Using lanes correctly

Lanes are painted on the road to separate traffic. It’s important that you use lanes correctly. 

Lane rules at intersections

Make sure you're in the correct lane for the direction that you're travelling. Follow the direction of any arrows marked on the road.

If there are no arrows:

• turn left from the left-hand lane
• turn right from the right-hand lane
• use either lane to go straight ahead.

You should stay in the same lane all the way through the intersection. 

Lane rules at intersections

Making a right turn at an intersection with marked lanes

When turning right from a road that has more than one marked lane in each direction into another road with more than one marked lane in each direction:

• make sure you're in the right-turn lane
• signal for at least 3 seconds before turning
• turn into the appropriate lane of the road.

Making a right turn into a one-way street

When turning into a one-way street:

• turn from the lane next to the centre line – if in a 2-way street
• signal for at least 3 seconds before turning
• turn into the closest lane of the one-way street.

Making a right turn from a one-way street or a multi-laned road

When turning right from a one-way street, you should stay in the same lane throughout the turn.

That means:

• if you’re turning from the left-hand lane of the one-way street, turn into the left-hand lane of the 2-way street
• if you’re turning from the right-hand lane of the one-way street, turn into the lane immediately to the left of the centre line of the 2-way street.

Remember to signal for at least 3 seconds before turning.

When you’re turning from a multi-laned road, the same rules apply.

Turning right from a one-way street

Turning right form a multi-laned street

Two vehicles turning into the same road at a laned intersection

When 2 vehicles are turning into the same road at an intersection that has more than one marked lane in both directions:

• both vehicles must show they want to turn by signalling for at least 3 seconds
• both vehicles stay in their own lane throughout the turn:
  • car A turns from the left-hand lane into the left-hand lane
  • car B turns from the right-hand lane into the right-hand lane.

Two vehicles turning onto the same road

Changing lanes at an intersection

Try to get into the correct lane before you get to the intersection. However, if you must change lanes:

• make sure it’s safe before you start
• signal for at least 3 seconds before changing lanes
• before changing lanes, look over your shoulder to check that there are no vehicles in your blind spot.

Never change lanes suddenly.

Changing lanes at an intersection

Passing lanes

When there are passing lanes, drive in the left-hand lane unless you're passing another vehicle.

If you’ve been driving slower than the speed limit, don’t speed up when you reach a passing lane if other vehicles are following – give them the opportunity to pass you safely. 

Passing

Special vehicle lanes

Special vehicle lanes have signs or markings that show they’re only for the use of specific vehicles, such as buses, cycles, taxis or vehicles carrying a specified number of passengers – transit lanes.

Other vehicles may use special vehicle lanes to make a turn or get to a parking space. Using the lane for this must be kept to a minimum length and be no more than 50 metres. You must give way to any vehicles entitled to use the lane. 

Some special vehicle lanes operate 24 hours a day for specific vehicles to use. Others have times of operation specified on their signs, for example, 4pm to 6pm. In that case, you may be able to park or stop in them outside of these times.

Examples of special vehicle lane signs