Signs, signals and markings in Queensland
Signs, traffic lights and road markings tell you the rules for each stretch of road. Queensland groups its signs into types such as regulatory signs, warning signs, hazard markers, route markers, traffic instruction signs, roadwork signs and brown tourist signs.
Knowing what each shape, colour and line means lets you react early and pass both the road rules test and the practical driving test with confidence.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can tell regulatory, warning and guide signs apart by shape and colour.
- You can respond correctly to red, yellow, green, flashing yellow and B traffic lights.
- You can say when you may and may not cross each type of centre line.
- You can use painted islands, edge lines and special purpose lanes legally.
- You can recognise Queensland signs such as left turn on red after stopping.
What you need to know and understand
- Regulatory signs, such as speed limits and stop signs, are rules you must obey; warning signs (usually yellow diamonds) alert you to hazards ahead.
- A yellow light means stop unless you are so close that you cannot stop safely; it is the start of the red phase, not the end of green.
- A flashing yellow light or arrow means go with caution and apply the give way rules.
- You may not cross a double continuous centre line except to safely pass a bicycle rider.
- You may drive on a painted island bordered by a single continuous line for up to 50 metres to enter or leave a road or reach a turning lane.
- You may cross a continuous edge line and travel up to 100 metres to enter or leave a single lane road, turn, or stop at the side of the road.
- A yellow edge line means no stopping or parking along it.
- U-turns at traffic lights are only allowed where a U-turn permitted sign is shown.
Traffic lights and signals
Where there is a bicycle storage area (a box for riders at the front), cars must stop at the first stop line. Do not enter an intersection if the road ahead is blocked and you would be stuck in it. A left turn on red after stopping sign allows a left turn on a red signal, but only after you stop and give way.
- Red light or arrow: stop at the stop line (or at the light if there is no line) and stay stopped.
- Yellow light or arrow: stop if it is safe to do so.
- Green light or arrow: go if the intersection is clear, giving way to pedestrians and riders when turning.
- Flashing yellow: proceed with caution using the give way rules.
- White B light: only for buses, taxis, limousines and bicycle riders in a bus lane.
- Turning right on green: you may move into the intersection to wait for a gap, and must complete the turn if the lights change while you are in it.
Lines on the road
- Single continuous centre line: you may cross it to enter or leave a road or property, or to pass a cyclist, but not to overtake or do a U-turn.
- Continuous line to the left of a broken line: if you are on the continuous side, the same limits apply; if you are on the broken side you may overtake when safe.
- Broken centre line (single or double): you may overtake, turn or U-turn across it when safe.
- Continuous lane line: do not cross it unless moving into or out of a special purpose lane you are allowed to use.
- Painted island with double continuous lines, or one separating same-direction traffic such as an on-ramp: do not drive on it.
Special purpose lanes
Bus lanes, bus only lanes, bike lanes, transit lanes and the Gold Coast tram lanes all have their own signs. In a T2 lane you need at least 2 people in the car, and in a T3 lane at least 3. You may drive in a special purpose lane for up to 50 metres in a bike lane, or 100 metres in other special purpose lanes, to enter or leave a road or to turn. Our study guide, Your keys to driving in Queensland: plain-English study guide, has a fuller sign list.
Common mistakes
- Speeding up when the light turns yellow. Yellow means stop if you safely can.
- Crossing a single continuous centre line to overtake. It is only allowed to enter or leave a road or to pass a cyclist.
- Doing a U-turn at traffic lights without a U-turn permitted sign.
- Stopping your car beside a yellow edge line to drop someone off.
Test yourself: Signs, signals and markings in Queensland
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Go deeper
Sources: Road signs, Department of Transport and Main Roads (qld.gov.au); Traffic lights, U-turns and overhead lane controls, Department of Transport and Main Roads (qld.gov.au); Road markings and Special purpose lanes, Department of Transport and Main Roads (qld.gov.au); Your keys to driving in Queensland, Department of Transport and Main Roads. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your state or territory road authority.