Do Drivers Get Fined for Driving over Single Continuous Lines

Double line lane markings we all know (I hope) mean it's dangerous and hence illegal to cross, usually into oncoming traffic on the other side of the road approaching the crest of a hill, blind curves, etc.

Continuous Single lines are simply Do Not Cross, drive on or over them. Example = slip lanes, lane markers at intersections, etc.. I see these lines are completely ignored as they are driven over in all instances such as cutting into or out of queued traffic.

I've never heard of anyone even being questioned about the ignorance of this law in Australia.

Comments

  • They save me tyre wear!

  • +2

    I've never heard of anyone

    Anecdotal sample size of 1…

    • +5

      That's a perfectly cromulent sample size.

      • Now I have to work out how to use cromulent in a regular conversation!

        • +3

          Yes, doing so will embiggen us all.

  • I was fined $50 (I think) in 1996 for crossing a single white line as I approached a red light and changed lane (because on the other side of the intersection the left lane was blocked by parked cars).

    • +1

      I got fined $70 for making a single black line around that year
      .

      • Were you trying to cover the continuous white line at the time?

      • No slippery diff 😂

    • What was the fine for changing lanes during an intersection at the time?

      • What road rule would have been broken?

  • +4

    Do Drivers Get Fined for Driving over Single Continuous Lines

    only if they get caught

  • +9

    Only if your fog lights are on.

  • +6

    With all these basic road rule questions constantly being asked it's pretty clear that regular testing is required.

    • We don't even test international drivers before giving them a full licence.

      If you think about it, even diplomats could run you over despite no driving experience and be immune from prosecution too.

  • +4

    If there’s a rule for it, someone has been fined for it. It’s hard to police some of this stuff. A cop has to see you do it, and think you are driving dangerously enough to warrant pulling over.

    I’d guess lots of these simple rules are forgotten when the cop starts watching the driver for a bit and they get a ‘more important’ fine like DUI, driving dangerously or speeding.

    • On slip lanes, e.g. on or off lanes on a frewway (toll road, etc.) they are used as a patience filter. The impatient ones cross over the single line to 'beat' the other traffic to where ever. Generally speaking, impatience isn't against the law, just damn inconsiderate.

  • +7

    story time..

    many years ago driving late at night i was tail gated and harassed by another driver, and being young and silly i retaliated by doing the similar…

    we both stopped at a set of lights side by side and when the lights went green we both took off, the other car accelerated quickly cut in front of me and slammed on the breaks and i rear ended him.

    after the police was called the other driver was adamant that i had deliberately sped up to rear end him.

    after the police had taken many photos.. and investigated where my Tyre marks were on the ground… had determined that the other driver had to have crossed a single unbroken line in order for the accident to happen. i was absolved the fault and believe the other driver was charged with dangerous driving causing an accident.

    lucky me

  • Continuous Single lines are simply Do Not Cross

    This is wrong, you can cross a single line if you are entering or leaving a road.

    • +2

      Also, if safe, to pass a bicycle and provide lawful clearance.

    • AFAIK in Victoria that is incorrect. Many carparks, servos, and private driveways, etc. have a break in continuous single and double lines for that purpose in safe locations. If unsafe there is no breaks.

      NSW seems to vary on this.

      • From Vic Roads

        Single continuous dividing lines
        If you are on a road with a single continuous line down the middle, you must:
        * stay to the left of the lines
        * drive as close to the left side of the road as you can.
        * You can cross these lines to enter or leave the road.
        You can't:
        * overtake or do a U-turn
        * park opposite the dividing line unless there is at least three metres between your vehicle and the line or there is a sign saying that parking is allowed.

  • +1

    I know of 2 people who have been fined for changing lanes over such lines on freeways.

    Here is a map pin showing one of them. They really don't want traffic jumping lanes to get to that Southport St exit.

    https://www.google.com/maps/place/31%C2%B056'22.3%22S+115%C2…

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