New laws in Queensland are aimed at making it easier for drivers to understand what to do when passing cyclists.

A state-wide change comes into effect this week meaning all drivers must stay at least one-metre away from cyclists in 60 kilometre zones, and 1.5 metres away under any higher speed limits.

Any closer and the driver faces a $330 fine.

Under the new road rules, drivers are also permitted to cross the centre line to overtake cyclists when safe to do so.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson says the cycle-related road rules will be assessed over a two-year trial period.

“They are already in place in Europe and many states of the United States, so it's not something that's unique... let's see how practical they are to enforce,” he said.

Senior Sergeant Brendan White from the Queensland Police has told the ABC that there will be a short grace period before the laws are enforced.

“It'll take a bedding-in time - we plan to take a bit softly, softly effect in regard to it until both cyclists and motorists get used to it,” he said.

“Motorists can also cross double lines, single, unbroken traffic and painted traffic islands and lane splits, as long as it's safe.

“We're not sure exactly how we'll trigger that measurement just yet - it'll be a bit of a learning curve.

“Obviously if they're 900 millimetres from a cyclist, but a person says; ‘no, I wasn't - I was 1.2’, it's a bit of gray area.

“We've got to work out how we'll do it as well.”

Bicycling Mackay spokesperson Peter McCallum told reporters that the changes should be reflected in future planning.

“They should be providing proper bike lanes,” he said.

“A lot more people will cycle if there are provision of those type of facilities and it almost obliges traffic engineers to provide for cyclists, otherwise they'll end up with a situation where there's a lot of traffic congestion.

“Making the roads better for cyclists through engineering is probably the best outcome that will come of all this.”