- Failure to give way is a leading cause of motor accident claims
- The car already in the continuing road, lane, or roundabout has right of way
- Always give way to buses, trams, emergency vehicles, and pedestrians
Right of way rules: who must give way on Australian roads?
Last updated on 7 September, 2026
Key takeaways
If you’re ever uncertain about who has right of way on the road, you’re not alone. Failure to give way is a leading cause of motor accident claims. Here’s a refresher on what the rules are and how to apply them while you’re driving in Australia.
How to give way at T-intersections
A T-intersection is where two roads meet in a T-shape and one road ends at the intersection. If you’re on the road that ends, you must give way to all vehicles travelling on the road that continues unless a sign indicates otherwise. This includes a vehicle turning left from the continuing road, even if you’ve arrived at the intersection first.
How to give way at roundabouts
Roundabouts are circular intersections with a continuous traffic flow. When approaching a roundabout, you must give way to cars already in the roundabout. If you’re in Victoria, you’ll need to give way to trams approaching the roundabout.
If you approach a roundabout at the same time as another vehicle, the car on your right should go first.
You should always indicate left just before exiting the roundabout.
How to give way when merging or changing lanes
On roads where the number of lanes reduces and the road markings end, you must zipper merge. Zipper merges mean you give way to any vehicle that’s ahead of you.
If you’re changing lanes by crossing a broken painted line, give way to all vehicles already travelling in the lane you’re joining.
Giving way when exiting driveways and car parks
When leaving a driveway, service station, shopping centre, or car park, vehicles already on the road you’re entering have right of way. You must let them pass and not disrupt the flow of traffic.
Who gives way at an intersection with no signs?
At an intersection with no signs or signals, drivers must give way to:
- oncoming traffic if trying to turn
- any vehicle approaching from their right
Giving way to emergency vehicles
Drivers must give way to emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights or sounding a siren. You must clear the lane the emergency vehicle is travelling in by pulling over and stopping to let them pass. You must still obey traffic light rules when giving way to an emergency vehicle.
If an emergency vehicle is stopped on the side of the road, drivers must also slow down when passing.
Giving way to buses and trams
Drivers must always give way to buses and allow them to merge back into the traffic lane you’re travelling in.
In Victoria, drivers must give way to trams at tram stops where passengers are boarding or alighting. Hook turns are also common in Melbourne's CBD as a way to clear traffic flow for trams.
Do you have to give way to pedestrians and cyclists?
We don’t just share the road with other motor vehicles.
You should always be ready to stop for pedestrians, even if they don’t have right of way. Pedestrians have right of way:
- in shared zones
- at pedestrian crossings
- at intersections
- when you’re doing a U-turn
- when you’re using a driveway
Standard road rules often also apply to cyclists and you should treat them as another vehicle on the road. You must give way to a cyclist if you’re trying to merge into a lane they’re travelling in. Drivers must also give way to cyclists when turning across a dedicated bike lane.
Know the rules and stay safe
While the rules are relatively standard across Australia, make sure to check your local state or territory for the full list of traffic laws. Some states allow U-turns at traffic light intersections, for example, while others don’t.
Whether you’re travelling up the coast or just heading to the shops, being mindful of right of way, speed limits, and distracted driving laws can help keep Australians safe on the road.
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This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). It is a summary of key concepts and not meant to represent the complete picture on any given matter. It is not meant to be legal advice. The information should be read in conjunction with the relevant legislation and regulations. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.
Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
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