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Being in the wrong lane and realising at the last minute is something that everyone has done at least once, but many are confused about what the etiquette is when it comes to correcting their mistake.
You have two options: potentially get lost and not have a chance to turn around if you continue in the wrong lane, or potentially block others behind you while you wait for a gap to show up.
One Reddit user has particularly strong feelings for motorists who hold people up while waiting for a gap, posting in r/DrivingAustralia; “don't make your mistake everyone's problem".
“It's ok, I get it. Sometimes, we miss our turn. We might be in a new area, or a bit tired, or whatever. If there's only a couple of cars behind me, I'll let you in. But if there's a queue behind me waiting fairly to turn, and there's a queue to go straight stuck behind you, then stop obstructing traffic. Drive down the road, make a few turns, and correct your route,” wrote the user.
“Yes, it might add a minute or two to your trip, but you're adding time to everyone's trip when you try and force your way in where there's no room and there's a whole line of people stuck behind you in the meantime. Do the right thing and own your mistake.”
The comments section had a mixture of opinions, with some showing mercy for those who miss their turn and others being unapologetically unforgiving.
“Except in Australia, you often only find out the lane you're in doesn't go where you want to go until you get to the end,” wrote one user.
“It's honestly poor design when signage isn't visible from the back of the line in heavy traffic. Most commonly with lane turn markings on the road itself – rarely visible from the back when you have to make the call,” agreed another.
“A bad driver never misses their turn,” simply argued another.
However, a few pointed out that there is the prospect that these drivers are not missing their turns at all, instead using a free-flowing lane to cut in front of queued traffic.
“It's not 'pushing in', it's called utilising all the road and being a better driver than most. Only a **** form a long single lane and have issues with merging. There is a special place in hell for slow, inattentive drivers who are the major problem to congestion,” said one reader.
“I do notice similar behaviours in Brisbane as well. Yes, in 99 per cent of the time, such a cutting line will succeed. Over time, it makes a 'good driver' like me an idiot,” said another.
“We DO know how to merge. The issue is people who take advantage of the easier lane to get further ahead than is reasonably fair. They know who they are, and I hope they have the day they deserve,” argued another.
While we have covered the etiquette, what’s the actual legal right here?
It's not illegal to merge into existing traffic as long as there is sufficient space and you are not crossing a solid line. These lanes will often see the broken lines become solid, signalling no more lane changes.
Typically, at these sorts of turn lanes, the dotted line will end in a solid section, which would mean no more lane changes.
Moving over this lane will land you a three demerit and $330 fine (NSW) for breaking regulation 147 of the road rules – "move from a marked lane to another across a continuous line".
The most important rule to keep in mind is regulation 125 – “Unreasonably obstructing drivers or pedestrians.”
If you stop in a lane and block traffic flow, or even travel unreasonably slowly, you could be susceptible to three demerits and a $330 fine (in NSW).
What is considered too slow or blocking traffic flow is entirely up to the discretion of the officer pulling you over, so for the safety of your licence, it might be best to travel straight unless a gap opens up.
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
