Hook turns: what are they?
Driving to Melbourne and concerned about doing a hook turn? Maybe you’ve never heard of the manoeuvre.
Even some Melburnians might break into a sweat when you mention a hook turn, while visitors can find it even more intimidating. So, what is this mysterious manoeuvre and how does it work?
What is a hook turn?
In its most basic form, the hook turn is a right turn from the left lane. In Victoria, they’re designed to ensure traffic flows smoothly around the extensive tram network.
The hook turn is designed to allow vehicles to turn right at locations where trams operate, but there are no right-turn lanes or signals. This means the vehicle isn’t blocking the path of a tram while waiting for a suitable gap in approaching traffic.
POLL: Hook turns
How do I complete a hook turn?
If you’re in Melbourne and need to turn right at an intersection where hook turns are permitted, follow these steps.
- First, check if there are signs permitting a hook turn.
- Approach and enter the intersection from as near as possible to the left side of the road.
- Stop before the pedestrian crossing, ensuring you’re not blocking any foot traffic.
- Ensure traffic can pass on your right.
- Wait for the traffic lights on the road that you are turning into to change to green.
- Once you’ve completed the turn, merge into the appropriate lane and continue your journey.
Should Adelaide have hook turns?
Did you know Adelaide had hook turns until the early 1950s? They were in place until the tram network was removed, allowing vehicles to turn right from the lane closest to the centre of the road.
When the tram network was extended along King William Street, right turns weren’t permitted, except when a separate right-turn lane is provided. For example, at the intersections of Flinders and Franklin Street, and for traffic turning right from North Terrace on to King William Street and King Willian Road.
When the section of the tram track between Victoria Square and South Terrace was upgraded, right turns were restricted to intersections where a separate right turn lane is provided
RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says this is generally a better alternative to hook turns.
“When there are several vehicles waiting to complete a hook turn, queues can extend back and obstruct left-turning vehicles,” Charles says.
“It would also require considerable education to inform drivers about turning left before the intersection to make a right turn at the intersection.”
Currently cyclists are permitted to do hook turns at intersections because it enables the right turn to be completed in two staged movements which can be easier at certain locations.
Buses are also permitted to do a hook turn at the Grenfell Street, King William Street and Currie Street intersection. This only happens occasionally, and it’s spread out across the bus schedule.