Giving way, roundabouts and intersections in Victoria

By the end of this topic you can

• You can give way correctly at Stop and Give Way signs and lines.
• You can apply the give way to the right rule at unmarked intersections.
• You can handle T-intersections and roundabouts, including trams.
• You can complete a hook turn at a signed intersection.
• You can merge and change lanes without cutting anyone off.

What you need to know and understand

• At a Stop sign or line you must stop completely, then give way. At a Give Way sign you slow and give way.
• At an intersection with no lights, signs or lines (other than a T-intersection or roundabout), give way to vehicles on your right.
• Turning right, you also give way to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning left.
• At a T-intersection, the road that ends gives way to traffic on the continuing road.
• Entering a roundabout, give way to all vehicles already in it and to trams entering or approaching it.
• When turning, give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.
• If traffic lights are off or flashing yellow, use the rules for an intersection without signals.
• Signal for at least five seconds before pulling out from the kerb.

Who goes first: quick checks

Bicycles and horses being ridden count as vehicles, so the same give way rules protect them.

• Facing a sign or line? Stop or slow, then give way to traffic in, entering or approaching the intersection.
• No sign, lights or lines? Give way to the right.
• On the road that ends at a T? Give way to the continuing road.
• Turning right? Give way to oncoming traffic too.
• Changing lanes? Give way to anyone already in that lane.
• Leaving a driveway or a parked spot? Give way to everyone, including pedestrians on the footpath.
• Making a U-turn? Give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.

Roundabouts step by step

1. Decide before you arrive whether you are turning left, going straight or turning right, and pick the matching lane.
2. Turning left: approach in the left lane, signal left and keep it on until you leave. Turning right: approach in the right lane and signal right.
3. Going straight: use either lane if markings allow, with no signal on approach.
4. Give way to every vehicle already in the roundabout and any tram, and watch for cyclists and motorcyclists.
5. Keep left of the central island, and signal left just before your exit if practicable.

The Melbourne hook turn

Where a Hook Turn sign is shown, often hung above the intersection, you must turn right from the left lane:

1. Approach and enter from as near as possible to the left, signalling right.
2. Move forward, staying clear of any marked foot crossing, until you are as close as possible to the far side of the road you are entering.
3. Wait there until the traffic lights on the road you are turning into change to green.
4. Turn right and continue straight ahead.

Merging without drama

Where two lines of traffic merge into one with no lane lines, the zip merge rule applies: give way to any vehicle that has any part of it ahead of yours. If you cross a marked line, you are changing lanes instead, and you give way to vehicles in the lane you are moving into. Our How to do a hook turn in Melbourne and U-turn guides go into those moves in more detail.

Common mistakes

• Rolling through a Stop sign. You must come to a complete stop even when the road looks clear.
• Signalling right while going straight through a roundabout. Signal only for left or right turns, and left on exit.
• Turning right from the right lane at a hook turn intersection. The sign means you must use the left lane.
• Forgetting pedestrians when turning. They have right of way crossing the road you are entering.

Test yourself: Giving way, roundabouts and intersections in Victoria

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• U-Turns in Victoria
• Driving with Trams in Victoria
• How to Do a Hook Turn in Melbourne