Road markings

Broken white dividing lines

If you are on a road with a broken white line down the middle, you must:

• stay to the left of the lines
• drive as close to the left side of the road as you can.

You can:

• cross these lines to enter or leave the road
• overtake or do a U-turn if it is safe, the road ahead is clear, and you follow all other road rules. 

Single continuous dividing lines

If you are on a road with a single continuous line down the middle, you must:

• stay to the left of the lines
• drive as close to the left side of the road as you can.

You can cross these lines to enter or leave the road, or to overtake a bicycle rider when there is a clear view ahead and it is safe to do so. If it’s not safe you need to wait until you find a suitable place to pass

You can't:

• overtake (except a bicycle rider as described above), or do a U-turn
• park opposite the dividing line unless there is at least three metres between your vehicle and the line or there is a sign saying that parking is allowed.

Double continuous dividing lines

If you are on a road with 2 continuous lines (double lines) down the middle, you must:

• stay to the left of the lines at all times
• drive as close to the left side of the road as you can.

You are not allowed to cross over these lines for any reason, unless you have to avoid an obstruction* or to overtake a bicycle rider when there is a clear view ahead and it is safe to do so. If it’s not safe you need to wait until you find a suitable place to pass.

You can't overtake (except a bicycle rider as described above), turn, or enter or leave the road across double lines. 

Continuous double dividing lines that are wider apart may look different, but the road rule remains the same.

^{* the definition of an obstruction includes a traffic hazard, but does not include a vehicle only because the vehicle is stopped in traffic or is travelling more slowly than other vehicles.}

 A broken line to the left of a continuous line

If you are on a road with a broken white to the left of a continuous line, you must:

• stay to the left of the lines
• drive as close to the left side of the road as you can.

You can:

• cross these lines to enter or leave the road
• overtake or do a U-turn if it is safe, the road ahead is clear, and you follow all other road rules.

A broken line to the left of a continuous line that is wider apart may look different, but the road rule remains the same.

A broken line to the right of a continuous line

If you are on a road with a broken line to the right of a continuous line, you must:

• stay to the left of the lines
• drive as close to the left side of the road as you can.

You can cross these lines to enter or leave the road or to overtake a bicycle rider when there is a clear view ahead and it is safe to do so. If it’s not safe you need to wait until you find a suitable place to pass.

You can't:

• overtake (except a bicycle rider as described above), or do a U-turn
• park opposite the dividing line unless there is at least three metres between your vehicle and the dividing line or there is a parking sign saying that parking is allowed.

A broken line to the right of a continuous line that is wider apart may look different, but the road rule remains the same.

Wider gap between dividing lines

Remember, for dividing lines with a wider gap the road rules remain the same.

For more information see Wide Centreline Road Rules [PDF 1.21 Mb]

When driving you must keep your vehicle within a lane.

Continuous lane lines

If you are in a lane with a continuous line between your lane and the next lane, you are not allowed to change lanes or cross over that line unless:

• you are avoiding an obstruction
• there is a sign saying you can
• you are driving a special vehicle that is allowed in that lane (e.g. a bus)
• you are overtaking a bicycle rider as long as the way is clear and it is safe to do so. If it’s not safe you need to wait until you find a suitable place to pass.

Roads without marked lanes

If you are on a road with no lane markings and there are two or more lines of traffic travelling in the same direction, you can change from one line of traffic to another if you signal, and it is safe.

But, you can't overtake another vehicle on its left side unless:

• it is turning right
• if the vehicle is not moving.

Overhead lane signals

If you are travelling in a lane which has overhead lane signals, you:

• must stay out of lanes with a red X
• can travel in a lane with an overhead speed limit sign
• can travel in a lane with an overhead green or white arrow.

Overhead lane signals can change. If there is a green or white arrow pointing out of your lane, you must safely change lanes in the direction of the arrow.

Road markings and signs are used to mark lanes for special vehicles. These include:

• Bicycle lanes. See our Bicycles page 
• Transit lanes. See our Freeways page
• Tram lanes. See our Trams page
• Bus lane. See our Buses page
• Truck lanes. See our Trucks page

If you are travelling in a lane with arrows painted on the road, you must travel in the direction shown by the arrows.

If a painted traffic island has:

• one line (single line) painted around it, you can drive on the island for up to 50 metres to enter or leave the road or to enter a turning lane. But you must give way to any vehicle entering the turning lane next to it 
• two lines (double lines) painted around it, you cannot drive on the island
• a continuous line between you and a line of traffic travelling in the same direction as you (e.g. a freeway on-ramp), you cannot drive on the island.

See our Give way road rules page for information about give way and stop lines.