not true for merging.
- Speeding up to block merging vehicles.
- Forgetting to check blind spots.
- Failing to indicate or leaving the blinker on after merging.
Why It Matters
Proper merging isn't just about avoiding fines. It's about reducing the risk of collisions, keeping traffic flowing, and showing courtesy to fellow road users. With a clearer understanding of Queensland’s merging rules, every driver can contribute to safer roads.
Stay alert, follow the rules, and merge with care.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
