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Road scene · Lane and overtaking scenes

Changing lanes across a broken line

Across a broken line you may change lanes, but only into a gap, giving way to the cars already there.

Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 148Asked in general knowledgeAsked in road safetyShown in 2 practice questions

What it means

Changing lanes across a broken line: what is the rule?

Three lanes run the same way, split by broken lines. The yellow car is in the middle lane signalling right, and its yellow path curves across into the right lane. That lane has a white car ahead and another behind, and a thin bracket beside the road marks the gap between them. The yellow car slots into that gap, because the cars in the lane own it, not the driver who signalled.

What to do

  1. 1

    Signal, then check your mirrors.

  2. 2

    Do a head check over your shoulder for a car beside you.

  3. 3

    Move across smoothly into a gap, keeping fully inside one lane, then cancel the indicator.

Practice questions with this scene

You cross a broken lane line to move into the next lane. Who has priority?

Right.Not quite. The answer is A.

The lane belongs to whoever is already in it, so wait for a gap before you move across.

Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 148

You are about to change lanes on a busy road. What should come after your signal and mirror check?

Right.Not quite. The answer is C.

Mirrors leave blind spots. A quick look over your shoulder before every lane change shows a car beside you.

Source: Safe driving practice

Common questions

Who has right of way when changing lanes?
Vehicles already in the lane you want to move into.
Do you need to signal when changing lanes on an empty road?
Yes. Signal before every lane change, even when no one else is around.
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