NRMA Motoring & Services’ specialists can give you the answers you need to make life on the road smoother.
| Q When a car changes from the inside lane to the middle lane at the same time as another car changes from the outside lane to the middle lane on a three lane road, who has right of way? Or does common sense just prevail? |
A There is no specific rule regarding whether the left or right-hand lane must give way when they are both changing lanes together. Under Road Rules 2008 legislation, however, common sense should prevail and both drivers must ensure they slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision. |
| Q Do school zones apply every day of the year? |
A The school zone limit of 40km/h only applies to school days. This means school zones do not apply on weekends, during school holidays and on public holidays. You can find more information about school zones and New South Wales school holidays at rta.nsw.gov.au. |
| Q Will I lose points on my licence for venturing onto a T-Way? This occurred outside a hospital where I was where I was transporting my wife back and forwards for day surgery. I have been photographed 3 times over 2 days when there was no traffic, cars or buses. I was not even aware of the transit lane situation until the last day. If, after pleading leniency, I am not successful, then the three fines will have to be paid, but loss of points concerns me also. I have a good driving record. |
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A Travelling in a T-Way lane is an offence. Receiving three penalty notices over two days is unfortunate, however photographs from the T-Way lane camera would show your vehicle travelling in the lane resulting in the penalty notices you have received. A T-Way offence attracts three demerit points and a fine. Being unaware of the T-Way lane will not indemnify you against the offences.Having a clean driving record, as long as you have not received any penalty notices within the last ten years, will see you possibly receive a caution for the first of the three offences. Your only options for the other two penalty notices are to pay the amount due or to have the penalty notices heard before a magistrate and either try to prove yourself not guilty or plead leniency. Note that if you do take penalty notices to court, you could face fines from $10 to a maximum of $2200 plus associated court costs for each notice. Also, magistrates do not have the power to quash the removal of demerit points. |
| Q Who has right of way on a driveway when it cuts across a footpath, the vehicle or the pedestrian? |
A Any vehicle crossing a footpath must give way to pedestrians. |
Open Road e-zine October 2008
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February e-zine 2009
