No licence is needed to ride an e-scooter. A driver licence can still be affected if the rider is affected by alcohol or drugs. (source: Transport Victoria)
Shared-use paths, bicycle paths and roads with a speed limit of up to 60 km/h. Not on footpaths or on roads above 60 km/h. Riders may not ride side by side. (source: Transport Victoria)
There is no lawful amount. Possessing cannabis is an indictable offence; where the court is satisfied that it was not more than the small quantity applicable to cannabis and not for trafficking, the maximum penalty is 5 penalty units. (source: Victorian Government (Victorian Legislation))
Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult
It is an offence to drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle while the prescribed concentration of drugs, or more, is present in the blood or oral fluid. For a prescribed illicit drug, any concentration is the prescribed concentration, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a prescribed illicit drug. (source: Victorian Government (Victorian Legislation))
50 km/h in built-up areas and neighbourhoods where no speed limit signs are displayed (source: Transport Victoria)
Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads
100 km/h on country roads outside built-up areas where no speed limit signs are displayed (source: Transport Victoria)
MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads; Freeways, motorways and tollways in non-built-up areas
110 km/h on signed freeways, motorways and tollways in non-built-up areas that are designed for high speeds and have additional safety features (source: Transport Victoria)
School zonesPassenger car on public roads
40 km/h on arterial roads and local streets next to a school and where children cross the road. 30 km/h applies in active-travel precincts and some local streets, and 60 km/h on certain rural roads where the normal limit is 80 km/h or higher. (source: Transport Victoria)
Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads
The temporary limit shown on a roadworks speed sign applies until a sign shows a different limit, even when no roadworks can be seen (source: Transport Victoria)
Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads
Typically 50 km/h on local streets in built-up areas where streets are unsigned. Local streets in built-up areas can be signed at 40 km/h, and at 30 km/h where they have high pedestrian numbers. (source: Transport Victoria)
Most drink containers made of aluminium, glass, plastic and carton between 150 mL and 3 litres, Not eligible: containers under 150 mL or over 3 litres, plain milk, concentrated cordial or syrup, wine and pure spirits in glass, some large juice containers, Pure fruit and vegetable juice and flavoured milk: eligible below 1 litre (source: CDS Vic (official scheme website linked from EPA Victoria))
Retailers may not sell or provide the banned plastic bags, including new or reused degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags. Bags with handles are allowed if thicker than 35 micrometres or a vital part of the packaging. (source: Environment Protection Authority Victoria)
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bags
Banned: plastic bags with handles, all or partly plastic, that carry goods sold from the premises and are 35 micrometres thick or less at any part of the bag. (source: Environment Protection Authority Victoria)
Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence
Before a probationary licence the learner permit must be held continuously for 12 months if under 21 (6 months if 21 to under 25, 3 months if 25 or older), and under 21 the driver must have logged 120 hours of supervised driving (including 20 at night). The Hazard Perception Test and a drive test follow. A driver under 21 receives a 4-year probationary licence (12 months at P1, 3 years at P2); from 21 it is a P2 licence for 3 years. (source: VicRoads)
Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence
Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence
Under 21: at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours of night driving, logged in the myLearners app or a log book. (source: VicRoads)
Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence
A P1 driver must not carry more than one passenger aged 16 to under 22 (the peer passenger restriction). A spouse or domestic partner and a sibling or step-sibling are not counted. (source: Transport Victoria)
Tests for a first car licenceCar (category B) driving licence
Probationary licence: the Hazard Perception Test and a drive test, which includes an eyesight test. (source: VicRoads)
How long the licence is validCar (category B) driving licence
A learner permit is valid for 10 years or until the Ps are obtained. (source: VicRoads)
First offence by infringement: fine of 3 penalty units and licence suspended for 6 months; if it goes to court, a fine of up to 12 penalty units and licence cancelled for at least 6 months. A second offence carries up to 60 penalty units and at least 12 months cancellation. (source: Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria))
EPAC: a motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 W, assistance only while pedalling. Power-assisted pedal cycle (PAPC): up to 200 W maximum power output. (source: Transport Victoria)
HelmetRiding on public roads
E-bike riders must follow the bicycle road rules, including always wearing a properly fitted helmet. (source: Transport Victoria)
LicenceRiding on public roads
Registration and licensing are not required if the e-bike meets the requirements. A non-compliant e-bike is treated as an unregistered motor vehicle and the rider as driving without a licence. (source: Transport Victoria)
Plate and insuranceRiding on public roads
Registration is not required if the e-bike meets the requirements. A non-compliant e-bike ridden on a road or road-related area is an unregistered motor vehicle. (source: Transport Victoria)
Cycle pathsRiding on public roads
Compliant e-bikes follow the bicycle road rules. A non-compliant e-bike may not be ridden on public roads or road-related areas, including bike paths, shared paths and footpaths. (source: Transport Victoria)
When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)
Fireworks can only be used by licensed pyrotechnicians or people under their direct supervision. Pyrotechnicians setting off display fireworks must give WorkSafe at least 7 days' notice, and must also notify the council or shire and other relevant bodies such as the fire authority. (source: WorkSafe Victoria)
Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2)
Pyrotechnicians must notify the local council or shire, and other relevant bodies such as the fire authority, at least 7 days before a proposed display. They may require longer notice, and the council or shire may ask for more information if it has restrictive by-laws. (source: WorkSafe Victoria)
Approval or notification neededChildren of compulsory school age
A parent applies to the VRQA using the application form, with copies of evidence of the child's name, date of birth and parental responsibility, and a learning plan for each child covering the 8 key learning areas. Approval can take up to 28 days and the child must stay enrolled at school until approval. Registration can start at the beginning of the year the child turns 6 or by their 6th birthday. (source: Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA))
Compulsory schooling ageChildren of compulsory school age
Children between 6 and 17 years must be enrolled in a school registered in Victoria or registered for home education. Home education registration is open to children aged 6 to 17 with a Victorian residential address. (source: Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA))
A knife that is not a prohibited weapon is a controlled weapon. A person must not possess, carry or use a controlled weapon without a lawful excuse. (source: Victoria Police)
Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places
A flick knife, being a knife whose blade is concealed when folded into the handle and that opens by gravity, centrifugal force or pressure on a button, spring or device in the handle, is a prohibited weapon. Butterfly knives are also prohibited. Chief Commissioner's Approval or a Governor in Council Exemption Order is needed to possess prohibited weapons. (source: Victoria Police)
Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places
A fixed blade knife that is not a prohibited weapon is a controlled weapon and needs a lawful excuse to carry. Daggers, swords, machetes and several other bladed articles are prohibited weapons that need Chief Commissioner's Approval or a Governor in Council exemption. (source: Victoria Police)
Pepper sprayCarrying in public places
An article designed or adapted to emit or discharge an offensive, noxious or irritant liquid, powder, gas or chemical to cause disability, incapacity or harm, including capsicum spray, is a prohibited weapon. It is covered by Governor in Council exemptions for government employees such as police and prison officers; private security licence holders have no exemption for oleoresin capsicum spray. Self-protection or self-defence is not a lawful excuse. (source: Victoria Police)
Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places
Lawful excuses include pursuing lawful employment, duty or activity, taking part in lawful sport, recreation or entertainment, and the legitimate collection, display or exhibition of weapons. For dangerous articles, using the article for its intended purpose is also a lawful excuse. Self-defence is not a lawful excuse. (source: Victoria Police)
Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places
A flick knife, which opens by gravity, centrifugal force or pressure on a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle, is a prohibited weapon. It is still a flick knife if the blade is partially visible when closed. (source: Victoria Police)
Blade length limitsCarrying in public places
The Victoria Police pages set no blade-length threshold for knives as controlled weapons. Machetes (large broad-bladed cutting knives), swords and daggers are prohibited weapons. (source: Victoria Police)
Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places
Victoria Police sets no container-size or age threshold: any article designed or adapted to emit an offensive, noxious or irritant liquid, powder, gas or chemical to cause disability, incapacity or harm, including capsicum spray, is a prohibited weapon. Governor in Council exemptions cover state and federal government employees such as police and prison officers; private security licence holders have no exemption for oleoresin capsicum spray. (source: Victoria Police)
Minimum paid leave as the law states itFull-time employee
Full-time and part-time employees get 4 weeks of paid annual leave a year, based on their ordinary hours of work. Shiftworkers get more than 4 weeks if their award or enterprise agreement provides the extra week under the National Employment Standards. Casual employees do not get paid annual leave. (source: Fair Work Ombudsman)
Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car
While driving, a fully licensed driver must not enter text, numbers or symbols (unless by voice control), scroll, or view text messages, social media, emails, websites or photos on any phone or device, including mounted and built-in ones. (source: Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria))
Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car
Learner and P1/P2 drivers must not use or touch a mobile phone or any portable, wearable or mounted device at all, even for calls and navigation, nor use voice controls; a mounted device may play audio or navigation only if set up before the journey. (source: Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria))
Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a car
Under 7: rear-facing seat from birth to 6 months; rear-facing seat first, then forward-facing with an inbuilt harness, from 7 months to under 4 years; forward-facing seat with an inbuilt harness, then a booster seat, from 4 to under 7. From 7 to 16: a booster or forward-facing seat, then an adult seat belt once it fits. (source: Transport Victoria)
Children in the front seatPassenger cars
Children under 4 must travel in the back seat unless the vehicle has only one row of seats. The page's table says children aged 5 to 7 may sit in the front only if all the back seats are taken by passengers under 7, in a suitable child restraint. (source: Transport Victoria)
Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars
Drivers can be fined if a person in the vehicle is not properly restrained. Passengers aged 16 and over can also be fined. (source: Transport Victoria)
Booster seat untilPassenger cars
Booster seat after the forward-facing seat with inbuilt harness from 4 to under 7. From 7 to 16 a booster seat or harness seat until the lap-sash seat belt fits, tested with a five step test. (source: Transport Victoria)
Can police stop you for this alone?Passenger cars
Distracted driver and seatbelt detection cameras are used on Victorian roads to detect drivers or passengers not wearing a seatbelt correctly (source: Cameras Save Lives (Victorian Government))
At least one smoke alarm on each level of the home, and smoke alarms installed between each sleeping area (bedroom) and the rest of the home. Applies to all houses, units, flats and townhouses; alarms must meet AS 3786. (source: Fire Rescue Victoria)
Who must fit the alarmsSmoke alarms in dwellings; Rental properties in Victoria (rental providers and renters)
E-cigarettes in indoor public placesTobacco and nicotine products
Yes. In the Tobacco Act 1987 'smoke' includes using a vaping device to generate or release an aerosol or vapour, so the ban on smoking in enclosed workplaces covers vaping. (source: Victorian Government (Victorian Legislation))
Smoking in cars with childrenTobacco and nicotine products
Smoking is banned in a motor vehicle, whether or not it is moving, if another person under 18 is present in the vehicle. 'Smoke' includes using a vaping device. (source: Victorian Government (Victorian Legislation))
Flavoured tobacco and e-cigarettesTobacco and nicotine products
Yes. Commonwealth law, which applies in Victoria, bans tobacco products that contain flavouring additives, menthol or menthol derivatives, fruit, spices, sugars or sweeteners, synthetic cooling agents, or a device such as a card, capsule or bead that alters flavour. (source: Federal Register of Legislation (Commonwealth))
Towing trailers and caravans
Rule
What applies
Compared with other states
Trailer mass allowed with a car licence in any combinationCar with a trailer or caravan
Heavier trailer with a category B licenceCar with a trailer or caravan
A car licence covers a vehicle up to 4.5 tonnes GVM that seats no more than 12 adults, and allows towing a single trailer up to 9 tonnes GVM or to the manufacturer's specifications, whichever is less. (source: Transport Victoria)
Higher categories for trailers (B96, BE)Car with a trailer or caravan
A Light Rigid (LR) licence allows a car or light rigid vehicle towing a single trailer of no more than 9 tonnes GVM; a Medium Rigid (MR) licence allows a medium rigid vehicle towing a single trailer (other than a semi-trailer) of no more than 9 tonnes GVM. A car licence must be held for at least 12 months. (source: Transport Victoria)
Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol
The ban on supplying liquor to under-18s does not apply to supply in a residence by the minor's parent, guardian or spouse (aged 18 or over), or someone they authorise, if the adult can show responsible supervision. A person under 18 may be on licensed premises if with a responsible adult, there for a meal, or a resident of the premises. (source: Victorian Government)
Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol
A licensee or permittee must not supply liquor to, or permit liquor to be supplied to, a person under 18 (120 penalty units); an employee commits an offence with 20 penalty units. A defence applies if the accused had seen an evidence of age document showing the person was 18 or over. A person under 18 must not purchase, receive, possess or consume liquor (5 penalty units). (source: Victorian Government)
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol
0.00%: s 52 applies to a person driving without holding a full driver licence (for example learner and probationary licences). (source: Victorian Government)
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol
0.00%: s 52(1A) applies to a person driving or in charge of a heavy vehicle or bus. (source: Victorian Government)
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol
Driving with the prescribed concentration of alcohol (s 49(1)(b)): first offence a fine of up to 20 penalty units; second offence up to 60 penalty units or 6 months in prison (120 penalty units or 12 months at 0.15 or more); later offences up to 120 or 180 penalty units, or 12 or 18 months. Licence consequences are not covered here. (source: Victorian Government)
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.