There are hundreds of markings, signs and rules you need to follow on Australian roads. Some are self-explanatory, while others are specific to certain vehicles, and some may catch you out unless you have brushed up on your road rules.
Sure, statistics show that one-in-five motorists in 2024 managed to get a fine for disobeying the simplest sign of all – the speed limit – but there are others out there who genuinely don’t understand what certain things are for.
The 'keep clear' quadrilateral painted on roads across the country appears to be a contentious topic among motorists in Australia, with some taking to Reddit to share a mix of frustrations and opinions.
“Do people understand that a 'keep clear' painted on the road is not a give way? So many times I have been stuck behind a driver who is giving way at a 'keep clear'.... What's the go?” said one user.
“They are probably simply trying to allow the driver who was trying to enter an extra opportunity to get into the traffic stream as it starts up again. If the driver trying to enter had already entered while the traffic was stopped, and then had no opening to move through when the traffic restarted, then it is the entering driver, not the one who kept clear as instructed, whom you should direct your annoyance at," one said as a reply.
“If the traffic is stationary or moving slowly. I think it is polite to let someone in, though I'll let one through. If traffic is moving, then no, they don't get let in,” replied another.
So, what’s the actual legal need for these 'keep clear' road markings?
Who has right of way at a 'keep clear' marking?
ServiceNSW says that, “'Keep clear' markings are used to keep the road clear outside particular areas so vehicles can enter or exit – for example, at hospitals, fire stations and car parks. 'Keep clear' markings are also used at intersections to stop vehicles blocking the intersection and make it easier for vehicles to exit or enter a side road.”
While their intended purpose is to keep traffic flowing onto side roads, you actually have no legal obligation to let motorists merge as long as you are not blocking the keep clear section.
An NT Police spokesperson previously told Drive that “'Keep clear' zones should be installed to improve the ability of drivers to exit the major road and is not intended to improve access from the minor road”, meaning that the importance is for drivers turning right from the main road rather than those leaving the side street or driveway.
So while the 'keep clear' markings are there to improve flow, you can’t just situate your vehicle within the square when turning left onto the road that has it painted; you do still have to wait until traffic is moving.
But with that being said, an ACT Police spokesperson also told Drive that “the purpose of a 'keep clear' zone is to allow vehicles to pass through the intersection, generally in several directions. If one is being blocked, then yes, the driver blocking the zone can be fined. In saying this, police will always apply discretion to any enforcement”.
With many other Australian states and territories say the same thing, 293 people have been fined for this since 2020 in New South Wales alone.
Regardless, stopping with any part of your vehicle in the 'keep clear' zone can land you a fine that carries demerit points in most Australian states and territories.
Fines for stopping in a 'keep clear' zone:
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.
