The rules outlined below are an overview, please refer to the rule references for more details.
You must not drive in a tramway, except to avoid an obstacle. Tramways have overhead signs that show an image of a tram and the word ‘ONLY’ and they have two solid yellow lines or a raised dividing strip beside the tram tracks.
You must not drive in a tram lane except for up to 50 metres only to turn right or avoid an obstacle. Tram lanes have a solid yellow line and overhead signage that shows an image of a tram and the word ‘LANE’. Some tram lanes are full-time (24 hours), while others are part-time (peak hours). A part-time tram lane sign shows the days and times that it functions as a tram lane.
You must stop level with the rear of a tram at a tram stop until the doors close and passengers have cleared the road, you may then proceed but must not exceed 10km/h while passing the tram. Unless there is a sign which permits parking, you must not park or stop within 20 metres of the approach side of a tram stop sign.
You must not cross a road to get on a tram at a (road side) tram stop until the tram has stopped at the tram stop. After getting off a tram you must cross to the nearest footpath and must not stay on the road for longer than necessary to cross the road safely.
You must not drive within a tram stop safety zone. You must drive to the left of the safety zone at a speed that does not endanger any pedestrians crossing the road to or from the safety zone.
You must not move into the path of an approaching tram. You must give way to a tram moving into or through a roundabout.
It is illegal to drive over a raised dividing strip (beside the tram tracks). When driving through a break in a dividing strip you must give way to any tram or vehicle travelling on the part of the road you are entering.
Tram Drivers are subject to specific rules in part 17 of the Road Safety Road Rules 2009.
Road Safety Road Rules 2009
- 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
To look up these rules and check for other related rules, please refer to the Acts and Regulations administered by VicRoads.