Sharing the road with trams

A light rail (tram) system known as the G:link operates on the Gold Coast.

About tramways and tram lanes

Most of the Gold Coast’s tram system is classed as a tramway, with only a short stretch in Surfers Paradise being signed as a tram lane. Tramways and tram lanes are classed as part of the road.

Tram lanes

A tram lane has a single yellow line to the left of it—with a tram lane sign where it starts, and a tram lane end sign where it finishes.

Tramways

A tramway either has:

• a double yellow line to its left
  or
• a physical barrier to its left—such as a kerb or bollard—with a tram only sign where it starts, and a tram only end sign where it finishes.

Rules for vehicles

The tram system has not resulted in any new road rules. As a driver, you must obey all signs and traffic signals around tram tracks.

It’s an offence to stop on or drive over a tramway—you may cross a tramway at an intersection where traffic lights or signs control the traffic.

You should not queue across the tracks at any time, and only perform a U-turn at traffic lights where a sign indicates U-turns are permitted. You must give way to all road users when you do a U-turn.

Staying safe

Bicycle and personal mobility device safety

You can ride a bicycle in a tram lane but you can't ride a bicycle in a tramway. A personal mobility device rider can't ride in a tramway or a tram lane.

However, you may cross tram tracks so long as you don’t move into the path of a tram.

Always cross tracks at a right angle to avoid your wheels being caught within the tracks.

Pedestrian safety

As a pedestrian, you must cross a road by the shortest possible route.

You can walk across tram tracks if you’re not crossing within 20m of a pedestrian crossing.

However, for your own safety we recommend you cross the tracks at designated pedestrian crossings. Stay alert and don’t use mobile phones or headphones near tram tracks.

Wheeled recreational device safety

You can cross tram tracks using wheeled recreational devices—such as skateboards, rollerblades or roller skates—if you cross by the shortest possible route and don’t move into the path of a tram.

However, for your own safety we recommend you cross the tracks at designated pedestrian crossings.

Getting on and off trams

It’s dangerous, and an offence, to try and get on or off a moving tram. Only get on or off a tram at the designated stops.

More information

Refer to the Queensland Road Rules for more information on tram rules, with Section 155 and 155A relating to tram lane and tramway rules.