Driving with Trams

1. The "Golden Rule": Stopping for Trams

This is the most critical rule for safety. Trams in Melbourne often stop in the middle of the road, and passengers have to walk from the curb to the tram tracks to board.

• If a tram stops, YOU stop: When a tram comes to a halt at a stop, you must stop your car behind the rear of the tram. You cannot pull up alongside it.

• Wait for the doors: You must wait until the tram doors have closed AND the pedestrians have cleared the road.

• Proceed slowly: Once the doors are closed and the road is clear, you may pass the tram, but you must not exceed 10 km/h while passing.

Exception: "Safety Zones" Some tram stops have a physical concrete island (safety zone) with a fence and a yellow "Safety Zone" sign.

• If there is a safety zone, you do not need to stop behind the tram.

• You can drive past at a safe speed, but always watch for pedestrians who might dash out.

2. The "Hook Turn" (Turning Right)

This is the maneuver most famous for confusing visitors. It is done to keep the tram tracks clear.

Where do I do it? Only at intersections marked with a sign that says "RIGHT TURN FROM LEFT ONLY". These are mostly in the CBD (Central Business District).

How to do it (Step-by-Step):

1. Stay Left: Approach the intersection in the left lane.

2. Move Forward: When your light is green, move forward into the intersection, keeping as far left as possible. Do not turn yet.

3. Wait: Stop your car on the far left side of the intersection (marked by a painted box on the road). Keep your wheels straight and wait.

4. Turn: Wait until the traffic lights on the road you are turning into turn Green. Then, turn right across the intersection.

Think of it this way: You are pulling over to the left to wait for the cross-traffic to go. Once they go, you go with them.

3. Lane Markings: Where can you drive?

You will see different yellow lines next to tram tracks. Here is what they mean:

• Broken Yellow Lines: You can drive on the tracks if necessary (e.g., to overtake a car turning left), but you must give way to trams. Do not block a tram.

• Solid Yellow Line (Tram Lane): You cannot drive in this lane. You may only enter it for a maximum of 50 meters to make a right turn.

• Double Yellow Lines or Raised Concrete (Tramway): strictly No Entry. These are dedicated tramways. You can only cross them at breaks in the strip to turn.

4. "Easy Access" Stops (The Raised Bump)

In some suburbs (like Bridge Road in Richmond), the entire road lane rises up to become a "hump" next to the tram stop.

• You CAN drive over this: It is still a road.

• But stopping rules apply: If a tram is stopped at the hump, you must stop before the ramp starts. Do not drive up onto the raised section if passengers are boarding.

5. Traffic Lights & Signals

• The "T" Light: You will often see a white "T" signal at traffic lights. This is for the tram driver (T = Tram). Ignore it. You only follow the standard Red/Yellow/Green signals.

• The "B" Light: Similarly, a white "B" is for Buses. Ignore it.