Police said the man drove the car from Hervey Bay through Maryborough, Tin Can Bay, Gympie and towards the Sunshine Coast.

The police helicopter was called in to search for the vehicle and officers began a chase along the highway at Forest Glen just after midday.

It will be alleged that the stolen car was swerving in and out of traffic, and clipped another car before it rolled onto its roof about 12.20pm.

Heavy delays clogged the Bruce Highway in both directions while authorities cleared the scene and the highway reopened just before 3pm.

The innocent driver side-swiped by the stolen car was taken to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital as a precaution.