KEEPING LEFT Overseas visitors are reminded that in Australia vehicles are driven on the left side of the road in Australia.
until the traffic lights on the road you are turning into have changed to green, then turn right.
white line. Drivers must not use bicycle lanes during the times they are operational, except for up to 50 metres before turning or when parking.
TRAM LANES FATIGUE It can be a long drive between most Australian cities so take plenty of breaks while driving.
TEXT: VICROADS AND CASSY POLIMENI / IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK
HOOK TURNS At some intersections in Melbourne where trams operate, to turn right you must do a ‘hook turn’ (making a right turn from the left lane). These intersections are clearly marked, with a sign hanging overhead or on the side of the road. If turning right at an intersection with traffic lights and a ‘Right Turn from Left Only’ hook turn sign, you must make a hook turn so as not to delay trams. To do this, approach and enter the intersection from the left lane and indicate that you are turning right. Move forward to the far left side of the intersection, keeping clear of the pedestrian crossings. Remain stopped
Some roads in Melbourne have designated tram lanes. These are indicated by a continuous yellow line and signs, which may also show hours of operation. Drivers must not drive in tram lanes when they are operational, except for up to 50 metres before turning, so long as they do not obstruct the progress of a tram.
PASSING OR OVERTAKING TRAMS
U-TURNS In Victoria, U-turns are permitted at intersections with signals unless there is a ‘No U-turn’ sign.
WATCH YOUR SPEED The faster you drive, the more distance you’ll need to brake and stop in an emergency situation. Leave a three or four second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Drivers may only overtake a tram on the left. Do not drive past the rear of a tram stopped at a tram stop (where there is no safety zone, dividing strip or traffic island). Drivers must stop level with the rear of the tram and wait for people to get on and off and for the tram doors to be closed before proceeding. If the tram doors are open and the road is clear of pedestrians then drivers may only drive past if directed to do so by a uniformed tram employee and provided that they drive at 10 kilometres per hour or less. If drivers are already passing when the tram stops, they must give way to pedestrians on the road between the tram and the far left side of the road. Drivers must drive to the left of a safety zone, and slowly enough to be able to stop and avoid pedestrians.
SEAT BELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINTS
BICYCLE LANES
For more information, including licencing laws for interstate and overseas drivers, visit vicroads.vic.gov.au
Bicycle lanes are indicated by a bicycle lane sign and a continuous or broken
Everyone in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt. It the responsibility of the driver to ensure that all passengers are appropriately restrained. See the VicRoads website for information on how to correctly restrain children under seven years of age.
TOWING A CARAVAN Please consider avoiding school holidays, long weekends and special events when the road is busy. Plan your trip ahead of time and leave early.
DRIVER’S LICENCES In order to drive in Victoria you need a valid permit or licence. Check your licence is appropriate with VicRoads.
destinations VICTORIA | 159
