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Traffic offences for the new Sydney Light Rail

The first of the new Light Rail services are due to commence this Saturday on 14 December 2019. The CBD and South East Light Rail services will be starting...

Zoe Whetham

The first of the new Light Rail services are due to commence this Saturday on 14 December 2019. The CBD and South East Light Rail services will be starting first, with further services on other lines commencing in March 2020.

Many pedestrians and road users have been caught off guard by the Light Rail testing, which has been running for some time already.

So what are the important rules you need to know to avoid a traffic fine?

Pedestrians

  1. A pedestrian must not cross a road to get on a tram until the tram has stopped moving.

Penalty: $76 fine and 1 demerit point

  • A pedestrian crossing a road after getting off a tram must cross the road by the shortest safe route and must not stay on the road for longer than necessary to cross the road safely.

Penalty: $76 fine and 1 demerit point

  • A pedestrian must not cross tram tracks if a tram is entering the crossing, if a tram can be seen or heard and there would be a danger of collision, if warning lights or sounds are operating, or if a boom gate is closing or opening.

Penalty: $76 fine and 1 demerit point

  • If there is a pedestrian crossing over tram tracks, pedestrians must use it and must not start crossing while the light is red.

Penalty: $76 fine and 1 demerit point

Drivers

  • A driver must not drive in a tram lane or tramway.

Penalty: $268 fine and 1 demerit point

  • A driver must not move into the path of an approaching tram. If a driver is already in the path of an approaching tram, the driver must move out of the way as soon as the driver can do so safely.

Penalty: $344 fine and 3 demerit points

  • A driver must not enter a level crossing if a tram is entering the crossing, if a tram can be seen or heard and there would be a danger of collision, if warning lights or sounds are operating, or if a boom gate is closing or opening.

Penalty: $457 fine and 3 demerit points

  • If there is no safety zone, dividing strip or traffic island between the tram and the road, a driver must stop when a tram travelling in front of or alongside the driver stops. The driver must not proceed if the tram doors are open or pedestrians are crossing the road. Once it is safe to proceed, the driver must not proceed past the tram at a speed greater than 10km/h.

Penalty: $191 fine and 2 demerit points

This is not an exhaustive list of all the traffic rules relating to trams or an exhaustive summary of the specifics of each rule. The rules are complex and there are exceptions for certain situations.

If you have received a penalty notice, contact one of our traffic law specialists on 9025 9888 for legal advice on your situation.