9.2 Heavy Vehicles, Merging, Overtaking and Group Riding
Key Takeaways
- Stay out of heavy-vehicle blind spots and treat the apparent inside gap beside a turning long vehicle as unsafe; the warning sign permits passing only where it is actually safe.
- Where a marked lane ends, the vehicle crossing the line gives way to traffic in the lane it enters.
- Where lines of traffic merge with no separating lane line, give way to any vehicle ahead.
- On a multi-lane road limited to 90 km/h or more, or where signed, keep out of the right lane unless an exception applies.
- New group riders should use single file; experienced groups may stagger while every rider preserves a 3-second crash-avoidance space.
Heavy Vehicles, Merging, Overtaking and Group Riding
Trucks, buses and long combinations have large blind spots, longer stopping needs and turning paths that can occupy more than one lane. A motorcycle should create space and remain where the driver can detect it.
Heavy-vehicle hazards
Avoid travelling close behind a heavy vehicle because the rider cannot see hazards and the driver may not see the motorcycle. Increase beyond the minimum crash-avoidance space until there is a useful forward view. Do not remain beside the cab or trailer; pass only when the path ahead allows the motorcycle to clear the blind zone lawfully.
Long vehicles displaying Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle may use adjacent lanes to turn. Queensland Road Rules section 143 permits passing only where it is actually safe. When such a vehicle signals left and needs adjacent space, treat the apparent inside gap as unsafe: the trailer’s rear wheels can cut across it. Stay behind until the whole combination clears rather than testing the swept path.
Air movement can affect the motorcycle while passing or being passed. Keep a relaxed secure grip, allow lateral space and anticipate the change as the motorcycle emerges from the vehicle’s wind shadow.
Two merging rules
Queensland has two rules, determined by line markings.
Marked-lane merge: If the rider’s marked lane ends and the motorcycle must cross a line, the rider gives way to traffic already in the lane being entered. Being slightly ahead does not create priority.
Zip merge with no lane line: Where adjacent lines of traffic merge and no lane-separation line remains, give way to any vehicle ahead. It is not an automatic give-way-to-the-right rule. Compare the vehicles’ positions.
In either case, check mirrors and blind spot, signal for long enough to warn others, match the flow where lawful and choose a safe gap. Queensland does not impose a universal three-second indication period for every lane change; the requirement is sufficient warning. The five-second rule applies when moving from a parked position.
Keeping left
On a multi-lane road with a speed limit of 90 km/h or more, or wherever a keep-left-unless-overtaking sign applies, do not travel in the right lane unless an exception applies—such as overtaking, turning right, avoiding an obstruction or travelling in congested traffic. The threshold is 90 or more, not “greater than 90.”
Overtaking
Before overtaking, confirm clear sight, adequate distance, no side road or concealed driveway, no vehicle behind already overtaking and no prohibited line or sign. Check mirrors and blind spot, signal for sufficient warning, move out smoothly and maintain space. The speed limit still applies during the pass.
Do not pass on the left by using an unsealed shoulder. Passing on the left may occur in marked same-direction lanes, around a vehicle turning right when lawful space exists, or through lawful motorcycle filtering for an eligible rider. Each situation retains its own conditions.
When returning, wait until there is generous clearance, check again, signal and move smoothly. Do not cut in and remove the passed vehicle’s stopping space.
Buses
In a built-up area limited to 70 km/h or less, give way to a bus displaying the give-way-to-buses sign when it signals to enter traffic from a bus stop, bus zone, bay, shoulder or left side. Remain alert for passengers and pedestrians around it.
Group riding
The Motorcycle Riders’ Guide advises a new group rider to begin in single file, giving each rider space from hazards. Experienced riders may use a staggered formation where appropriate, but every rider maintains their own 3-second crash-avoidance space; the pattern is not permission to shorten it.
Plan the route and meeting points so no one speeds or takes risks to keep up. Ride to the least experienced rider’s ability and never encourage a learner to filter, overtake or use a formation that conflicts with their restrictions or skill.
Exam distinctions
- Line present and lane ending: crossing vehicle gives way.
- No line between merging streams: vehicle behind gives way to vehicle ahead.
- Heavy vehicle turning left with the warning sign: pass only if actually safe; when the apparent gap is the swept path, stay behind.
- 90 km/h or more: keep-left rule applies on a multi-lane road unless an exception does.
- Overtaking: no speed-limit exemption.
Observation and space matter more than the motorcycle’s acceleration advantage.
What is the rule when the rider’s marked lane ends and a line must be crossed?
What is the rule in a zip merge with no line separating the traffic streams?
At what posted threshold does keep-left-unless-overtaking generally apply on a multi-lane road?