Hook turn: American tourist baffled after learning about a unique Melbourne traffic rule that even other Aussies struggle with
An American tourist has spoken out about Melbourne’s confusing ‘hook turn’ traffic rule.
Former journalist Steve Hatton shared a photo of the road sign on an online forum about US road standards.
A hook turn is a unique traffic rule in central Melbourne, allowing drivers to make a right turn from the left lane.
It usually happens when you drive next to a tram line in Melbourne.
The bends are known to confuse drivers unfamiliar with the city-specific rule, including people from elsewhere in Victoria, highway drivers and overseas visitors.
A hook turn is a unique traffic rule in central Melbourne, allowing drivers to make a right turn from the left lane
Former journalist Steve Hatton shared a photo of the road sign on an online forum about US road standards
“In Melbourne (where they drive on the left), motorists often have to turn right in the same way as cyclists to avoid collisions with all the trams traveling in the middle of the road,” Hatton wrote.
Another American on the forum replied: ‘OMG, yes, these are ALL in Melbourne. (I) saw them when I was there in 2022.”
But despite the initial confusion, many claimed the strange rule makes travel more efficient.
“Every time I’ve visited Melbourne I’ve noticed that this system seems to work really well for everyone,” one person wrote.
Another said: ‘It looks like an invisible roundabout.’
One Australian also came by with a more detailed explanation.
The hook bends usually occur when driving next to a tram line in Melbourne
Traffic must wait as far to the left as possible until the light in the direction they are turning turns green, leaving busy intersections free for trams
“Yes, Melbourne and in South Melbourne they insist on using this exit, around 130 intersections use this exit to avoid holding up the trams in the middle of the road,” he wrote.
‘You sit to the left of the intersection, so that through traffic can pass through. When the lights go out at the intersection, you have completed your turn.
“All other cities in Australia simply ban right turns if they hold up traffic, especially in NSW, which is the no right turn state.”
However, many Australians were quick to sympathize with confused American drivers.
“They were scary enough like Western Australia, I can’t imagine trying one while also thinking about driving on the left,” one person wrote.