The start of 2015 has brought about a number of changes to the Queensland Road Rules to reflect the new trend of people ditching the keys and grabbing the helmet instead.
Most of the changes only effect Motorcycle Riders and Cyclists however road users need to be aware of them as well.
Motorcycle Riders:
If you hold an open licence, as from 1 February 2015, you can now:
1. Maneuver between stationary or slow moving vehicles travelling in the same direction, providing:
(a) Your speed is not more than 30km/h
(b) It is not a school zone during school zone hours.
Failure to adhere to the above conditions will render an ‘on the spot’ fine to you of $341 and 3 demerit points.
In addition to the above changes, you can now:
1. ride on sealed road shoulders or emergency stopping lanes provided:
(a) Your speed is not more than 30km/h
(b) The road’s speed limit is 90km/h or more i.e., freeways, highways and motorways.
2. proceed to the front at signalled intersection in the area allocated for cyclists (usually painted green with white bicycle symbols) provided you give way to any cyclist or motorcycle already there.
3, wear a wider range of (now approved) motorcycle helmets ensuring that you display a label on the helmet certifying compliance. For more information refer to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) 22.05 standard.
Cyclists
From 1 January 2015, you have been given more free reign of the roads.
- You can choose whether or not you wish to ride in a bicycle lane (you are not obliged to use a bicycle lane even if one is present)
- You can ride across a zebra/pedestrian or children’s crossing as long as you come to a complete stop before doing so and giving way to other pedestrians. You must still keep to the left.
- You can ride on any part of the road that you deem to be appropriate in order to exist on a single lane roundabout rather than just staying to the left.
Despite the extra flexibility given to you, if you do not adhere to the road rules, you will receive a fine of the same penalty and sum that a motorists would receive.
We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the above road rules and pay close attention to any new changes or updates that are made to the laws to ensure that you are not fined. If you believe that you have been wrongfully fined for a traffic offence, please contact Amanda Heather of Attwood Marshall Lawyers to arrange an appointment to discuss the fine.
Keep safe and be aware of your fellow road users.
