You overtake a truck on the inside and now want to change lanes. why is this a problem?

Changing lanes

When changing lanes, you must give way to vehicles in the lane you’re moving into.

You must indicate to let others know when you plan to move into another lane. Make sure your indicator is off after you’ve merged or changed lanes.

Changing lanes when a lane ends

When the lane you’re driving in is ending and you need to cross a broken line to move into another lane, you must give way to vehicles already in that lane – for example, when you’re joining a motorway.

Slow down and look for a suitable gap so you can change lanes safely.

If a vehicle is moving into your lane, you should leave a suitable gap.

Merging lanes

When you’re driving on a road and the number of lanes or lines of traffic reduces, and there are no longer any road markings, you must give way to the vehicle that’s ahead of you. This is called a zipper merge.

Print

Keeping left

On single-lane roads, you must stay as close as practical to the left side of the road.

On multi-lane roads, if the posted speed limit is 90km/h or more, or if the road has a ‘keep left unless overtaking’ sign, you must not drive in the right-hand lane unless you are:

• overtaking
• turning right
• making a U-turn
• avoiding an obstruction
• driving in congested traffic
• using a special purpose lane that you are allowed to be in.

Drivers are allowed to overtake on the left on all multi-lane roads.

Video of keeping left

Watch this short video to learn more about keeping left and overtaking.

Overtaking

You can only overtake another vehicle if you have a clear view of any approaching traffic and you can do so safely. Make sure all road markings and signs allow you to overtake.

You can only overtake to the left of a vehicle if it is safe to do so and:

• you are driving on a multi-lane road and the vehicle can be overtaken in a marked lane to the left of the vehicle
• the vehicle is turning right or making a U-turn from the centre of the road and is indicating right
• the vehicle is stationary
• you are lane filtering on a motorcycle.

It is never legal to exceed the speed limit to overtake another vehicle.

Overtaking at a pedestrian or children’s crossing

If you’re approaching a pedestrian or children’s crossing, you cannot overtake or pass a vehicle that is travelling in the same direction and has stopped, or is stopping at the crossing.

Motorists passing bicycle riders

Check the rules for motorists when passing bicycle riders.

Overtaking while cycling

While cycling, you can overtake vehicles on the left but must give way to any vehicle in front of you that is turning left and signalling to turn left.

Read more about cycling road rules and safety.

Last updated:20 May 2021

Print

Changing lanes

When you change lanes, you must give way to any vehicle in the lane you are moving into. This rule applies even if your lane is ending and you have to cross a lane line.

Don’t take risks when changing lanes. Before you change lanes, you must indicate for long enough to give warning to other road users

You must turn off your indicator after you have changed lanes or merged.

Merging

There are 2 different give way rules for merging.

Merging on roads that have lane markings

1. On roads where there are lanes marked on the road—if your lane comes to an end, you must give way to traffic already in the lane you are moving to. In this example, Vehicle A (white) must give way to Vehicle B (yellow).

Merging on roads that don't have lane markings

2. On roads where there are no lanes marked on the road—when lines of traffic merge, you must give way to any vehicle that is ahead of you. In this example, Vehicle B (yellow) must give way to Vehicle A (white).

Lines of traffic refers to adjacent rows of vehicles that do not have a lane separation line between them.

Video of merging

Watch the video to better understand the right way to merge depending on your situation.

Merging safely on motorways

• Plan your route before you enter a motorway.
• Build up speed to match that of the traffic already on the motorway—this can help you to find a safe gap in the traffic.
• Look for a gap between the vehicles in the closest lane and safely build up speed on the on-ramp so you enter at the motorway traffic’s speed.
• When driving on a motorway, watch for other vehicles entering from an on-ramp and adjust your speed and/or lane to allow them to enter safely.
• Be ready and in the correct lane as your exit approaches.

If you miss your exit, continue to the next exit.

Last updated:26 May 2016

What should you do before committing to a lane change around a larger vehicle?

What are 3 things that you should do when making a lane change?

Is it illegal to change lanes in an intersection NSW?

Do you always have to turn into the closest lane?