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Trams can't swerve

Trams are iconic to Melbourne.

In fact, we have the world's largest operational tram networkwith 250km of double track that provides over 5000 individual trips every day. Melbourne's tram network is unique, with 75% of it shared with other vehicles and road users.

This makes for a more complex road environment, especially if you are unfamiliar with sharing the road with trams.

> View the Melbourne tram network map

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Top tips for driving with trams

Trams share many of our roads, and incidents can result not only in an injury to yourself, but also to trams, passengers, drivers and other road users as causing disruptions for all road users.

Be aware that trams are larger, heavier, and have different braking performance to other road vehicles.

Victorian road rules ensure the safe operation of the road network, including roads shared with trams. Here are some important rules to keep you safe when driving around trams.

  • You must not move into the path of an oncoming tram. This includes trams approaching you from behind so remember to check your blind-spots on both sides.
  • You must not drive over raised dividing strips or double yellow lines
  • You must not make a U-turn across a solid line in the centre of the road
  • You must give way to trams from both directions at roundabouts.

Remember:

  • When turning right across tram tracks, watch for trams approaching from both directions. They may be approaching behind you as well as from in front of you. Remember to check your blind spots.
  • To watch for tram passengers alighting and waiting to board trams at tram stops. When passengers are boarding or alighting a tram, you must be behind the end of the tram. Only once the tram doors are closed and the road is clear of pedestrians, may you drive past a stationary tram at 10km/h.

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Trams can't swerve

We can all share the road safely with trams

Tram Metro Fleet Port Junction 2017 305 TCS

Driving with trams

Victorian road rules ensure the safe operation of the road network, including roads shared with trams.

Familiarise yourself with some important rules for driving safely around trams.

Learn the road rules
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Share the road

There are things we can all do to get everyone safely from A to B. There's plenty of room on our roads for everyone, and we can all do our bit to make sure every road user's trip is enjoyable.

Check out some tips to help you share the road and look out for your fellow travellers.

Tips to help you share the road
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Being safe as a pedestrian

Trams can take much longer and farther to stop than you may think.

It’s important to be extra careful when crossing tram lines whether you’re a pedestrian, motorist, or cyclist. Here are some tips for crossing safely.

Discover tips for crossing safely

Start your journey