There’s a lot of confusion at traffic lights across Australia about the correct way to turn right. Here’s a guide on how to make a right turn legally and safely. Most drivers find themselves turning right at traffic lights daily, sometimes even multiple times a day.
However, everyone seems to have their own method. Some drivers are cautious and only move slightly into the intersection, while others pull forward eagerly, ready to turn as soon as they can. Then there are those who stay behind the line until the light turns amber.
So, what’s the right way to do it according to Australia’s road rules?
The Right Approach
To improve traffic flow and complete your turn efficiently, you should pull far enough forward into the intersection. However, moving too far or missing your chance to turn can lead to penalties for obstructing traffic.
Australia’s Intersection Rules
Australian road authorities don’t specify exactly how far you can edge into an intersection when turning right.
“Drivers are allowed to enter and stop in an intersection to wait until a safe space to turn right,” says a spokesperson from Queensland Transport and Main Roads.
“There is no specific rule about how far into the intersection a driver can go as this will depend on the layout of each intersection. However, a driver must not cause a traffic hazard or obstruction and so must remain clear of any oncoming traffic.”
Instead, the rules state that you can enter the intersection “as far as is necessary” to complete the turn.
“Drivers are only permitted to enter intersections as far as is necessary to complete a right turn at traffic lights,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson explained.
“When there’s a green traffic light but no right arrow signal, drivers must wait until oncoming traffic clears or breaks, and then turn. If the lights change to yellow or red while a driver is in the intersection, they must turn right as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
Points to Consider
Before moving forward, make sure there is enough space for you to turn into the road you want to enter.
“It is illegal to idle or wait inside an intersection for space to be made available in the lane the driver intends to enter,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson noted.
“Stopping inside intersections is not only dangerous for drivers and other road users, it also disrupts traffic flow causing congestion. Blocking an intersection is subject to a fine of $320.”
Additionally, you must obey any turn lines painted at the intersection. Ignoring these can result in fines or even accidents.
“Drivers must follow any turn lines that have been marked in that intersection. Failure to follow turn lines at an intersection is subject to a fine of $320 and two demerit points,” the Transport for NSW spokesperson stated.
If there are no turn lines, an ACT Government spokesperson advises that you should turn so that you “pass as near as practicable to the right of the centre of the intersection; and turn into the left of the centre of the road they are entering, unless the driver is entering a one‑way road”.Completing the Turn
When making the turn, the road rules require you to “leave the intersection as soon as you can do so safely”.
A Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson emphasized that drivers “cannot enter an intersection if the road on the other side is blocked; this includes the side road they are turning into”.
“This ensures they do not become stranded in the intersection after the lights change,” they added.
If you find yourself stuck, various penalties could apply:
Running a red light – $645 and three demerit points in Queensland
Obstructing traffic – $161 fine in Queensland
Not leaving an intersection once lights change to red – $483 fine in Queensland
Entering an intersection if the exit is blocked – $247 fine in Queensland
