Driving with trams and riders

Melbourne has the world’s largest operational tram network, with over 250 kilometres of double track.  

It’s important to know the road rules so you can drive safely around trams. 

You must stop behind trams 

You must stop behind trams at roadside tram stops. Your vehicle must not pass the back end of the tram. 

Wait behind the tram until the doors close and all pedestrians have finished crossing.

You can only drive past the tram at 10km/h once the tram doors are closed and the road is clear of pedestrians. Watch for pedestrians that might appear at the last minute and rush for the tram.

Tips for driving around trams and riders

• You must not drive into the path of a moving tram, drive over raised dividing strips or cross double yellow lines.
• When passengers are getting on or off at roadside stops, stop behind the tram until all doors are closed and the road is clear of pedestrians.
• If there’s a safety zone at the tram stop, you can drive past the tram at a safe speed, to the left of the safety zone.
• You must not drive on tramways and tram lanes, unless you need to avoid an obstacle, or drive on the tram lane to make a right turn.
• When turning across tram tracks, watch for trams approaching from both directions. 
• You must not make a U-turn across a solid line.
• You must give way to a tram moving into or through a roundabout.

Follow tram lane markings and signs

Tram stops and safety zones

Some tram stops have safety zones that act as a barrier between the pedestrians and the vehicles on the road.

Safety zones are marked with a yellow ‘safety zone’ sign.

You can ride or drive past a tram that’s stopped at a safety zone. You must drive to the left of the safety zone at a speed that’s safe for pedestrians who may be crossing the road. 

If there isn't a safety zone and the tram stops with its doors open, you must stop at the rear of the tram until the doors close and the road is free of pedestrians. 

Tramways

You’re not allowed to drive in a tramway unless you need to avoid an obstacle. 

Tramways are dedicated tram lanes that have: 

• overhead 'tram only' signs that show a symbol of a tram and the word ‘only’ 
• two solid yellow lines or raised dividing strips beside the tram tracks.

Tram lanes

You’re not allowed to drive in a tram lane, unless you need to: 

• avoid an obstacle 
• overtake a bike rider (as long as there’s a clear view ahead and if it’s safe to do so)
• turn right (if it’s allowed).

You can only drive in a tram lane for a maximum for 50 metres. 

Tram lanes have: 

• overhead ‘tram lane' signs that show a symbol of a tram and the word 'lane' 
• a solid yellow line beside the tram tracks.

Some tram lanes operate all the time (full-time). Part-time tram lane signs show the days and times when it’s a tram lane. You’re allowed to drive in these tram lanes at other times.

Raised dividing strips

You can’t drive over raised dividing strips that 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’re entering.

Rules for driving around trams and riders

The rules for sharing the road with trams are published in the Road Safety Road Rules 2017.

• Rule 76 - Keeping clear of trams travelling in tram lanes etc. 
• Rule 84 - Giving way when driving through a break in a dividing strip 
• Rule 137 - Keeping off a dividing strip 
• Rule 155 - Tram lanes 
• Rule 155A - Tramways 
• Division 7 - Passing trams and safety zones (Rule 160-164A)
• Rule 196 - Stopping at or near a tram stop 
• Rule 233 - Crossing a road to or from a tram

You may be fined if you ignore the law

Drivers can be fined and receive demerit points if caught breaking these rules or failing to stop for trams.