In short
- If your marked lane ends, you give way to traffic already in the lane you're moving into. Where lines of traffic merge with no lane markings, you give way to any vehicle ahead of you.[1]
- On an on-ramp, build up to the motorway's speed and find a gap; drivers already on the motorway should adjust to let you in.[1]
- Traffic lights on an on-ramp are ramp signals: stop on red, and only one vehicle per lane goes on each green.[2][5]
- A solid red cross above a lane means it's closed, so you must not drive in it. A flashing red cross means leave that lane as soon as it's safe.[2]
- The number on an electronic sign above your lane is the speed limit and can change at any time. If the sign is blank, follow the static signs.[4][2]
Who gives way when two lanes merge in Queensland?
Many drivers think the rule is "give way to the right". The Queensland Government says it isn't: there are two merging rules, and which one applies depends on the road markings.[1]
| Situation | Who gives way |
|---|---|
| Marked lanes, and your lane ends[1] | You do, to traffic already in the lane you're moving into. It's treated like any other lane change, even though you cross a lane line. |
| No lane markings; separate lines of traffic merge into one[1] | Each driver gives way to any vehicle that is ahead of them. |
Queensland's guidance doesn't use the term "zip merge"; it relies on the two rules above. On a marked road where your lane is ending, the onus is on you to find a gap.[1] Either way, indicate long enough to warn other drivers, and turn the indicator off once you've merged.[1]
Getting it wrong is an offence. At the time of writing (October 2026), failing to give way to a vehicle in another marked lane or line of traffic, or to the vehicle in front when merging into a line of traffic, each carried 3 demerit points and a $518 fine.[9]
How do you join a motorway from an on-ramp?
- Plan your route before you get on, so you know which exit you need.[1]
- Use the length of the ramp to match the speed of the traffic already on the motorway.[1]
- Pick a gap in the nearest lane and enter at the motorway's speed.[1]
- Stay off the painted island that separates the ramp from the motorway lanes until it ends; you may cross it only to avoid an obstruction.[6]
Once you're on the motorway the courtesy runs the other way: watch for vehicles coming down an on-ramp and adjust your speed or lane so they can get on safely.[1] Motorways also have signs listing who may not enter, including pedestrians, bike riders and mopeds.[8]
What are the traffic lights on motorway on-ramps?
They're ramp signals, which space out vehicles joining the motorway in busy periods to make merging smoother and reduce congestion at merge points.[2] They switch on only when there's congestion or a traffic flow problem, usually in peak hours, and flashing yellow warning signs on the approach tell you they're operating and to prepare to stop.[3][2] They can also be turned on for an incident or a special event.[2]
- On red, stop completely and wait a few seconds for green.[2]
- Read the overhead sign: "one vehicle only on green" or "one vehicle per lane on green". Only that many cars go on each green.[5]
- A "motorway entry restricted when flashing" sign means entry is controlled whenever its yellow signal flashes.[5]
Queue detectors in the road surface speed the cycle up when a queue builds on the ramp.[3]
What do the red crosses and electronic speed signs mean?
Lane Use Management Signs are electronic signs on overhead gantries, one per lane. They show red crosses, white arrows and speed limits that apply to the lane directly below.[2]
| You see above your lane | What to do |
|---|---|
| Solid red cross[2] | The lane is closed. You must not travel in it. |
| Flashing red cross[2] | The lane is closing, or closed further ahead. Move out as soon as it's safe. |
| White arrow[2] | You can enter that lane to exit the motorway. |
| A speed limit, with a flashing red circle[2][3] | The limit has been changed from normal. It keeps flashing until the default limit returns. |
| Blank electronic sign[4] | Follow the static speed limit signs. |
Traffic management centre staff change limits and close lanes using camera, weather and vehicle detector data, for example after a crash or in heavy rain.[3][2] These signs are enforceable by the Queensland Police Service.[3] When the limit drops, slow down smoothly and watch the next sign for further changes.[3] A roadside "lane under X closed" sign means traffic may be coming the other way in that lane.[5]
Can you overtake on the left on a motorway?
Yes, on a multi-lane road, if it's safe and the vehicle can be passed in a marked lane to its left.[7] Exceeding the limit to overtake is never legal.[7] The rule about keeping out of the right-hand lane on fast roads is in our Queensland road rules guide.
Some motorways have a signed emergency stopping lane. You may drive in it only to avoid a crash, to stop in an emergency, or if your car is damaged or breaks down.[8] If that happens in a rental car, our guide to a breakdown or flat tyre in a rental car covers what to do next.
How do you leave a motorway, and what if you miss your exit?
Be in the correct lane before your exit arrives. If you miss it, carry on to the next exit rather than braking or cutting across.[1] "Reduce speed now" signs on some exit ramps mean you need to slow down and may have to stop.[5]
If you ever see a "wrong way, go back" sign, you have turned into an exit ramp against the traffic. Stop, and reverse back when it's safe.[8]
Where will you meet these signs around Brisbane?
On south-east Queensland's motorways, where the government's Smart Motorways technologies are used: variable speed limit signs, lane control, ramp signalling and electronic message signs.[3] As examples, in 2018 the Queensland Government said congestion variable speed limits were already in place on the Bruce Highway and the Logan and Ipswich Motorways, and announced variable speed limit signs and ramp metering for the Pacific Motorway (M1).[10] Equipment changes over time, so treat every gantry as live.
QLDTraffic, the department's traffic site, reports conditions on major roads using cameras and field staff, so check it before you set off.[3] For tolled roads, see tolls in Brisbane and the Gateway Motorway toll guide.
Sources
- Queensland Government (qld.gov.au): Changing lanes and merging (read 23 October 2026)
- Queensland Government — Department of Transport and Main Roads: Smart Motorways Technologies (read 23 October 2026)
- QLDTraffic — Department of Transport and Main Roads: Frequently asked questions (read 23 October 2026)
- Queensland Government (qld.gov.au): Speed limits (read 23 October 2026)
- Queensland Government (qld.gov.au): Traffic instruction signs (read 23 October 2026)
- Queensland Government (qld.gov.au): Road markings (read 23 October 2026)
- Queensland Government (qld.gov.au): Keeping left and overtaking (read 23 October 2026)
- Queensland Government (qld.gov.au): Regulatory signs (read 23 October 2026)
- Queensland Government (qld.gov.au): Demerit points schedule (read 23 October 2026)
- Queensland Government — Ministerial Media Statements: M1 speed limits maintained with new measures to reduce travel times during congestion (read 23 October 2026)
Written by the Rentzy team at Rentzy Car Rentals. Rentzy prices, fees and rules in this guide come from our published terms and update with them; rules set by others (roads, tolls, licences, transport) are from the official pages above, as read on the dates shown. Something out of date? Tell us.
