Qld road rules: When you need to give way to a bus

In the wake of several bus related crashes in southeast Queensland, motorists say they are confused over when they have right of way.

Motorists have called for clarity around give-way rules for buses on South East Queensland roads.

It comes after a series of crashes, including one in Brisbane’s CBD that claimed the life of an 18-year-old woman and a major crash between a packed bus and a car on Gympie Rd.

In Queensland, motorists must give way to buses when they carry a “give way to buses” sign on the back right-hand side.

Tia Cameron was killed in a bus crash in Brisbane’s CBD. Photo: Facebook.

Rail Tram and Bus Union assistant state secretary Tom Brown has called on motorists to be “patient” with bus drivers.

“Certainly it is one of the biggest frustrations the driver has when the motorist failing to give way to the bus,” Mr Brown said.

“Buses are taking 20 cars off the road and that’s what people have to remember, and if it can’t get to where it’s coming in a reasonable time then people won’t catch it.”

Mr Brown said the biggest issues for drivers was “having to change several lanes to make a turn.”

“If the bus route turns right at the next stop the bus turns right,” he said.

“I think maybe they should put some thought into that, route planners, and maybe the stop could be around the corner rather then before the intersection.”

A Reddit user posted to the site on Thursday and said TransLink buses in the Moreton Bay region weren’t displaying give way signs, causing confusion among drivers.

“A few weeks ago I slowed down to give way to a bus indicating to leave a bus stop in the Moreton Bay region. Unfortunately I was rear ended,” the post said.

“The other driver yelled at me saying I shouldn’t have waited for the bus. Fortunately there was no damage to either car so we moved on.”

The Department of Transport Queensland spokeswoman said “on roads with a speed limit of 70km/h or less, drivers must give way to a bus displaying a ‘give way to buses’ sign that is indicating right and wanting to pull back into the lane of traffic after stopping.”

Buses, like all other vehicles, are required to indicate for five seconds before moving off from a parked position, which includes a bus stop.

Police at the scene of a deadly bus crash in Brisbane’s CBD. Picture: Richard Walker

Drivers that ignore this rule can face an on-the-spot fine or $278 and three demerit points or a

a maximum penalty of $2669 under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management - Road Rules) Regulation 2009.

“Buses play an important role within the public transport network, helping Queenslanders to travel for essential purposes such as work, study, health and leisure,” a spokeswoman said.

“Drivers must not stop or park in a bus zone. These are typically installed at bus stops and can also be used to indicate priority bus waiting areas,” a department spokeswoman said.

“Drivers that ignore this rule can face an on-the-spot fine or $61, or more if a local law allows.”

Drivers that illegally drive in bus lanes and bus only lanes can face and on-the-spot fine of $154. “It’s important that all drivers share the road safely and respectfully,” a department spokeswoman said.

Brisbane City TransLink buses operating near the South Bank interchange. Picture: David Clark Photography

Civic cabinet chair for transport Ryan Murphy said the recent bus driver recruitment campaign had been a great success in Brisbane.

“585 new bus drivers hired since March last year,” Mr Murphy said.

“In Brisbane two thirds of public transport trips are made on a bus and we’re ensuring we have the team to deliver these bus services, as well as the Brisbane Metro services which will start this year.”

Bus and Transit lane rules

Bus lanes:

• Are for buses, taxis, bicycles, emergency and essential service vehicles

• Can be used by buses and taxis to drop off or pick up passengers

• Can’t be used for stopping or parking by any other vehicle during operating hours

Transit lanes:

• Are for buses, taxis, motorcycles, bicycles, emergency and essential service vehicles

• Can be used by buses or taxis to drop off or pick up passengers

• Can’t be used for stopping or parking by any other vehicle during operating times.

• Other vehicles may travel in a transit lane if they comply with the transit lanes conditions

Queensland laws on giving way to buses

A bus is a vehicle that can carry 13 or more people (including the driver).

When you are driving in a built-up area and the speed limit is 70km/h or less, you must give way to a bus that displays a give way to buses sign on its back right-hand side, and is signalling to enter traffic from:

• A bus zone, bus stop or bus stop bay

• The shoulder of the road, or the left side of the road.

• Remember to take special care around school buses, especially when their yellow lights are flashing.

• Watch out for children who may run across the road from in front or behind the bus.

• Buses, like all other vehicles, are required to indicate for 5 seconds before moving off from a parked position, which includes a bus stop.

Signs to watch out for

Give way sign for Buses in Queensland. Photo: Queensland Department of Transport

When driving in a built-up area where the posted speed limit is 70km/h or less, you must give way to a bus that displays this sign if it is signalling to enter traffic from:

• A bus zone, bus stop or bus stop bay.

• The shoulder of the road, or the left side of the road.