DKT- On a multi-lane road with a speed limit over 80 km/h, stay out of the right lane unless an exception applies.
- A Keep Left Unless Overtaking sign means the same thing, whatever the speed limit.
- When you change lanes you must give way to vehicles already in the lane.
- Zip merging: with no lines marked, give way to any vehicle that has any part of itself ahead of you.
When you may use the right lane
Where the right-lane rule applies (a multi-lane road over 80 km/h, or any road with the Keep Left Unless Overtaking sign), you may be in the right lane only if you are:
- overtaking another vehicle
- turning right
- making a U-turn
- avoiding an obstruction
- driving in congested traffic
On a freeway the same idea applies: stay out of the right lane unless you are overtaking or every lane is congested. See freeway driving.
Dividing lines and lanes
- On a road with a broken white dividing line, keep to the left of the line and as close to the left side of the road as you can.
- Drive completely inside one lane.
- A broken white line between lanes going the same way lets you change lanes if you signal and it is safe.
- Do not cross a continuous line between lanes unless you are avoiding an obstruction, a sign allows it, or you are using a special purpose lane. See road markings and special purpose lanes.
Changing lanes safely
- Check your mirrors and do a head check. Keep your eyes off the road ahead for no more than about a second.
- Signal, and keep the signal long enough to warn others (see signalling).
- Give way to vehicles already in the lane you want. This includes a lane that is ending, for example when you merge into freeway traffic.
- Avoid changing lanes near intersections, where turning vehicles can cross your path.
- Do not cut into the space right in front of a truck, bus or tram.
Zip merging
When two rows of vehicles must become one and there are no lane lines, you are zip merging. Give way to any vehicle that has any part of itself ahead of yours. If you cross a marked line, you are not zip merging. You are changing lanes and must give way accordingly.
Cooperation matters most where two lanes merge, where the left lane ends and where overtaking lanes or divided roads finish. See cooperative driving.
Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
Can you drive in the right lane in Victoria?
On a multi-lane road over 80 km/h you may use the right lane only to overtake, turn right, make a U-turn, avoid an obstruction or when traffic is congested. The same applies wherever a Keep Left Unless Overtaking sign is shown.
Who gives way when two lanes merge into one?
If no lines are marked, you must give way to any vehicle that has any part of itself ahead of yours (zip merging). If you cross marked lines, you are changing lanes and must give way to vehicles already in that lane.