Driving in Queensland, Australia

TheLandOfSmeg · 07-01-2007, 04:06 AM

Hi, I'm a Vic, and I'll be holidaying in Queensland later this month. I might do some driving while I'm there (with my Victorian License), and I'ld just like to know how the road laws differ from Victoria/other states. I can't find much information about it online.

I have checked about Probationary ('P' Plate) restrictions, and all I have to do is follow the Victorian conditions of Probationary Licenses.

As far as I know, I can't overtake on a single solid line (In Vic, we can overtake on single solid lines, but not double solid lines). Also, I can't do U-Turns at traffic lights unless implicitly allowed. Is this correct?

Anything else that's different? Any Give-Way laws that are different? (Some places in the world allow left turns on a red light unless there is a Red Arrow, is Queensland one?)

Off-topic: Is White Water World any good/worth it for a 20-year old? I want to go to all the parks.

protd · 07-01-2007, 06:54 AM

pretty much same laws as down there mate.. and the few things you listed is also correct.. no left turns on red lights.. if you are allowed to turn on a red light there is a separated left turning lane and will just say turn left at any time, but no left turn if you actually stop at a red light and need to turn left..

Sledgehammer · 07-01-2007, 07:33 AM

You also have to remember that we drive Backwards up here too.

Pedro · 07-01-2007, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sledgehammer

You also have to remember that we drive Backwards up here too.

Nice one Stu, but I've noticed that most drive sideways (with lots of correction). lol

Zed7fiddy · 07-01-2007, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sledgehammer

You also have to remember that we drive Backwards up here too.

and brisbane was designed with lots of one way streets and new estates that are mazes - this is to confuse the southerners as they travel up

Efectively trapping them in and stopping them from ruining the rest of Queensland

:

protd · 07-01-2007, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Co8ra

and brisbane was designed with lots of one way streets and new estates that are mazes - this is to confuse the southerners as they travel up

Efectively trapping them in and stopping them from ruining the rest of Queensland

:

only problem is then they dont go back to were they came from..

:

Wally · 07-01-2007, 09:05 AM

Can't exit or enter properties over double white lines. Same goes for painted median strips, even though the learner booklet states you can.

GCFordChic · 07-01-2007, 09:53 AM

We dont use indicators, hand signals suffice. Or even other sorts of 'hand signals' ( :the_finge ) after an accident has almost occurred. ;)

In all seriousness, you are right about u-turns, at traffic lights you are not allowed to unless there is a "u-turn permitted" sign. At other intersections you are allowed to do a u-turn unless there is a "no u-turn" permitted sign.

I cannot think of any crazy laws we have, much like Vic we have a 3km/hr speeding 'tolerance'. Although everyone will tell you Qld is really laid back in revenue raising compared to Vic, dont let that mindset take over because we still have speed cameras and the mobile ones have no warnings and are also usually suprisingly placed.

Have fun!

Jen

DJR David · 07-01-2007, 09:58 AM

Don't forget to stop at the border and have the nice government official remove your indicator stalk, as indicating if forbidden in this state.
Also when approaching roundabouts just close your eyes like everyone else and hope for the best

Casper · 07-01-2007, 10:02 AM

I lived in Brisbane for 9 year.. I only have one piece of advice.

When it rains get the hell off the roads cause a large amount of the population go ******* MENTAL and drive like friggen maniac's when its wet!

Yaw · 07-01-2007, 10:14 AM

Here is the Qld Transport Guide for getting a licence, it has all the relavent info.
Please take note of what has been said, many Qld drivers swear it is optional to use indicators.

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/qt/L...drive_yourkeys

lotus · 07-01-2007, 10:30 AM

Where are you travelling to ? Sounds like you are going to be at the Gold Coast for a while. Highway is well signed,just go with the flow (traffic wise) as they will have mobile speed cameras (usally 4x4's, have also seen a Merc Sprinter van, just on the side of the road and most times well hidden from view,no fixed ones yet!!), unmarked cars and the Highway Patrol (just got their new toys,F6's.Red with blue and white checks on the front and sides).
I think others here have ansewered your questions. Just remember most local streets are 50 kph(or sometimes 40 kph) unless otherwise signed.
If I see an interstste plate on a car ,I realise they do not know the roads too well and allow for that.
Gives us an excuse to get up you lot (Bloody interstate drivers!!!). lol
Anyway other than that have a Great stay up here and enjoy!!!

bessxg · 07-01-2007, 12:47 PM

When you come up to traffic lights, you have to join the lane with the most cars in it. It's all part of forming a que.

I think it's weird, that each state government has different road and provisional licensing laws. When you move interstate on your provisional license, you don't fit into any criteria. If you kept moving states and renewing your license, you would be thirty years old and still not have an open license.

Imagine how confused tourists must get with each set of road rules. Queensland police aren't tolerant of ignorant tourists either, so hats off to you doing your homework.

**GasoLane** · 07-01-2007, 12:48 PM

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/qt/L...roadrules_home
I dont think TheLandOfSmeg was figuring on getting a licence there. This link might be a little more relavant.

kyro_02 · 07-01-2007, 02:40 PM

to start off a great holiday, I reckon it's always best to drive from vic through nsw to qld... but because you won't be doing that.. I drove from vic... anyways I didn't notice any laws out of the ordinary in qld...

on the other hand, nsw has some of the weirdest parking ever. But you won't get to experience that :P

been to qld about 4 times.. plan on driving up again early sometime this year, best whether, if it rains, it pours down like no tomorrow.. at least the times I've been there

fmc351 · 07-01-2007, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casper

I lived in Brisbane for 9 year.. I only have one piece of advice.

When it rains get the hell off the roads cause a large amount of the population go ******* MENTAL and drive like friggen maniac's when its wet!

Dodging droplets in torrential rain is a challenge, were still looking for a champion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sledgehammer

You also have to remember that we drive Backwards up here too.

From the back seat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GCFordChic

In all seriousness, you are right about u-turns, at traffic lights you are not allowed to unless there is a "u-turn permitted" sign. At other intersections you are allowed to do a u-turn unless there is a "no u-turn" permitted sign.

Oh boy does this create some confusion. We have an intersection (with lights) that has a BP on one corner, KFC on another and a Woolies servo just down the other. Its on top of a hill to boot. There are no sign re u turns. When headed south, there is a right arrow for those turning right into Arundel Ave. At the same time, there is a left arrow for cars turning left into Currie St from Arundel Ave. The amount of clowns doing u turns, into the left arrowed traffic is amazing, all to save 0.04 c per litre. The BP is on their side, and not usually any more than the 4c extra. KFC corner if anyone knows it, I attached a pic for clarity. KFC drive thru nightmares is another story.

**GasoLane** · 07-01-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyro_02

to start off a great holiday, I reckon it's always best to drive from vic through nsw to qld... but because you won't be doing that..

Not through NSW? is he taking the scenic route through Alice Springs?

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmc351

Dodging droplets in torrential rain is a challenge, were still looking for a champion.

Just look for a Pom. We are the water dodging world champs...

TheLandOfSmeg · 07-01-2007, 10:10 PM

I'm traveling by plane to the Gold Coast. We are going to try to avoid driving (Use Public Transport) but if it becomes necessary, we will hire a car, so the only tell-tale signs of an interstater would be 'P' plates in a state that doesn't have 'P' plates

:

Thanks for the help, cheers

MO · 07-01-2007, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GCFordChic

I cannot think of any crazy laws we have, much like Vic we have a 3km/hr speeding 'tolerance'. Although everyone will tell you Qld is really laid back in revenue raising compared to Vic, dont let that mindset take over because we still have speed cameras and the mobile ones have no warnings and are also usually suprisingly placed.

Have fun!

Jen

WRONG..the tolerance is 10% and mobile cameras are signed..albeit some short distance from car.

dave351cid · 07-01-2007, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MO

WRONG..the tolerance is 10%

i would not be counting on any tolerances, was told be a highway patrol cop one night that there is no official tolerance, just some cops will give you a bit of a break if their in a good mood.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MO

and mobile cameras are signed..albeit some short distance from car.

mobile cameras have signs......small ones...usually leaning against the car or hidden off in the bush somewhere that you might see it after you have gone past.
ohh... and the camera cars (mostly landcruiser wagons) are often hidden in the bushes so they are hard to spot till too late.

Pedro · 08-01-2007, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave351cid

i would not be counting on any tolerances, was told be a highway patrol cop one night that there is no official tolerance, just some cops will give you a bit of a break if their in a good mood.
mobile cameras have signs......small ones...usually leaning against the car or hidden off in the bush somewhere that you might see it after you have gone past.
ohh... and the camera cars (mostly landcruiser wagons) are often hidden in the bushes so they are hard to spot till too late.

Of course there's no OFFICIAL tolerance, but you can safely drive past speed cameras at the speed limit +10%. And don't someone say you can't because I've been doing just that since the 70's and never been booked.

ronwest · 08-01-2007, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedro

Of course there's no OFFICIAL tolerance, but you can safely drive past speed cameras at the speed limit +10%. And don't someone say you can't because I've been doing just that since the 70's and never been booked.

yep, I always set cruise at 109 (and then try my best to keep my foot off the accelerator) on the highway. Been through a bazillion Qld radars and not a prob.

I've been booked numerous times but usually it's because 110 seems so slow at times, particularly out in the scrub when there's no other cars in sight...

AUIII XR8 MAN · 08-01-2007, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casper

When it rains get the hell off the roads cause a large amount of the population go ******* MENTAL and drive like friggen maniac's when its wet!

I notice that too

fmc351 · 08-01-2007, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasOLane

Just look for a Pom. We are the water dodging world champs...

Doesnt count if youre actually trying to catch it.

Cosmo Kramer · 08-01-2007, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLandOfSmeg

Off-topic: Is White Water World any good/worth it for a 20-year old? I want to go to all the parks.

As to your off-topic question:-

I held a senior position with the Theme Parks for around 7 years a while back and still have mates working in all of them, so I know abit about them.

If you have got the money and want to go to all the Parks then this might be useless for you, but if you have limited funds and want an idea of the top ones then this might help.

With a demograhic of a 20yr old I'm guessing rides are your thing. Dreamworld is a must, Movie World would be second for rides and Sea Worlds focus is now mainly on the animals and incorparating shows with them. A visit to a water park is essential. Wet n Wild (WnW) has had additional rides added in the last 24 months and I have been told that it's ride capacity is now around 3 times that of the new White Water World (WWW) (Dreamworld). You have more variety at WnW but newer hi-tech rides at WWW. The traditional holiday crowds would now be starting to subside, so by the end of the month when you arrive, the queues should be smaller at all parks than that over the last few weeks.

It might be an idea to go visit your local motoring association (RACV). If you are a member you will generally get a better deal than paying at the front gate. If you are going to all the parks, ask about the 3 park super pass (if is still available). It comprises of 4 tickets 1 Movie World, 1 Sea World, 1 WnW and the 4th ticket is to go back and visit any 1 of the above 3. I'm guessing Dreamworld will probably have a deal incorporating a Dreamworld / WWW package.

Hope this helps - have fun.

**Mechan1k** · 08-01-2007, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casper

I lived in Brisbane for 9 year.. I only have one piece of advice.

When it rains get the hell off the roads cause a large amount of the population go ******* MENTAL and drive like friggen maniac's when its wet!

It's the same for Sydney as well ... people think speed limits increase in the wet.

Wally · 08-01-2007, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

It's the same for Sydney as well ... people think speed limits increase in the wet.

You're far off the truth there. Speed cameras are highly inaccurate in the rain and easily contestable in court and the Qld public know it.

There's a stretch of road on the M1 around Yatala that has a nasty coloured surface that blinds drivers during daytime showers. Even with fancy polaroids there is zero visibility and the cars follow the tracks left by the preceding vehicle. As the tracks become faint the cars speed up to keep them within visibile range.... frightening isn't it?

The Govt knows this is several miles of potential carnage for several years since it was surfaced, they tried some idiotic treatment that didn't work so they gave up. Now that is a prime case of poor roads and governance that will lead to even more deaths.

**GasoLane** · 08-01-2007, 04:22 PM

Y'know I'd almost certainly say that Mechan1k's and Caspers post was sarcasm.

:

Wally · 08-01-2007, 04:27 PM

No kidding. I just gave you an example of how life imitates art.... y'know.

**Mechan1k** · 08-01-2007, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasOLane

Y'know I'd almost certainly say that Mechan1k's and Caspers post was sarcasm.

:

Well ... yes and no ... some people drive a shedload quicker in the wet ... it's bloody scary ... if you are in Sydney in a truck ... and it starts raining ... get the hell out of here (actually ... don't come near the city at anytime ... it's crap).

I have also come to the conclusion (quite some time ago) that people drive with their windows down in the rain as well ... this is because they have thrown their brain out the window when water hits the windscreen.

:

hee hee