Road rules

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This page contains answers to the most common questions young people ask us about road rules.  It is not a full list of road rules! 

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Do I have to wear a seatbelt?

Yes.

It’s against the law not to wear a seatbelt as either the driver or passenger in a car.  If you’re driving without a seatbelt or carrying someone without a seatbelt, you can be fined $378 and could lose up to 3 demerit points.

If you’re over 16 and you’re riding in a car without a seatbelt, you could be fined $378!

Bicycles

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes, it’s against the law if you don’t wear an approved helmet when riding a bicycle. If you’re caught without a helmet as the rider or if you carry someone who isn’t wearing a helmet, you could be fined $126!

There’s an exception if you are a member of a religious group which requires you to wear a type of headdress that makes it impractical for you to wear a bicycle helmet.

Motorbikes

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes, it’s against the law if you don’t wear an approved helmet on a motorcycle. You could be fined $378!

Can I do lane filtering?

No.  While there’s no specific law against lane filtering in Queensland, it’s against the law if you overtake a vehicle to the left (instead of the right), if you don’t indicate when crossing lane lines and if you don’t leave enough room when overtaking. This means most types of lane filtering is probably going to break the law.

For some tips on staying safe when using motorbikes you might want to check out the Queensland Motorcycle Riders’ Guide. The link to the guide is: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/motorcyclesafety

Scooters

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes, it’s against the law if you are travelling on a motorised scooter and do not wear a helmet. There’s an exception if you are a member of a religious group which requires you to wear a type of headdress that makes it impractical for you to wear a helmet.

Mobile phones

If you’re on your Ls, P1s and P2s and you’re under 25, it’s against the law to use your mobile phone at all when you’re driving, even if it’s on handsfree. The only time you can use it if it is parked (not just stopped at lights!) You could be fined $378!

If you have your full license, or you’re on your Ls and your Ps and you’re over 25, you can use your phone hands free, and you must not hold it in your hand. Even though it’s legal to use your phone in Queensland with your full licence, it’s still much safer for you to pull over, park and then look at your phone.  

Skateboards, rollerblades and rollerskates

Do I have to wear a helmet?

No, you don’t have to wear a helmet while on a skateboard, rollerblade or roller-skate, but it’s still a good idea.

There are also some other laws about riding skateboards, rollerblades and roller-skates:

  • you cannot ride skateboards, rollerblades and roller-skates on a road at night, on a road with a dividing line, or where the speed limit is more than 50km/h or at night.
  • when riding on a shared path, you have to keep to the left of the footpath and give way to pedestrians.

For more information on the rules when using skateboards, rollerblades or skates, check out this page: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Queensland-road-rules/Wheeled-recreational-devices.aspx

Number plates

When you’re driving a car or motorbike, your number plates must always be visible.

Speeding

Speeding is always against the law. If you’re caught speeding, you could lose your licence on the spot, depending on how fast you were going.  

If you’re on your P or L licence, there are special speeding laws that apply to you.  Please check out our Licences page for more information.

More information about road rules

For more information on the road rules in Queensland, check out these pages:

If you’re under 25 and you have a question about road rules that we haven’t answered here, please ask us a question here and we can give you some free information and advice.

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