From U-turns to passing stationary trams, here are some of the most misunderstood road rules in Victoria. Road laws are constantly being reviewed and updated, so it's important to keep up to date.
Public Transport
The forgotten road rules when driving with public transport in Victoria
Knowing how to drive in Melbourne means knowing how to drive around public transport. These are some of the most important rules about sharing the road with buses, trains and trams in Victoria.
Public transport is a vital part of Victoria's infrastructure, helping residents complete millions of journeys every year by train, tram or bus. Even if you're not a passenger, it's hard to avoid the state's large public transport network.
Knowing the rules around public transport in Melbourne and regional Victoria is integral for motorists as well as for pedestrians and cyclists. You might be surprised by some of the lesser known rules.
The dangers of level crossings in Melbourne and regional Victoria
Melbourne’s level crossings have been in the spotlight over the last few years, with 110 level crossings set to be removed across the city by 2030.
But with train tracks crisscrossing our roads across the state, it’s not just urban Melburnians that need to be mindful of the motoring rules around trains and level crossings.
According to the federal government's Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program, there are an average of 1,000 near misses at rail crossings in Australia each year. Sadly, there are also 33 collisions and three fatalities recorded.
While regional residents may feel familiar with their local level crossings and their timetables, motorists are urged to slow down, look and listen for approaching trains before crossing. Trains can travel up to 200km per hour and take up to 2km to stop.
“Not knowing the rules around level crossings can put yourself and others at risk,” says James Williams, Head of Policy at RACV. “Drivers and pedestrians should never enter a level crossing if warning lights are flashing, warning bells are ringing or boom gates are closed, closing or in the process of opening.”
Failure to do so not only risks fines of up to 30 penalty units and the loss of four demerit points, it can also cost you your life and drastically impact the lives of train drivers, passengers, emergency services personnel, your family and local community.
“With around 75 per cent of RACV Members using public transport at least once a month it’s important motorists know the rules to keep the entire community safe.”
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You should always slow down and heed warning lights and signs. Photo: Getty
Driving with trains and tracks in Victoria
Motorists and trains usually don’t have to share the road – except when it comes to level crossings. Level crossings are where train tracks cross over a road, and are identified by signs, lights and sometimes yellow crisscross lines on the road and bells or a siren.
Flashing lights
When you see the lights flashing red, the rule is clear: stop, do not attempt to cross. You should only proceed across once the lights have stopped flashing.
Drivers also must obey any other signs present at the crossing, including Stop and Give Way signs. Even if the lights aren’t flashing, you should not attempt to cross if there isn’t enough room for your vehicle on the other side (I.e. due to traffic). Do not wait on the tracks.
Boom gates
Some level crossings also have boom gates that lower when a train is approaching to physically prevent vehicles from crossing. After the train has passed, you must wait until these gates have completely lifted before proceeding – you can be fined for crossing while the gates are only half up.
Driving with buses in Melbourne
Melbourne alone has around 400 bus routes, with an additional 50 routes across the regions. That equates to more than 4,000 buses across the network, meaning many motorists will come across a bus – if not multiple – every time they hit the road.
Bus lanes
Bus lanes exist to help keep these thousands of buses on schedule during periods of heavy traffic and congestion. It can be tempting to drive in bus lanes but there are strict rules about when you can use them.
Bus lanes can only be entered if you’re making a turn (you should enter or exit the lane within 100 metres), overtaking, avoiding an obstacle or there are bus lane signs indicating you’re allowed to drive in them. Some bus lanes exist 24/7, while others might only be bus lanes during peak times (they will be signposted if this is the case, otherwise presume it’s a full-time bus lane).
Otherwise bus lanes can only be used by public buses, coaches as well as by cyclists.
Giving way to buses
You must give way to buses, including when they’re pulling away from a bus stop. It’s illegal to park within 20 metres before, or 10 metres after a bus stop sign too, as this can impede ability of the bus driver to safely drop off and pick up passengers. Any exceptions to this rule will be signposted.
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The golden rule when sharing the road with trams is to stop when they stop. Photo: Matt Harvey
Driving with trams in Melbourne
There’s no more ‘Melbourne’ form of public transport than the tram, with the city boasting the world’s largest operational tram network. Given that three quarters of that network is on shared roads, knowing the road rules surrounding trams is a must for anyone driving in Melbourne.
Stopping for trams
One of the most important rules when driving around trams is to stop when they stop. This means that whenever a tram stops at a roadside stop, you must stop behind the tram to allow passengers to safely embark and disembark.
Once the tram doors have closed and no pedestrians are still on the road you may continue past the tram at no more than 10kph. Keep in mind pedestrians can often appear suddenly in an attempt to catch the tram.
Driving in tram lanes
You’re allowed to drive on tram tracks, but motorists must avoid tramways and tram lanes, with a few exceptions.
Tramways are identified by ‘Tram Only’ signs and can only be driven in to avoid obstacles. Often tramways are physically divided from the road using kerbing.
Tram lanes (which like bus lanes, can exist permanently or only during certain time periods) are likewise marked by ‘Tram Lane’ signs. You can only drive in them to avoid obstacles, or to make a right-hand turn (enter the lane from a maximum of 50 metres before your turn).
You also must not move into the path of a tram in motion and give way to trams (including where you think you might usually have right of way, such as at roundabouts).
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
