Most Misconstrued Traffic Regulations in Victoria
Starting from July 1, 2025, Victoria will see several changes to its road rules, aimed at enhancing safety and improving traffic flow. Here's a rundown of the key updates:
Emergency Vehicles
From 2025, drivers in Victoria will be required to reduce their speed to 40 km/h when passing stationary or slow-moving emergency service vehicles, with no requirement to drive faster than 40 km/h in these situations. This rule was introduced to protect emergency roadside assistance workers, tow truck drivers, and their customers, in addition to police and first responders.
Roundabouts
In roundabouts, pedestrians should give way to vehicles unless there is a pedestrian crossing. Drivers must give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout, as well as any trams entering or approaching the roundabout. Cyclists in the far left-lane of the roundabout need to give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout. Indicating at a roundabout is important, and riders of e-scooters in Victoria must not exceed 20 km/h.
E-Scooters
E-scooters are subject to regulations and must have a maximum speed of 25 km/h on level ground, have a maximum weight of 45 kg, be designed for one rider, have two wheels, have a footboard between the two wheels, be steered by a handlebar, and comply with other specifications set out in the Victorian Road Rules. E-scooters can be ridden in bicycle lanes and shared paths, and on roads where the speed limit doesn't exceed 60 km/h.
Helmets must be worn at all times while riding an e-scooter in Victoria. It's illegal to carry an animal on an e-scooter or tether an animal to an e-scooter, and e-scooters must not be used on footpaths - fines apply. E-scooters are limited to one rider, and it's prohibited for two scooter riders to travel side by side. The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for e-scooter riders in Victoria is 0.05 for riders with a full driver licence, and 0.00 for riders on Ls, Ps, or underage. While using a mobile device is permitted to find an e-scooter, the phone must be put away once the journey begins.
Intersections and Merging
At intersections, vehicles turning right must give way. This applies even if both vehicles have 'give way' or 'stop' signs - the car turning left at a give way sign has priority over the car turning right. When merging, drivers should show courtesy regardless of the lines on the road. A 'zip-merge' occurs when two lanes of traffic join and there's no dashed line in between. In this case, the vehicle in front would go first, regardless of whether they're on the left or right. Where the vehicles cross a dashed line, like on a freeway entry ramp, the vehicle crossing the line must give way to cars already in the lane.
When turning onto a multi-lane road, drivers must follow any line markings indicating how the turn is to be made. If there are no line markings, drivers can turn into any lane, however, it's usually safest to stay in the same lane and change lanes once they've made the turn.
Overtaking and U-Turns
Overtaking is allowed in a roundabout, but only when line marking permits it, and it's safe to do so. Drivers making a U-turn must give way to everyone else, including pedestrians, regardless of other vehicles' signs at intersections in Victoria.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Riding an e-scooter too fast, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, carrying a passenger, using an e-scooter that does not meet required specifications, and not wearing a helmet are all illegal. If an emergency vehicle displaying flashing red or blue lights or sounding an alarm is in your path, move out of its path as soon as you can do so safely. If you're stopped, remain stationary until it's safe to proceed. This rule applies despite any other rule that would otherwise require a driver of a police or emergency vehicle to give way to you.
These changes aim to create a safer and more efficient road environment for all users in Victoria. It's essential for drivers, cyclists, and e-scooter riders to familiarise themselves with these new rules to ensure a smooth transition and a reduction in road incidents.
