Our double line laws on the road vary from the generally accepted “never cross the line” rules from state to state. But which state has the strictest rules?
In its simplest form, the presence of a solid line means that overtaking or driving into the adjacent lane is prohibited, except in certain, very specific circumstances.
But the signs are actually a little more complicated than “never cross.” And the rules vary from state to state.
In New South Wales, double solid lines are probably the most lenient. Firstly, you can overtake, provided the vehicle you are overtaking is a bicycle. You can also cross a double solid line if you are going around an obstruction on the road, provided the “obstruction” is not a slowing or stopped vehicle.
Likewise, if you are entering or leaving a driveway, you may cross a solid double line unless a sign specifically prohibits you from doing so. The same rule applies when turning right onto a road unless there is a “No Right Turn” sign.
Queensland’s rules are much stricter: “A double continuous centre line must not be crossed except to safely overtake a cyclist.”
The same rules apply in the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory: vehicles are only allowed to cross double white lines when overtaking cyclists.
Victoria has the strictest road rules: overtaking a cyclist is prohibited, even on a road with double solid lines. VicRoads states: “You may not cross these lines under any circumstances unless it is necessary to avoid an obstruction or to ensure safety. You may not overtake, turn or cross double solid lines to enter or leave the road.”
The definition of ‘obstruction’ is also very specific. VicRoads similarly states: ‘An obstruction is a danger to traffic, but not a vehicle that is dangerous simply because it is stopped in the flow of traffic or is moving more slowly than other vehicles. A bicycle is also not an obstruction.’
Oddly enough, the above content, taken directly from the VicRoads site, directly contradicts the following content, also posted in another section of the same site. Perhaps an example of Schrodinger’s bicycle?
Update: One eagle-eyed reader pointed out that the law on overtaking cyclists allows drivers to cross dual carriageways, as long as it is safe to do so. VicRoads states: “Drivers may briefly cross the centre line of a single or dual carriageway to overtake a cyclist, provided the path ahead is clear and safe.”
South Australia is similar to Victoria, but overtaking is permitted on cyclists. Tasmania has the same double continuous line rule as New South Wales.
In Western Australia, the rules are also more relaxed: “Overtaking is prohibited outside these lines, but you may cross these lines to make a right turn, make a U-turn or enter/exit the road at a junction.”
Most people probably don’t know this. Want to park on a road with a continuous double lane? Of course you can, but the mandatory condition is that after parking the car, the distance between it and the marking must be more than three meters. If the distance is not enough, a large fine can be imposed.
Post time: May-22-2025