Two of the give way rules have changed

What give-way rules changed at 5am on 25 March 2012?

There are two give-way rules that have changed.

Change 1: The left-turn versus right-turn rule

This new rule now requires all traffic turning right to give way to a vehicle coming from the opposite direction and turning left. This applies at cross roads, T-intersections and driveways where both vehicles are facing each other with no signs or signals, or the same signs or signals.

Think: If you're turning right, give way.

 

Examples of common situations where the new rule applies are shown below. In each of the diagrams below the RED car with the dotted arrow has to give way to the GREEN car with the solid arrow:

a) Both vehicles facing each other with no signs or signals (neither vehicle is controlled)

b) Both vehicles facing Give Way signs

c) Both vehicles facing Stop signs

d) Both vehicles facing green traffic signals

Change 2: The uncontrolled T-intersections rule ('uncontrolled' means when there are no signs or signals to tell you what to do)

At an uncontrolled T-intersection, all traffic from a terminating road (bottom of the T) should now give way to all traffic on a continuing road (top of the T). This will bring it into line with T-intersections where there are Stop or Give Way signs on the terminating road.

Think: Top of the T goes before me.

 

In the diagram below the RED car with the dotted arrow has to give way to the GREEN car with the solid arrow:

This rule change also applies at uncontrolled driveways, such as at a supermarket or hospital. The traffic exiting the driveway should now give way to all traffic on the road.

All vehicles entering or exiting a driveway must continue to give way to pedestrians on a footpath, or cyclists and pedestrians on a cycle path or shared path. Drivers should not pull out to block the footpath in front of pedestrians and cyclists.

Have all the give-way rules at intersections changed?

No. Traffic signs and signals are placed at intersections to show road users what they need to do and this will not change.

Here is a snapshot of the give way rules that now apply:

1. Road users should continue to obey all road signs and signals.
2. If you are turning, give way to all vehicles not turning. Note: If the road is marked with a centre line, you are deemed to be turning if you leave the path of the centre line. If you follow the path of the centre line, you are deemed to be not turning.
3. If you are turning right, give way to all vehicles coming towards you including those turning left. Note: This applies if both vehicles are facing no signs or signals or the same signs or signals. NEW RULE
4. At a T-intersection or driveway, traffic on a terminating road (bottom of the T) must give way to all traffic on a continuing road (top of the T). NEW RULE
5. If all other give way rules (or signs or signals) do not determine who gives way, give way to vehicles coming from your right. (An example of this is at cross roads controlled by traffic signals when the signals have failed and all approaches have a flashing yellow light.)

(Note: This is not a comprehensive list of road rules. Additional rules and traffic scenarios can be found in the Q&A document below or in our Road Code)

Have the rules changed at roundabouts?

No. You should continue to give way to all vehicles that will cross your path from your right as you enter the roundabout.

What about other situations such as two vehicles turning right, or when you turn into a road with two lanes?

Information and illustrations about these scenarios and more is available in our Give way Q&As document (PDF, 2 MB, 9 pages).

What if there is an intersection with a left turn slip lane?

As shown in the image below, vehicles turning left on the left turn slip lane are controlled by a give way sign. That slip lane is outside the area controlled by traffic signals and drivers must continue to give way at the give way sign to other traffic.

The new left turn vs right turn rule does not change the priorities for the car controlled by a give way sign on the left turn slip lane.

If the left turn slip lane is not controlled by signs or signals, then right turning traffic from the opposite direction will have to give way to the left turning vehicle in the slip lane. See example image below:

Road controlling authorities will be monitoring situations like this and if necessary, installing traffic controls to make it clear who should give way.

Public awareness campaign

For information on the advertising campaign please visit our give way advertising page.

Further information

Read the Q&As for some additional frequently asked about scenarios

• Give way Q&As 30 March 2012 (PDF, 2 MB, 10 pages)
• Background information (PDF, 103 KB)

The give way rules are part of the Road User Rule amendment 2011. Other changes to the Road User Rule came into effect on 1 October 2011.