Queensland road rules quiz on U-turns sparks debate

A road rule quiz posted on social media by the Department Transport and Main Roads Queensland has ignited a discussion on unfamiliar road rules.

Blue or orange? That’s the question on Queensland motorists’ minds after the Department of Transport and Main Roads presented a relatively uncommon road rule that had many wondering who had the right of way.

Shared on Facebook by the department, readers found themselves embroiled in a spirited debate over unfamiliar road rules.

The road rule question sparked heated debate about the right answer, with some stating it was “concerning” how many people got it wrong.

The quiz presented a scenario featuring two cars and tasked users with determining who was obligated to give way.

“You know your road rules, and now’s your chance to prove it,” read the post.

“The driver of the blue car is making a U-turn at the traffic lights while the driver of the orange car is turning left in a slip lane. So who needs to give way?”

Who needs to give way in this road rule quiz? Picture: Department Transport and Main Roads Queensland

To assist participants, the department provided a hint in the comments section that directed them to their website for additional guidance.

After much anticipation, the department revealed the correct answer.

The department explained: “The answer is: The driver of the blue car must give way. A driver or rider making a U-turn is required to give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.

“Drivers turning left using a slip lane (like the orange vehicle here) must give way to any vehicle approaching from the right — except a vehicle making a U-turn at the intersection.

“When you’re making a U-turn, you must have a clear view of approaching traffic, complete the turn without blocking the free movement of traffic, and give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.”

This tricky quiz spurred a lively discussion among users on the department’s Facebook page.

A driver or rider making a U-turn is required to give way to all vehicles and pedestrians. Picture: NCA NewsWire

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Many shared their viewpoints, expressing their surprise and offering interpretations of the road rule.

“U-turn must give way to ALL other traffic, and must not impede the flow of any other traffic,” commented one user.

While another said: “The driver of the orange car must give way.

“The blue car is legally turning with a green light and sign says U Turn permitted. The orange car also has a give way sign”, to which the Transport department responded, “in this instance, the driver of the blue car must give way. A driver or rider making a U-turn is required to give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.

“Drivers turning left using a slip lane (like the orange vehicle here) must give way to any vehicle approaching from the right — except a vehicle making a U-turn at the intersection.”

The debate delved into the intricacies of unfamiliar road rules, with users emphasising the need for a clear understanding to ensure road safety.

“It’s concerning how many people are wrong and have no idea why,” commented a user. A U turning vehicle must give way to everyone.”
“Please do one like this for the overtaking lane on a highway.”

Originally published as Queensland road rules quiz on U-turns sparks debate