Is it illegal to drive over the white edge line?

Driving on the shoulder past it to get around traffic is not allowed, but crossing it to turn into or out of a side street is.

Do I need to indicate if no one is around at 5 am?

Yes. Every turn needs a signal given early enough, because someone may be there that you have not noticed.

Road scene · Road markings

Crossing a white edge line to turn left

You may cross the white edge line to turn into or out of a side street.

Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 150Asked in general knowledgeShown in 2 practice questions

What it means

Crossing a white edge line to turn left: what is the rule?

A road with solid white edge lines along both sides and a broken line down its middle meets a side street on the left. The plate-yellow car, its left indicator lit, follows a yellow path across the left edge line and into that street. Crossing the line to make a turn like this is allowed. What the edge line rules out is using the shoulder beyond it as an extra lane.

What to do

1
Signal left early, even if the street looks empty.
2
Slow down and cross the edge line only where the side street begins.
3
Check your left mirror and blind spot before you turn.

Practice questions with this scene

Your road has a continuous white edge line, and you want to turn left into a side street. May you cross the edge line?

Right.Not quite. The answer is B.

You may cross an edge line when you turn into or out of a side street.

Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 150

It is 5 am and the street is empty, with no cars or people in sight. You are about to turn left. Must you signal?

Right.Not quite. The answer is C.

You must signal every turn early enough to warn others, even when you cannot see anyone. Someone may appear that you have not noticed.

Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 46

Common questions

Is it illegal to drive over the white edge line?: Driving on the shoulder past it to get around traffic is not allowed, but crossing it to turn into or out of a side street is.
Do I need to indicate if no one is around at 5 am?: Yes. Every turn needs a signal given early enough, because someone may be there that you have not noticed.

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