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Driving, parking and stopping behind trams – new law
Date : 09 Nov 2009
Crossing a dividing line
It is against the law to drive or ride across an unbroken single or double dividing line or traffic island. This rule applies to double yellow lines or a single white dividing line. Drivers must not cross these lines when:
- making u-turns
- overtaking
- changing lanes.
Penalties
Fines
Drivers may get an on-the-spot fine of two penalty units, cyclists may be fined one penalty unit.
If the matter is heard in court the maximum penalty is:
- 10 penalty units for a driver
- 5 penalty units for a cyclist.
Demerit points
Drivers will lose three demerit points for u-turns or crossing painted islands.
Stopping at traffic lights where there are bicycle boxes
Some traffic lights have bicycle storage areas in front the line where other vehicles must stop. These areas are marked by a painted bicycle and the area may also be painted green. This allows cyclists to move to the front of the line of traffic so that they can be seen more easily.
Motor vehicles must stop at the first stop line. They are not allowed to stop within the bicycle area.
Maximum penalty
A motor vehicle that enters a bicycle storage area may be fined up to 10 penalty units.
Driving with trams
Drivers must stop behind a tram. It is now against the law to drive up to the rear door of the tram as it stops. Drivers can move again when the tram doors have closed all tram passengers have moved off the road, however they must not travel more than 10 km/h as they pass.
Penalties
Fines
Drivers may get an on-the-spot fine of up to 2.5 penalty units if they pass a tram that has stopped to allow passengers to get on or off the tram.
The maximum penalty is up to 10 penalty units if the matter is heard in court.
Demerit points
Drivers will lost three demerit points for driving past a stopped tram.
Parking restrictions
New rules restrict where drivers can park. It is an offence to park:
- on a painted island
- within 20 metres of a tram stop
- in a slip lane, this is a left turn lane that is separated from the rest of the road
- across a driveway for longer then two minutes to drop off or pick up passengers in a driveway
- in another parking space within the same parking area after driver’s parking time limit has expired
- in a narrow road where there is less than three metres between the parked vehicle and the centre of the road.
Penalties
Drivers can get an on-the-spot fine of:
- 0.6 penalty units for parking in a driveway
- one penalty unit for parking in a sliplane or within 20 metres of a tram stop
The maximum penalty is three penalty units if the matter is heard in court.
More information
Related websites
See the VicRoads site for diagrams that explain the rules in more detail:
- VicRoads – u-turns and overtaking (new window)
- VicRoads parking (new window)
- VicRoads – driving with trams (new widow)
Related publications
Fines: your options for dealing with fines