Stay in your lane

Imagine if roads didn't have any lanes or lines? Envisage trying to cross some of Adelaide's busiest intersections or navigating the Britannia Roundabout. It would be chaotic. Lanes help guide road users, reducing traffic conflicts and increasing efficiency, and there are lots of rules to follow. Are you across them? Find out in this edition's quiz.

Words: Jeremy Rochow

1. You’re driving south west along Payneham Road in the red car at 7.30am on a weekday and intend to turn left onto Portrush Road. How far can you drive in the bus lane before turning?

A. Indefinitely if you’re making a left turn

2. You’re driving in the grey car on a single-lane road at 60km/h and approaching a cyclist. There’s a solid white line between you and the other side of the road. Can you cross this line to overtake the cyclist?

3. You’re in the blue car, approaching a stationary police car with its lights flashing. You need to change lanes as the lane is blocked. Who gives way?

A. Yellow car (in the right lane)

B. Blue car (in the left lane)

4. In which of these situations is it legal for an R and R-date licensed motorcyclist to filter through lanes?

D. All three scenarios

Scenario 1

Scenario 2

Scenario 3

5. How long do you need to indicate before changing lanes?

B. Five seconds

D. Long enough to give sufficient warning to other road users

6. You’re in the blue car, turning right at the lights. Which lane do you need to enter once you cross the intersection?

A. The right lane

B. The left lane

7. You’re driving south west in the red car along Park Terrace at Bowden and you want to change lanes. Can you legally change lanes across a painted island or unbroken white line?

8. Can you legally park your vehicle in an active bike lane?

How did you go?

1–2: You need to brush up on the lane rules.

3–4: You still have a bit to learn about lanes.

5–6: You love your lanes. Keep it up.

7–8: You’re a lane expert.

Do you have a question about lanes?

Road rules are right in our lane. Email RAA’s Road Safety team at motoringroadrules@raa.com.au or call 8202 4570.

Acknowledgement of Country

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