Before overtaking a truck ask yourself, how long is the truck, how long will it take to overtake, is there oncoming traffic, is there a bend or dip ahead, how far away is the next overtaking lane?
- If travelling on the motorway/highway, try to use overtaking lanes whenever possible.
- Only overtake when the road ahead is clear.
- Be aware of strong wind conditions as you pass a heavy vehicle.
Victorian road rule 130 requires drivers to keep left unless overtaking on roads with speed zones higher than 80km/h or where a 'Keep Left Unless Overtaking" sign is shown.
There are some exceptions to this rule including the following:
- You are overtaking another vehicle
- Avoiding an obstruction
There are two key rules you should be aware of when it comes to merging, and it all comes down to the line markings:
Dashed: The first kind of merge is when vehicles cross a dashed line – like on a freeway. Here the vehicle wanting to switch lanes needs to give way to cars already travelling in that lane.
No dash: In a zip-merge situation – which is when two lanes of traffic join and there’s no dashed line – the vehicle in front should be given way regardless of whether they’re on the left or right.
To avoid being in a truck's blind spot Watch for the truck's indicators and brake lights, so you're ready to slow down if the truck turns, slows or stops.
Truck drivers rely on their side mirrors to see what's happening around them.
Trucks can legally use more than one lane to turn, so hang back and keep out of harm’s way.
Trucks and other vehicles over 7.5 metres long that have a DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE
sign on the back are legally allowed to take up more than one lane to turn at corners, intersections and roundabouts.
- You are here:
- Home
- BLOG