8.2 Giving Way at Crossroads, T-Intersections, Signs and Driveways
Key Takeaways
- At an unsigned uncontrolled crossroad, give way to vehicles approaching from the right and apply the separate right-turn rule to oncoming traffic.
- At a T-intersection, traffic on the terminating road generally gives way to traffic on the continuing road, subject to the full road-rule exceptions.
- A stop sign requires a complete stop at the proper position; the law does not require a particular foot to touch the ground.
- A give-way sign requires slowing and stopping if necessary to prevent a collision.
- When entering a road from a driveway or property, give way to footpath users and vehicles on the road.
Giving Way at Crossroads, T-Intersections, Signs and Driveways
“Give way to the right” is not a universal Queensland rule. It applies in a defined uncontrolled-crossroad situation. Correct intersection answers begin by identifying the intersection type and controls.
| Situation | Core rule |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled crossroad | Give way to vehicles from the right; apply the separate right-turn rule |
| Terminating road at a T | Give way to relevant traffic on the continuing road |
| Stop sign or line | Stop completely, then give way |
| Give-way sign or line | Slow and stop if necessary to avoid a collision |
| Leaving a driveway | Give way to footpath users and roadway traffic |
Uncontrolled crossroads
At a crossroad without traffic lights, stop or give-way signs, or stop or give-way lines, a rider going straight must give way to a vehicle approaching from the right. A rider turning right must also give way to relevant vehicles on the right and to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning left.
Road width and traffic volume do not create priority by themselves. A quiet narrow road on the right still matters when no control changes the rule. Slow enough to identify traffic hidden by buildings, vegetation or parked vehicles.
T-intersections
At a T-intersection, a rider on the road that terminates generally gives way to vehicles travelling on the continuing road, subject to the detailed exceptions in the road rules, such as a vehicle making a U-turn. The shape may be modified: the continuing road can bend while another leg appears visually straight. Follow road markings, signs and the legal continuing-road path rather than assuming that “straight-looking” traffic has priority.
A rider leaving the continuing road may need to signal even if physically travelling straight into the terminating road. Apply the indication rule to the legal road path shown by markings.
Stop and give-way signs
At a stop sign or stop line, bring the motorcycle to a complete stop at the proper place and then give way as required. If there is a stop line, stop before reaching it. If there is no line, stop as near as practicable to the intersection while retaining a view.
The motorcycle’s wheels must stop moving. Putting a foot down may be useful for balance or training demonstration, but the Queensland road rule does not make a particular foot touching the ground the legal test. A rider capable of a momentary balanced stop has still complied if the vehicle fully stops.
At a give-way sign or line, slow and stop if necessary so no collision occurs. A full stop is not required when the path is clear and the rider can proceed safely, but the rider must be ready to stop.
A stop sign does not automatically give priority over a driver facing a give-way sign on the opposite approach. Both obey their control, then the ordinary turning rules resolve conflict. For example, a right-turning vehicle may still give way to the oncoming vehicle.
Right turns and pedestrians
When turning right, give way to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning left unless another control clearly changes that movement. Also give way to pedestrians and bicycle or personal mobility-device riders on or entering the road being entered.
Select a position that provides sight and buffer from oncoming traffic. Do not turn merely because an oncoming driver flashes headlights; confirm the whole path, including a bicycle lane and pedestrian crossing.
Slip lanes
A slip lane is separated by a painted or raised island. A rider using it gives way to traffic on the road being entered, except a vehicle making a U-turn under the stated rule, and gives way to pedestrians and bicycle or personal mobility-device riders on or entering the slip lane. A green signal for nearby through traffic does not remove those duties.
Driveways and property
When entering a road from a driveway, car park, service station or adjacent land, give way to pedestrians, bicycle riders and personal mobility-device riders on the footpath or road and to vehicles on the road being entered. The same protective duty applies when entering the property across a footpath. It applies whether moving forward or reversing.
Defensive roadcraft
Legal priority does not guarantee detection. At intersections, Look for hazards, Slow down to prepare to stop and Move away to create space. Watch front wheels and drivers, gaps in queues, turning lanes and pedestrians. If another vehicle can enter the path, assume it may.
Use this order on the test: traffic lights; police or authorised direction; stop/give-way controls; roundabout or T-intersection rule; turning and pedestrian rules; then uncontrolled-crossroad priority.
At an uncontrolled crossroad with no lights, lines or signs, to whom must a rider going straight give way?
What does a stop sign require from a motorcycle?
What must a rider do when emerging from a driveway onto a road?