1. Park in a bike lane in an emergency

Picture this: You’re behind the wheel in the middle of peak-hour traffic, and your child is in the back enjoying an afternoon snack after school. Suddenly you hear them coughing and spluttering. You think they’re choking and need to pull over as soon as possible – it’s an emergency. The only place to quickly stop is the bike lane, but are you allowed to stop there?

Usually, it’s illegal to stop your vehicle or drive in a bike lane that is operational. In fact, you could receive a $312 fine and a $99 Victims of Crime Levy if caught in the act. However, there are a few circumstances where it’s possible to stop or drive in a bicycle lane.

Motorists can drive in a bike lane for up to 50m when entering or leaving the road from private property, a parking area, or another road; when they need to avoid an obstruction; when the lane isn’t in operation; and, you guessed it, when a driver needs to stop in an emergency.

So, if you’re faced with an emergency while you’re driving and need to pull over quickly, you can stop in a bicycle lane.

Please note that answering a phone call or replying to a text message doesn’t constitute an emergency so you can’t stop in a bike lane.

2. Run a red light to save a life

Have you ever been at a red light, traffic banked up behind you, when suddenly you hear sirens and see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle in your rear-view mirror? It’s a situation that could leave even the most-experienced motorist with sweaty palms. So, what do you do?

In this scenario, you can legally pull into the intersection to let the emergency vehicle pass. It must be the only option available, and you need to make sure you do it safely.

Be aware of any traffic that may still be passing through the intersection when you pull out, and if there’s a red-light camera, it’s probably going to take a picture of your number plate. You can challenge the fine if an emergency vehicle is visible in the photo.

What do you do if it’s not safe to pull into the intersection? Remain stationary. The paramedics are trained in negotiating busy intersections and they’ll find a way around you.

3. Cross a single solid white dividing line

The previous two scenarios might help save someone’s life, while this situation may save you a bit of time. Many drivers see a solid white line and think it’s illegal to cross, however that’s not always the case.

In some scenarios, including when entering private property or a car park, you can cross a single solid white dividing line. In fact, one in three people who completed a recent sa move quiz didn’t know they could cross a solid white dividing line to park if it’s perpendicular with the car’s current position.

On the other hand, don’t go chucking a uey across a solid line to come back to park. You could receive a $450 fine, $99 Victims of Crime Levy and two demerit points.

It’s also good to keep in mind that if the dividing line is a double solid white line, it’s illegal to cross to turn right or enter a car park or private property.