Trams
A summary of the key road rules when driving with trams.
When a tram stops, you stop
At roadside stops, you must stop behind the tram until the doors close and pedestrians finish crossing.
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Driving with trams
Trams are iconic to Melbourne and a vital part of our transport network. Trams share many of our roads, and incidents can result in serious injuries.
Here are some important reminders to keep you safe when driving around trams.
- At roadside stops, you must stop behind the tram until the doors close and pedestrians finish crossing. Only once the tram doors are closed and the road is clear of pedestrians, may you drive past at 10km/h.
- You must not move into the path of a moving tram.
- You must not drive over raised dividing strips or double yellow lines.
- You must not make a U-turn across a solid line.
- You must give way to trams at roundabouts.
Tram rules for passengers
If you are getting on a tram you must not cross the road until the tram has stopped at the tram stop.
If you are getting off a tram you must:
- cross the road to the nearest footpath, and
- not stay on the road for longer than necessary to cross the road safely.
For more information on travelling safely on trams, visit the Public Transport Victoria website (External link).
Rules for tram drivers
The rules for tram drivers published in Part 17 of the Road Safety Road Rules 2017.
Fine amounts
Drivers not stopping for trams could face on-the-spot fines of $462.
If you want to know the fine amount for any particular offence you can download the fine and penalties documents below and search for the offence. A quick way to search if right click on the document select find and then type in a key word, for example phone. If you have the offence code you can search for that by using find.
Fines and penalties [PDF 921 Kb, 16 pp]
Fees and charges [PDF 172 Kb, 3 pp]
Passing or overtaking trams
Giving way to trams
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When driving, you must:
- not move into the path of an approaching tram
- give way to a tram moving into or through a roundabout.
You can ride or drive past a tram that is stopped at a safety zone. You must drive to the left of the safety zone at a speed that is safe for pedestrians who may be crossing the road.
A safety zone is a part of the road near a tram stop and is marked with a yellow 'Safety Zone' sign. Safety zones also have a traffic island and an area for pedestrians. This creates a barrier between the pedestrians and the vehicles on the road.
When there isn't a safety zone and the tram doors on your side of the road are open, you must stop at the rear of the tram until the doors close and the road is free of pedestrians.
Once the tram's doors are closed and all pedestrians have left the road, you can pass the tram. You are not allowed to drive faster than 10 km/h when passing a stopped tram which has its doors closed.
You must not park or stop within 20 metres leading up to a tram stop sign, unless there is a parking sign saying its allowed.
Raised dividing strips
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You are not allowed to drive over raised dividing strips which run beside some tram tracks.
You can drive through a break in the dividing strips but you must give way to any trams or vehicles travelling on the road you are entering.
You are not allowed to drive in a tramway, unless you need to avoid an obstacle.
Tramways have:
- overhead 'Tram Only' signs that show an picture of a tram and the word ‘ONLY’
- two solid yellow lines or raised dividing strips beside the tram tracks.
You are not allowed to drive in a tram lane unless you need to:
- avoid an obstacle
- overtake a bicycle rider, as long as the way is clear and it is safe to do so. If it’s not safe you need to wait until you find a suitable place to pass
- turn right, when you can drive in the lane for up to 50 metres.
Tram lanes have:
- overhead 'Tram Lane' signs that show a picture of a tram and the word 'LANE'
- a solid yellow line beside the tram tracks.
Some tram lanes operate all the time (full-time) while others are only part of time (part-time).
Part-time tram lane signs show the days and times that it is a tram lane. You are allowed to drive in these tram lanes at other times.
The rules in detail
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Some key road rules and reference numbers regarding trams are:
- 76 - Keeping clear of trams travelling in tram lanes etc.
- 84 - Giving way when driving through a break in a dividing strip
- 137 - Keeping off a dividing strip
- 155 - Tram lanes
- 155A - Tramways
- 160 - Passing or overtaking a tram that is not at or near the left side of a road
- 161 - Passing or overtaking a tram at or near the left side of a road
- 162 - Driving past a safety zone
- 163 - Driving past the rear of a stopped tram at a tram stop
- 164 - Stopping beside a stopped tram at a tram stop
- 164A -Tram stopping beside a driver at a tram stop
- 196 - Stopping at or near a tram stop
- 233 - Crossing a road to or from a tram