It’s a manoeuvre many of make on the road every day. But are we breaking the law?

Queensland’s motorists share the road with cyclists every day, but it seems many drivers make a common manoeuvre without knowing whether it is legal or not.

The question was posed online by Transport and Main Roads Queensland: Are you allowed to cross double continuous lane markings to pass a bike rider?

The answer might surprise some people, even those who are more experienced behind the wheel.

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To pass a bicycle or personal mobility device rider on Queensland roads, you must first determine it is safe to do so, the website explains.

If so, motorists are permitted to drive over centre lines, including double unbroken centre lines, on a two-way road.

You are also allowed to straddle or cross a lane line, including a continuous lane line, on a multi-lane road and drive on a painted island when passing a cyclist.

“I have always thought you can’t ever cross double lines or a solid line,” one person said in response to the post.

“I had no idea.”

While others knew the rules, they made it clear they didn’t particularly like them.

“This is the most insane road rule ever devised,” one person said.

“You can risk your life to protect a bike rider … still have never been able to work that out,” another said.

“Double lines should never be allowed to be crossed. They are there for a reason.”

Another commenter echoed this sentiment.

“So it’s illegal and unsafe to cross double white lines at any point, hence why the double white lines are there in the first place, but all of a sudden, it’s OK to do it to pass a cyclist,” they queried.

“Doesn’t make sense.”