Helpful tips for driving in Melbourne

Melbounre roads are different - drive safely! Photo: Minerva Studios, Bigstock

For tourists travelling to Victoria and planning on renting a car or for those who have just immigrated to Australia and plan to use a car to get around, there are plenty of road signs, rules and regulations to get your head around. The last thing you want is to get in trouble and have to hire a traffic lawyer in Melbourne, a sure-fire way to ruin your trip or your time in your new home.

In Melbourne, the roads can be a little different to what you’re used to. Not only will you have cars to deal with, but also trams. Sharing the road with one can cause confusion and panic all at the same time so make sure you don’t end up needing a Melbourne traffic lawyer to help you out of a sticky spot. Here are some things to remember when faced with a tram on the road.

  • Overtake on the left
  • Always stop level with back of the tram and wait for people getting off
  • If you are too late to stop level with the tram, always give way to pedestrians.

Simple instructions, but ones that will save you forking out a small fortune to pay a Melbourne traffic lawyer to defend you.

Trams aren’t the only obstacle that will cause you stress on the road though. Melbourne, the home of the Australian hipster, has plenty of bicycles in the city and bicycle lanes to navigate too. Always be careful changing lanes as there may one in your blind spot. As well as this, remember that It is illegal to drive in the tram/bicycle lane until 50 metres before turning right. Infringement shouldn’t leave you needing help from a Melbourne traffic lawyer but always keep these tips in mind when driving.

Penalties for road traffic violations can lead to a range of different penalties and may warrant the use of Melbourne traffic lawyer to help you fight your case. Demerit points are one such penalty whereby if you commit a driving offence, points can be put against your licence and stay on file for up to 3 years. A certain amount of points accumulated could see you lose your licence and be taken off the road. Other penalties include fines, compensation, if you are involved in an accident, or prison, depending on the nature of your road crime. The more serious the crime, the higher the possibility that you will need advice from a Melbourne traffic lawyer.

As with any place you drive it is important that you stay alert. Driving tired is a leading cause of crashes. Ensure you are well rested before driving and if the journey is a long, take rest stops every few hours. This can make all the difference when it comes to being safe on the road. If you do feel yourself tiring, hand the driving over to someone else who is qualified so you lessen the chance of finding yourself in front of a judge, with a Melbourne traffic lawyer by your side.

Melbourne driving offence lawyers will charge by the hour so ensure you discuss the fees and exactly how the process works before you decide on who will be representing you. There are plenty of ways to find yourself in trouble and needing a traffic lawyer in Melbourne so when on the road make sure you concentrate fully and be careful, to avoid any unwanted costs on your trip. If you want to steer clear of some of the heavier penalties, you may need to get one of the many traffic lawyers in Melbourne that specialise in traffic violations.

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