Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025 (Victoria)

The Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025 (the Regulations) re‑codify and update detailed behavioural rules for persons on trains, trams, buses and public transport premises in Victoria. They come into operation on 21 December 2025 (regulation 3). The Regulations are made under sections 56, 249B and 256 of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983 (regulation 2). They revoke the previous Conduct on Public Transport regulations listed in Schedule 1 (regulation 4 and Schedule 1) and will sunset ten years after the day of making (endnotes).

Mechanically, the instrument:

Replaces and consolidates earlier subordinate instruments (Schedule 1). The Schedule lists specific Statutory Rule numbers and titles that are revoked (Schedule 1).
Establishes definitions and key terms that determine scope, including expanded operational definitions for authorised persons, public transport vehicle, public transport premises, compulsory ticket area and multiple vehicle classes (regulation 5).
Creates a comprehensive catalogue of criminal and infringement offences with specified penalty units for conduct affecting safety (Part 2), amenity (Part 3), seating (Part 4) and miscellaneous powers (Part 5). Penalties are stated in penalty units (regulations throughout Parts 2-5).
Prescribes a specific list of ticketing and control hardware as “prescribed equipment” for the purposes of section 222B(1) of the Act (regulation 26 and Schedule 2). The list itemises ticketing machines, driver consoles, fare payment devices, gate controllers, the central computer system and ticket barriers (Schedule 2).
Sets immunity for authorised persons (conduct) and certain employees, contractors and agents from prosecution or infringement for anything reasonably done in the course of their duties (regulation 6).

Version No. 001

Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025

S.R. No. 147/2025

Version as at
21 December 2025

TABLE OF PROVISIONS

Regulation Page

Part 1—Preliminary 1

1 Objectives 1

2 Authorising provisions 2

3 Commencement 2

4 Revocations 2

5 Definitions 2

6 Liability for offences 11

Part 2—Conduct affecting safety 12

Division 1—General conduct offences 12

7 Conveying or bringing things likely to injure or endanger 12

8 Protruding part of body or object 13

9 Throwing or dropping things 13

10 Creating obstructions 13

11 Carriage of pedal bicycles and electric bicycles on metropolitan trains 14

12 Carriage of modified bicycles on metropolitan trains 14

13 Carriage of modified bicycles on V/Line passenger services 14

14 Modified bicycles in compulsory ticket areas 15

15 Carriage of bicycles on trams and bicycles on tram stop platforms 15

16 Carriage of bicycles on buses 16

17 Carriage of electric scooters on trams and electric scooters on tram stop platforms 16

18 Carriage of electric scooters on buses 17

19 Riding bicycles etc. on public transport vehicles 17

20 Charging or operating electric bicycles, electric scooters and electric transportation devices on public transport vehicles 17

21 Charging or operating electric bicycles, electric scooters and electric transportation devices in compulsory ticket areas 18

22 Driving, riding or parking a vehicle on public transport premises 18

23 Unauthorised entering and leaving vehicles and premises 19

24 Travelling in, or mounting of, places not intended for travel 21

Division 2—Interfering with equipment or property offences 21

25 Interference with gates and doors 21

26 Prescribed equipment 23

27 Damage to property 23

28 Fires on public transport vehicles and public transport premises 23

Division 3—Crossing railway tracks and tramway tracks offences 25

29 Definitions 25

30 Crossing of railway tracks or designated tramway tracks by pedestrians 25

31 Pedestrian crossings other than pedestrian crossings that have independent pedestrian gates 27

32 Driving or riding across railway tracks or designated tramway tracks 28

33 Stopping on crossings between boom gates 29

34 Entering onto tramway tracks and otherwise moving between platforms and tracks 30

35 Entering onto railway tracks and designated tramway tracks and otherwise moving between platforms and tracks 30

Division 4—Face coverings 31

36 Wearing a face covering on public transport if required by a pandemic order 31

Part 3—Conduct affecting amenity 32

37 Indecent, obscene, etc. language and behaviour 32

38 Committing a nuisance or conveying things likely to annoy etc. 32

39 Musical instruments on public transport vehicles or premises 32

40 Sound equipment on public transport vehicles or premises 33

41 Selling and busking etc. on public transport vehicles or premises 33

42 Drinking liquor or possessing an open container of liquor on public transport vehicles or premises 34

43 Smoking on public transport vehicles or premises 35

44 Littering on public transport vehicles or premises 37

45 Spitting 37

46 Soiling of furniture 38

47 Placing luggage as directed 38

48 Graffiti 38

49 Scratching or burning 38

50 Animals on public transport vehicles or premises 39

51 Animals on seats 40

52 Animals not to stray 40

Part 4—Seating on public transport vehicles or premises 41

53 Person must vacate priority seat for person who needs a priority seat 41

54 Person must vacate seat for person who needs a priority seat 41

55 Person must vacate wheelchair area in certain circumstances 42

56 Occupying unreserved seats 43

57 Unauthorised travel and seating 43

Part 5—Miscellaneous 44

58 Prosecution or infringement for more than one offence 44

59 Request to leave vehicle or premises 44

Schedule 1—Revoked regulations 47

Schedule 2—Prescribed equipment 48

═════════════

Endnotes 50

1 General information 50

2 Table of Amendments 52

3 Explanatory details 53

Version No. 001

Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025

S.R. No. 147/2025

Version as at
21 December 2025

Part 1—Preliminary

1 Objectives

The objectives of these Regulations are—

(a) to regulate the conduct of persons on, and in relation to, trains, trams, buses and public transport premises having regard to safety, fairness and community standards; and

(b) to facilitate comfortable and convenient travel for passengers on public transport; and

(c) to require persons crossing railway tracks or tramway tracks or otherwise interacting with tracks to do so in a safe manner; and

(d) to require persons travelling on trains, trams and buses or being on public transport premises—

(i) to behave safely and in a way that does not cause harm, or is not likely to cause harm, to themselves or others; and

(ii) to behave in a way that does not unnecessarily disturb others; and

(iii) to use public transport equipment in a way that does not cause harm, or is not likely to cause harm, to themselves or others; and

(iv) to not damage property.

2 Authorising provisions

These Regulations are made under sections 56, 249B and 256 of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983.

3 Commencement

These Regulations come into operation on 21 December 2025.

4 Revocations

The Regulations listed in Schedule 1 are revoked.

5 Definitions

(1) In these Regulations—

appropriate written authorisation means written authorisation from—

(a) in relation to a public transport vehicle—the passenger transport company, rail freight operator or bus company that operates the vehicle; or

(b) in relation to public transport premises—the owner or occupier of the premises;

authorised officer has the same meaning as in section 208 of the Act;

authorised person (conduct) means—

(a) an authorised officer; or

(b) a police officer; or

(d) a person employed by a passenger transport company or a bus company who has duties in relation to the issue, inspection or collection of tickets for travel in, or the operation of, a passenger vehicle; or

(e) a person appointed in writing by a passenger transport company, a bus company, a rail freight operator, Rail Track, the Secretary or the Head, Transport for Victoria for the purposes of these Regulations; or

(f) a bus company that is a natural person;

bicycle means a pedal bicycle, an electric bicycle or a modified bicycle;

bus premises has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Transport (Safety Schemes Compliance and Enforcement) Act 2014;

bus stop shelter means a place where passengers wait to catch a bus that—

(a) is covered by a shelter or other structure; and

(b) is public transport property;

compulsory ticket area has the same meaning as in regulation 5(1) of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Ticketing) Regulations 2017[1];

controller box means a container that houses electrical components;

designated tramway tracks means—

(a) the tramway tracks that run from the Whiteman Street tram stop, Southbank to the St Kilda Station tram stop; or

(b) the tramway tracks that run from the Whiteman Street tram stop, Southbank to the Port Melbourne tram stop;

electric bicycle means—

(a) a vehicle with 2 or more wheels that—

(i) is built to be propelled partly by human power through a belt, chain or gears; and

(ii) is fitted with one or more auxiliary motors that have a combined maximum ungoverned continuous rated power output of 200 watts or less; or

(b) an electrically-powered pedal cycle with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts, of which the output is—

(i) progressively reduced as the cycle's travel speed increases above 6 kilometres per hour; and

(ii) cut off where—

(A) the cycle reaches a speed of 25 kilometres per hour; or

(B) the cyclist is not pedalling and the travel speed exceeds 6 kilometres per hour—

but does not include a modified bicycle;

electric personal transporter has the same meaning as in the dictionary in the Road Rules;

electric scooter has the same meaning as in the dictionary in the Road Rules;

electric transportation device means a device that can be propelled by an electric motor or motors and used as a means of transportation but does not include an electric bicycle, an electric scooter or a motorised wheelchair;

Examples

An electric personal transporter, electric unicycle or electric skateboard.

face covering means a fitted face mask which covers a person's nose and mouth to provide that person with protection against infection but does not include a face shield;

folded, in relation to an electric scooter, means in its compacted and latched position;

folding bicycle means a bicycle that can be folded;

level crossing means—

(a) an area where a road and railway tracks meet at substantially the same level, whether or not there is a level crossing sign on the road at all or any of the entrances to the area; or

(b) an area where a road and tramway tracks meet at substantially the same level and that has a level crossing sign on the road at each entrance to the area;

Note

Rule 120 of the Road Rules includes diagrams of level crossing signs.

metropolitan train means a train that—

(a) is powered by electricity and operates on the metropolitan rail network; or

(b) is operated for the purpose of a rail service running between the Frankston railway station and the Stony Point railway station;

modified bicycle means a pedal bicycle that has been modified to attach an electric motor to propel the bicycle, including a pedal bicycle that has been fitted with an electric motor by attaching—

(a) to the frame of the bicycle—

(i) an external controller box; or

(ii) an external electric motor; or

(iii) a battery that is not integrated into the frame of the bicycle and that is not affixed to the frame by a mounting plate; or

Example

A battery that is attached to the frame of the bicycle by a hook and loop fastener, adhesive tape, a cable tie or a cord.

(b) an external electric motor to, in or as part of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle;

motor vehicle has the same meaning as in section 3(1) of the Road Safety Act 1986;

pandemic order has the same meaning as in section 3(1) of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008;

park has the same meaning as in Part 12 of the Road Rules;

passenger vehicle has the same meaning as in regulation 5(1) of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous)
(Ticketing) Regulations 2017;

pedal bicycle means a vehicle with 2 or more wheels that is built to be propelled wholly by human power through a belt, chain or gears;

pedestrian includes—

(a) a person in a motorised wheelchair that cannot travel at a speed of more than 10 kilometres per hour (on level ground); and

(b) a person in a non-motorised wheelchair; and

person who needs a priority seat means—

(a) a person who, because of age, disability, injury, illness or pregnancy, has a functional need to travel in a seat; or

(b) a carer of a person referred to in paragraph (a) who has a need for the carer's continuing or immediate assistance;

priority seat means a seat on a public transport vehicle or on public transport premises that is designated by the operator of the vehicle or the owner or occupier of the premises, by any notice or sign on the vehicle or premises, to be a seat for use by a person who needs a priority seat;

protective services officer has the same meaning as in section 3(1) of the Victoria Police Act 2013;

public transport premises means—

(a) railway premises; or

(b) bus premises;

public transport vehicle means a train, a tram or a bus operated by a passenger transport company, a rail freight operator or a bus company;

railway premises means any land, building, premises or structure owned, occupied or leased by—

(a) a passenger transport company in connection with its capacity as a provider of a passenger service; or

(b) a rail freight operator in connection with its capacity as a provider of a rail freight service; or

(d) the Head, Transport for Victoria in connection with its functions in relation to passenger services;

railway track means a railway used by a passenger transport company or rail freight operator to operate a railway for the carriage of passengers or freight;

reserved, in relation to a seat, means reserved on a V/Line passenger service or a V/Line bus service;

Road Rules means the Road Safety Road Rules 2017[2];

shared path has the same meaning as in the dictionary in the Road Rules;

small children's bicycle means a balance bicycle or a pedal bicycle that has a wheel diameter no greater than 31 centimetres and is intended for use by children;

stop has the same meaning as in Part 12 of the Road Rules;

the Act means the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983;

ticket has the same meaning as in regulation 5(1) of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Ticketing) Regulations 2017;

train includes a single carriage (whether powered or not) which does not form part of a set or series of carriages;

tram stop has the same meaning as in the dictionary in the Road Rules;

tram stop platform means a raised area of a tram stop other than where the raised area forms part of—

(a) a road; or

(b) a shared path;

tram stop shelter means a place where passengers wait to catch a tram that—

(a) is covered by a shelter or other structure; and

(b) is public transport property;

tramway track has the same meaning as in section 221U of the Act;

vehicle means a conveyance that is designed to be propelled or drawn by any means, whether or not it is capable of being so propelled or drawn, and includes the following—

(a) a motor vehicle;

(b) a trailer;

(d) an electric scooter;

(e) an air-cushion vehicle;

(f) an animal that is being ridden or that is drawing a vehicle;

(g) a combination of vehicles consisting of a motor vehicle connected to one or more vehicles—

but does not include the following—

(h) a wheelchair other than a motorised wheelchair capable of a speed of 10 kilometres per hour or more;

(i) a wheeled recreational device;

(j) a wheeled toy;

wheelchair has the same meaning as in the dictionary in the Road Rules;

wheelchair area means an area in a public transport vehicle or on public transport premises that is designated by the operator of the vehicle or the owner or occupier of the premises, by any notice or sign in or on the vehicle or premises, to be an area for use by a person in a wheelchair;

wheeled recreational device has the same meaning as in the dictionary in the Road Rules;

wheeled toy has the same meaning as in the dictionary in the Road Rules.

(2) For the purposes of these Regulations, the fact that a tramway track is not laid entirely on public streets or roads does not prevent a vehicle running on that tramway track from being characterised as a tram.

(3) To avoid doubt, a reference in these Regulations to a level crossing includes a reference to any area adjacent to the crossing that is denoted by painted cross-hatched road markings.

6 Liability for offences

An authorised person (conduct) or an employee, contractor or agent of a passenger transport company, a rail freight operator, a bus company or Rail Track is not liable to be prosecuted for or served with an infringement notice for an offence under these Regulations for anything reasonably done in the course of their duties.

Part 2—Conduct affecting safety

Division 1—General conduct offences

7 Conveying or bringing things likely to injure or endanger

(1) A person in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises must not convey or bring, or attempt to convey or bring, any thing that is likely to injure or endanger another person or damage property.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

Example

An explosive device or petrol contained in a fuel tank.

(2) A transport employee may, in the course of the employee's duties, direct a person not to convey or bring or attempt to convey or bring any thing into or onto a public transport vehicle if that thing is likely to injure or endanger any person or likely to damage any property if it is conveyed or brought into or onto the public transport vehicle.

(3) A transport employee may, in the course of the employee's duties, direct a person not to convey or bring or attempt to convey or bring any thing into or onto public transport premises if that thing is likely to injure or endanger any person or likely to damage any property if it is conveyed or brought into or onto the premises.

(4) A person must obey a direction given to that person under subregulation (2) or (3).

Penalty: 15 penalty units.

(5) In this regulation—

transport employee means an employee of a passenger transport company, a rail freight operator, Rail Track or a bus company.

8 Protruding part of body or object

A person in a public transport vehicle that is in motion must not protrude or cause to protrude from a door, window or hatch of the vehicle any, or any part, of the following—

(a) the person's body;

(b) another person's body;

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

9 Throwing or dropping things

(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, throw any thing from or at a public transport vehicle or public transport premises.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, drop any thing from a public transport vehicle or public transport premises.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

10 Creating obstructions

(1) A person in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises must not create an obstruction without reasonable excuse.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises must not do anything which is likely to cause an obstruction without reasonable excuse.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

11 Carriage of pedal bicycles and electric bicycles on metropolitan trains

(1) A person must not bring a pedal bicycle or an electric bicycle into or onto a metropolitan train through the first door of the first carriage of that train.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person must not be in possession of a pedal bicycle or an electric bicycle near the first door inside the first carriage of a metropolitan train.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(3) Subregulations (1) and (2) do not apply to a person bringing or being in possession of a pedal bicycle or an electric bicycle that can be folded and that is folded.

12 Carriage of modified bicycles on metropolitan trains

(1) A person must not bring a modified bicycle into or onto a metropolitan train.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person must not be in possession of a modified bicycle on a metropolitan train.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

13 Carriage of modified bicycles on V/Line passenger services

(1) A person must not bring a modified bicycle into or onto a V/Line passenger service.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person must not be in possession of a modified bicycle on a V/Line passenger service.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

14 Modified bicycles in compulsory ticket areas

(1) A person must not bring a modified bicycle into a compulsory ticket area.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person must not be in possession of a modified bicycle in a compulsory ticket area.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

15 Carriage of bicycles on trams and bicycles on tram stop platforms

(1) A person must not bring a bicycle into or onto a tram unless the bicycle is a folding bicycle that is folded.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person must not bring a bicycle (other than a folding bicycle) onto a tram stop platform.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(3) A person must not be in possession of a bicycle inside a tram unless the bicycle is a folding bicycle that is folded.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(4) A person must not be in possession of a bicycle (other than a folding bicycle) on a tram stop platform.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(5) Subregulations (1), (2), (3) and (4) do not apply to a person bringing or being in possession of a small children's bicycle.

16 Carriage of bicycles on buses

(1) A person must not bring a bicycle into or onto a bus that is a public transport vehicle.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person must not be in possession of a bicycle inside a bus that is a public transport vehicle.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(3) Subregulations (1) and (2) do not apply to a person bringing or being in possession of—

(a) a folding bicycle that is folded; or

(b) a small children's bicycle; or

(i) that is equipped to carry bicycles; or

(ii) that is being used to replace a V/Line passenger service.

17 Carriage of electric scooters on trams and electric scooters on tram stop platforms

(1) A person must not bring an electric scooter that is not folded into or onto a tram.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person must not bring an electric scooter that is not capable of being folded onto a tram stop platform.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(3) A person must not be in possession of an electric scooter that is not folded inside a tram.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(4) A person must not be in possession of an electric scooter that is not capable of being folded on a tram stop platform.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

18 Carriage of electric scooters on buses

(1) A person must not bring an electric scooter that is not folded into or onto a bus that is a public transport vehicle.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person must not be in possession of an electric scooter that is not folded inside a bus that is a public transport vehicle.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(3) Subregulations (1) and (2) do not apply in relation to a V/Line bus service.

19 Riding bicycles etc. on public transport vehicles

A person must not ride a bicycle, an electric scooter, an electric transportation device, a wheeled recreational device or a wheeled toy in or on a public transport vehicle.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

20 Charging or operating electric bicycles, electric scooters and electric transportation devices on public transport vehicles

(1) A person must not be in possession of an electric bicycle, electric scooter or electric transportation device that is switched on or being operated in or on a public transport vehicle.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person must not charge an electric bicycle, electric scooter or electric transportation device in or on a public transport vehicle.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

21 Charging or operating electric bicycles, electric scooters and electric transportation devices in compulsory ticket areas

(1) A person must not be in possession of an electric bicycle, electric scooter or electric transportation device that is switched on or being operated in a compulsory ticket area.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person must not charge an electric bicycle, electric scooter or electric transportation device in a compulsory ticket area.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

22 Driving, riding or parking a vehicle on public transport premises

(1) A person must not drive, ride or park a vehicle on any part of public transport premises that is not designated for the use of vehicles of that type.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person who drives, rides or parks a vehicle on public transport premises must obey all parking control signs that apply to the premises.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(3) A person who drives or rides a vehicle or a wheeled recreational device on public transport premises must obey all traffic control devices that apply to the premises.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(4) A person must not drive or ride a vehicle or a wheeled recreational device on public transport premises in a manner likely to cause injury to or to endanger any person or to damage property.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(5) A person must not park a vehicle on public transport premises in a manner likely to cause an obstruction.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(6) A person must comply with any direction (whether given orally, in writing or otherwise) about driving, riding, stopping, removing or parking of vehicles or wheeled recreational devices given to the person by an authorised person (conduct) while the person is on public transport premises.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

Example

A direction given by means of a hand signal.

(7) In this regulation—

parking control sign has the same meaning as in the dictionary in the Road Rules;

traffic control device has the same meaning as in the dictionary in the Road Rules.

23 Unauthorised entering and leaving vehicles and premises

(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, enter or leave or attempt to enter or leave a public transport vehicle while the vehicle is in motion.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person must not, without reasonable excuse or the permission of an authorised person (conduct), enter or leave or attempt to enter or leave a train or tram that stops next to a platform other than by a doorway next to the platform, unless such a doorway is unavailable.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(3) A person must not, without reasonable excuse or the permission of an authorised person (conduct), enter or leave or attempt to enter or leave a public transport vehicle, public transport premises or a compulsory ticket area other than through an entrance or exit provided for passengers or the public.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(4) A person must not, without reasonable excuse or the permission of an authorised person (conduct), enter or leave or attempt to enter or leave a public transport vehicle, public transport premises or a compulsory ticket area through an emergency exit other than in an emergency.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(5) A person must not, without reasonable excuse or the permission of an authorised person (conduct), jump or climb over any barrier on public transport premises.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(6) A person must not, without reasonable excuse or the permission of an authorised person (conduct), enter or attempt to enter a public transport vehicle if the vehicle has stopped only for passengers to leave.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(7) A person must not, without reasonable excuse or the permission of an authorised person (conduct), leave or attempt to leave a public transport vehicle if the vehicle has stopped only for passengers to enter.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

24 Travelling in, or mounting of, places not intended for travel

(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, step, stand, sit, kneel or lie on or hold onto an exterior part of a public transport vehicle while the vehicle is in motion.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A rider of an electric scooter must not attach or attempt to attach themselves or another person or the electric scooter to the exterior of a public transport vehicle for any purpose.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note

It is an offence against section 221ZE(2) of the Act for a person to attach themselves or a bicycle, wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy to a train, tram or bus.

Division 2—Interfering with equipment or
property offences

25 Interference with gates and doors

(1) A person in or on any public transport vehicle or on public transport premises must not, without reasonable excuse, unlock a lock or open a locked door.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2) A person in or on any public transport vehicle or on public transport premises must not, without reasonable excuse, lock any unlocked door.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3) A person in or on any public transport vehicle or on public transport premises must not, without reasonable excuse, open or interfere with any locked gate or door.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(4) A person in or on any public transport vehicle or on public transport premises must not, without reasonable excuse, close or interfere with any unlocked or opened gate or door.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(5) A person in or on any public transport vehicle or on public transport premises must not, without reasonable excuse, prevent or attempt to prevent an automatic door from opening or closing.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(6) A person in or on any public transport vehicle or on public transport premises must not, without reasonable excuse, if the release mechanism of an automatic door is operated by an authorised person (conduct), open or attempt to open the automatic door before the release mechanism is operated by the authorised person (conduct).

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(7) A person in or on any public transport vehicle or on public transport premises must not, without reasonable excuse, make use of an automatic door in a manner likely to cause damage to the release or closing mechanism connected to the door.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(8) A person in or on any public transport vehicle must not, without reasonable excuse, open or hold open any door on the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion if the door provides access to the outside of the vehicle.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

26 Prescribed equipment

The equipment set out in Schedule 2 is prescribed equipment for the purposes of section 222B(1) of the Act.

27 Damage to property

A person must not destroy, damage or deface any property belonging to, occupied by, leased by or otherwise under the control of a passenger transport company, a rail freight operator, Rail Track or a bus company.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

28 Fires on public transport vehicles and public transport premises

(1) A person must not light a fire in or on a public transport vehicle.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2) A person must not light a fire in or on public transport premises without appropriate written authorisation.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3) A person must not leave a fire that has been lit by that person in or on public transport premises until the fire is completely extinguished.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(4) A person must not bring any burning substance into or onto a public transport vehicle or, by any act or omission, cause a burning substance to be brought into or onto a public transport vehicle.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(5) A person must not bring any burning substance into or onto public transport premises or, by any act or omission, cause a burning substance to be brought into or onto public transport premises in circumstances likely to cause injury to or to endanger any person or to damage any property.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(6) A person must not throw or drop any burning substance onto or from any public transport vehicle or public transport premises.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(7) A person must not, by any act or omission, cause a burning substance to be thrown or dropped onto or from any public transport vehicle or public transport premises.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(8) A person must not throw any burning substance at a public transport vehicle or public transport premises.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(9) In this regulation—

burning substance includes a cigarette or cigar or any part of a cigarette or cigar.

Division 3—Crossing railway tracks and tramway tracks offences

29 Definitions

In this Division—

pedestrian crossing means a place provided for crossing over railway tracks or designated tramway tracks by pedestrians;

pedestrian gate includes a pedestrian boom or pedestrian barrier;

twin red lights has the same meaning as in the dictionary in the Road Rules.

30 Crossing of railway tracks or designated tramway tracks by pedestrians

(1) A pedestrian must not cross or attempt to cross railway tracks or designated tramway tracks other than at a pedestrian crossing unless directed to do so by an authorised person (conduct).

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A pedestrian must not cross or attempt to cross railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a pedestrian crossing if—

(a) a train or tram approaching the crossing can be seen from the crossing, or is sounding a warning; and

(b) there would be a danger of the pedestrian being struck by the train or tram if the pedestrian entered the crossing.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(3) A pedestrian must not cross or attempt to cross railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a pedestrian crossing if the crossing, or a footpath beyond the crossing, is blocked.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

Examples

The crossing, or a footpath beyond the crossing, may be blocked by congested traffic, a car accident or stock on the footpath.

(4) A pedestrian must not cross or attempt to cross railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a pedestrian crossing if the pedestrian is directed not to do so by an authorised person (conduct).

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(5) A pedestrian must not cross or attempt to cross railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a pedestrian crossing that has pedestrian gates that operate independently from pedestrian gates on the other side of the pedestrian crossing if a pedestrian gate on the same side of the pedestrian crossing as the pedestrian is closed or is opening or closing.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(6) If any of the following events occurs after a pedestrian has entered a pedestrian crossing, the pedestrian must exit the pedestrian crossing without delay—

(a) warning lights (for example, twin red lights or rotating red lights) start operating or warning bells start ringing;

(b) a gate, boom or barrier at a level crossing next to the pedestrian crossing starts to close;

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(7) In this regulation—

footpath has the same meaning as in the dictionary in the Road Rules.

31 Pedestrian crossings other than pedestrian crossings that have independent pedestrian gates

(1) This regulation does not apply in relation to a pedestrian crossing that has pedestrian gates that operate independently from pedestrian gates on the other side of the pedestrian crossing.

(2) A pedestrian must not cross or attempt to cross railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a pedestrian crossing if warning lights (for example, twin red lights or rotating red lights) are operating or warning bells are ringing.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(3) A pedestrian must not cross or attempt to cross railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a pedestrian crossing if a train or tram is on or entering the pedestrian crossing.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(4) A pedestrian must not cross or attempt to cross railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a pedestrian crossing if a gate, boom or barrier at a level crossing next to the pedestrian crossing is closed or is opening or closing.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(5) A pedestrian must not cross or attempt to cross railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a pedestrian crossing if—

(a) the pedestrian crossing has pedestrian gates next to a level crossing that operate together with pedestrian gates on the other side of the pedestrian crossing; and

(b) a pedestrian gate next to the level crossing is closed or is opening or closing.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

32 Driving or riding across railway tracks or designated tramway tracks

(1) A person must not drive or ride or attempt to drive or ride a vehicle or wheeled recreational device across railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a place other than a level crossing.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2) A person must not drive or ride or attempt to drive or ride a vehicle or wheeled recreational device across railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a level crossing if warning lights (for example, twin red lights or rotating red lights) are operating or warning bells are ringing.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3) A person must not drive or ride or attempt to drive or ride a vehicle or wheeled recreational device across railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a level crossing if a gate, boom or barrier at the crossing is closed or is opening or closing.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(4) A person must not drive or ride or attempt to drive or ride a vehicle or wheeled recreational device across railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a level crossing if a train or tram is on or entering the crossing.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(5) A person must not drive or ride or attempt to drive or ride a vehicle or wheeled recreational device across railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a level crossing if a train or tram approaching the crossing can be seen from the crossing, or is sounding a warning, and there would be a danger of a collision with the train or tram if the person entered the crossing.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(6) A person must not drive or ride or attempt to drive or ride a vehicle or wheeled recreational device across railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a level crossing if the person cannot drive or ride through the crossing because the crossing, or a road beyond the crossing, is blocked.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

Examples

The crossing, or a road beyond the crossing, may be blocked by congested traffic, a disabled vehicle, a collision between vehicles or between a vehicle and a pedestrian or stock on the road.

(7) A person must not drive or ride or attempt to drive or ride a vehicle or wheeled recreational device across railway tracks or designated tramway tracks at a level crossing if the person is directed not to do so by an authorised person (conduct).

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

33 Stopping on crossings between boom gates

A person who drives or rides a vehicle or wheeled recreational device across railway tracks or designated tramway tracks must not stop the vehicle or wheeled recreational device on a level crossing between boom gates.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

34 Entering onto tramway tracks and otherwise moving between platforms and tracks

(1) This regulation does not apply in relation to designated tramway tracks.

(2) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, enter a place between 2 platforms in which there is a tramway track other than at a place provided for crossing by pedestrians.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(3) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, descend from a platform onto a tramway track other than at a place provided for descending by pedestrians.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(4) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, ascend onto a platform from a tramway track other than at a place provided for ascending by pedestrians.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

35 Entering onto railway tracks and designated tramway tracks and otherwise moving between platforms and tracks

(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, enter a place between 2 platforms in which there is a railway track or designated tramway track other than at a place provided for crossing by pedestrians.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, descend from a platform onto a railway track or designated tramway track other than at a place provided for descending by pedestrians.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, enter onto a railway track or designated tramway track other than at a place provided for crossing by pedestrians.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

Division 4—Face coverings

36 Wearing a face covering on public transport if required by a pandemic order

(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, enter or travel in a passenger vehicle without wearing a face covering if a pandemic order is in force that requires a person to wear a face covering in that circumstance.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, be in or on the following without wearing a face covering if a pandemic order is in force that requires a person to wear a face covering in or on such a place—

(a) a railway station, including—

(i) a train platform; and

(ii) any compulsory ticket area that is not a train platform;

(b) a tram stop shelter or bus stop shelter;

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3) For the purposes of subregulations (1) and (2), reasonable excuse includes, but is not limited to, that the person is exempted from wearing a face covering in accordance with the pandemic order.

Part 3—Conduct affecting amenity

37 Indecent, obscene, etc. language and behaviour

A person in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises must not—

(a) use indecent, obscene, offensive or threatening language; or

(b) behave in an indecent, obscene, offensive, threatening, disorderly, riotous or violent manner.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

38 Committing a nuisance or conveying things likely to annoy etc.

(1) A person in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises must not convey, bring or attempt to convey or bring any thing that is likely to annoy or disturb another person.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(2) A person in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises must not commit a nuisance or act in a way that is likely to interfere with the comfort of another person.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

39 Musical instruments on public transport vehicles or premises

A person must not play a musical instrument in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises without appropriate written authorisation.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

40 Sound equipment on public transport vehicles or premises

(1) A person must not operate any sound equipment in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises unless—

(a) the sound from the equipment is contained by the use of headphones; or

(b) the sound is inaudible to other persons in or on the vehicle or premises; or

(c) the person is using a mobile telephone to make or receive a telephone call and the mobile telephone is not on loudspeaker; or

(d) the person has appropriate written authorisation.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(2) In this regulation—

sound equipment means any device capable of producing sound.

Examples

A radio, smart phone or tablet.

41 Selling and busking etc. on public transport vehicles or premises

(1) A person in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises must not, without appropriate written authorisation—

(a) sell, offer to sell or expose for sale any thing; or

(b) hire or offer for hire any thing; or

unless that conduct is solicited.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(2) A person in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises must not, without appropriate written authorisation—

(a) distribute handbills; or

(b) solicit money or goods from any person; or

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

42 Drinking liquor or possessing an open container of liquor on public transport vehicles or premises

(1) A person in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises must not drink from a container that contains, or purports to contain, liquor, unless the liquor has been purchased from, and is consumed at, a place that has been authorised by a passenger transport company, a rail freight operator, a bus company or Rail Track as a place where liquor may be consumed.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(2) A person in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises must not possess an open container that contains, or purports to contain, liquor, unless the liquor has been purchased from, and is consumed at, a place that has been authorised by a passenger transport company, a rail freight operator, a bus company or Rail Track as a place where liquor may be consumed.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(3) In this regulation—

liquor has the same meaning as in section 3(1) of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.

43 Smoking on public transport vehicles or premises

(1) A person must not smoke in or on any of the following—

(a) a public transport vehicle;

(b) a tram stop shelter or bus stop shelter;

(d) a compulsory ticket area (other than a train platform);

(e) a tram stop platform;

(f) any other public transport premises or part of public transport premises where a notice is displayed stating that smoking on the premises or that part of the premises is prohibited.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(2) A passenger transport company or bus company must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that acceptable no smoking signs are displayed in any public transport vehicle operated by the passenger transport company or bus company in places where a person on that vehicle is reasonably likely to see one or more of the signs.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(3) A responsible entity in respect of a tram stop shelter or bus stop shelter must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that acceptable no smoking signs are displayed at the shelter in a manner in which a person is reasonably likely to see one or more of the signs when the person is in or is entering the shelter.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(4) A responsible entity in respect of a train platform, compulsory ticket area (other than a train platform) or tram stop platform must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that acceptable no smoking signs are displayed on the platform or in the area in a manner in which a person is reasonably likely to see one or more of the signs when the person is in or on or is entering the platform or area.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(5) In this regulation—

acceptable no smoking sign has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Tobacco Act 1987;

occupier means—

(a) in respect of a tram stop shelter or bus stop shelter, the infrastructure manager (within the meaning of section 3(1) of the Road Management Act 2004) of the shelter; or

(b) in respect of a train platform, compulsory ticket area (other than a train platform) or tram stop platform, the passenger transport company that occupies the platform or area;

responsible entity, in respect of a tram stop shelter, bus stop shelter, train platform, compulsory ticket area (other than a train platform) or tram stop platform, means—

(a) if there is an occupier of that place, the occupier; or

(b) if there is no such occupier, the owner of that place;

smoke means—

(a) smoke, hold or otherwise have control over an ignited or heated tobacco product; or

(b) use a vaping device to generate or release an aerosol or vapour; or

tobacco product has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Tobacco Act 1987;

vaping device has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Tobacco Act 1987.

44 Littering on public transport vehicles or premises

(1) A person must not leave or deposit litter in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises except in a receptacle provided for that purpose.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(2) A person must not leave or deposit any thing in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises that may endanger any person or property except in a receptacle provided for that purpose.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

Example

A broken glass bottle.

(3) In this regulation—

litter has the same meaning as in section 3(1) of the Environment Protection Act 2017.

45 Spitting

(1) A person must not spit in, on or at a public transport vehicle or on public transport premises.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) A person who is in or on a public transport vehicle or public transport premises must not spit at or on another person.

Penalty: 15 penalty units.

46 Soiling of furniture

A person must not, without reasonable excuse—

(a) soil or damage any furniture; or

(b) allow an animal of which the person is in charge to soil or damage any furniture—

that is the property of a passenger transport company or bus company.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

47 Placing luggage as directed

A passenger on a public transport vehicle must place luggage carried by that passenger as directed by an authorised person (conduct).

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

48 Graffiti

A person must not, in or on any public transport vehicle or public transport premises, without appropriate written authorisation—

(a) write or draw any word, representation or character; or

(b) affix any poster.

Penalty: 20 penalty units.

49 Scratching or burning

A person must not scratch or burn a public transport vehicle or public transport premises.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

50 Animals on public transport vehicles or premises

(1) A person must not take any animal onto or into a public transport vehicle or public transport premises unless the person is permitted to do so under subregulation (2).

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(2) A person is permitted to take an animal onto or into a public transport vehicle or public transport premises if the animal is—

(a) a guide dog or hearing dog or a guide dog or hearing dog in training for a person with a sight or hearing impairment; or

(b) an assistance animal; or

(i) is designed specifically for the carriage of animals; and

(ii) is suitable for the carriage of that small animal; or

(d) in the case of a metropolitan train or public transport premises, a dog that—

(i) is restrained by the person by a lead or harness; and

(ii) is prevented from biting by a muzzle.

(3) A person who takes an animal onto or into a public transport vehicle or public transport premises must remove any matter emanating from the animal or its container from the vehicle or premises.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(4) An authorised person (conduct) may ask a person in charge of an animal in a public transport vehicle or on public transport premises to remove the animal from the vehicle or premises if, in the opinion of the authorised person (conduct), the animal is causing a disturbance or acting in a manner that poses a risk to the safety of any person.

(5) A person must remove an animal from a public transport vehicle or public transport premises immediately after being asked to do so under subregulation (4).

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(6) In this regulation—

assistance animal has the same meaning as in section 4(1) of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 of the Commonwealth.

51 Animals on seats

A person who takes an animal onto a public transport vehicle must not allow the animal to occupy a seat or otherwise prevent another person from using a seat on the vehicle.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

52 Animals not to stray

A person must not allow an animal to stray or wander onto or into a public transport vehicle or public transport premises.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

Part 4—Seating on public transport vehicles or premises

53 Person must vacate priority seat for person who needs a priority seat

A person who is sitting on a priority seat must vacate the seat if—

(a) the person is not a person who needs a priority seat; and

(b) the person is requested to vacate the seat by or on behalf of a person who needs a priority seat or by an authorised person (conduct) to enable a person who needs a priority seat to occupy the seat.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

54 Person must vacate seat for person who needs a priority seat

A person who is sitting on a seat (other than a priority seat or a reserved seat) on a public transport vehicle or on public transport premises must vacate the seat if—

(a) the person is not a person who needs a priority seat; and

(c) each priority seat to which the person who needs a priority seat has reasonable access on the vehicle or on the premises is already occupied by another person who needs a priority seat.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

55 Person must vacate wheelchair area in certain circumstances

(1) A person who is occupying a wheelchair area in a carriage of a train that is a public transport vehicle must vacate the area if—

(a) the person is not in a wheelchair; and

(b) a person in a wheelchair enters that carriage of the train; and

(c) there is no other wheelchair area in the carriage that is closer to the door of the carriage by which the person in a wheelchair entered the carriage.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(2) A person who is occupying a wheelchair area in a tram or a bus that is a public transport vehicle must vacate the area if—

(a) the person is not in a wheelchair; and

(b) a person in a wheelchair enters the tram or bus; and

(c) there is no other wheelchair area in the tram or bus that is closer to the door of the tram or bus by which the person in a wheelchair entered the tram or bus.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

(3) A person who is occupying a wheelchair area must vacate the area if—

(a) the person is not in a wheelchair; and

(b) the person is requested to vacate the area by or on behalf of a person in a wheelchair or by an authorised person (conduct) to enable the area to be occupied by a person in a wheelchair.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

56 Occupying unreserved seats

A person who is sitting on a seat on a public transport vehicle and is using another seat that is not a reserved seat must make the other seat available for another person to sit on if requested to do so by the other person.

Example

A person placing a bag on another seat.

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

57 Unauthorised travel and seating

(1) A person must not, without obtaining permission from an authorised person (conduct), occupy a compartment, sleeping berth, seat or other place in or on a public transport vehicle contrary to—

(a) a condition determined by the Head, Transport for Victoria under section 220D(1) of the Act; or

(b) a condition of travel specified in writing by the passenger transport company or the bus company that operates the public transport vehicle.

(2) An authorised person (conduct) may request a person in or on a public transport vehicle to comply with a condition referred to in subregulation (1)(a) or (b).

(3) An authorised person (conduct) may, on reasonable grounds, request a person in or on a public transport vehicle to occupy a particular seat on that vehicle.

(4) A person must comply with a request made by an authorised person (conduct) under subregulation (2) or (3).

Penalty: 5 penalty units.

Part 5—Miscellaneous

58 Prosecution or infringement for more than one offence

A person is not liable to be prosecuted or served with an infringement notice for an offence against regulation 36(1) or (2) if, in relation to the same facts or circumstances, that person has been prosecuted or served with an infringement notice for an offence against section 165BN(1) of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.

59 Request to leave vehicle or premises

(1) An authorised person (conduct) may ask a person to leave a public transport vehicle if—

(a) the person enters the vehicle when it is too full to carry any more passengers in a safe manner; or

(b) the person remains in a doorway, vestibule, corridor or gangway of the public transport vehicle after being asked by an authorised person (conduct) not to do so; or

(d) the person is behaving in an indecent, obscene, offensive, threatening, disorderly, riotous or violent manner; or

(e) the authorised person (conduct) reasonably believes that the person's clothing or luggage is likely to soil or damage any property of the passenger transport company, rail freight operator or bus company that operates the public transport vehicle or any property of Rail Track or any other person; or

(f) the person enters, boards or attempts to enter or board the public transport vehicle after being asked by an authorised person (conduct) not to do so.

(2) An authorised person (conduct) may ask a person to leave public transport premises if—

(a) the person is using indecent, obscene, offensive or threatening language; or

(b) the person is behaving in an indecent, obscene, offensive, threatening, disorderly, riotous or violent manner.

(3) An authorised person (conduct) may ask a person to leave a public transport vehicle or public transport premises if the authorised person (conduct) reasonably believes that—

(a) in the case of a public transport vehicle that is a passenger vehicle, the person has failed to comply with regulation 7(1), 8(2) or 10(3) of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Ticketing) Regulations 2017 in respect of travel in that passenger vehicle; or

(b) in the case of public transport premises, the person has failed to comply with regulation 7(2), 9(2) or 11(3) of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Ticketing) Regulations 2017 in respect of an entry to a compulsory ticket area that is part of the premises; or

(4) A person who is asked to leave a public transport vehicle or public transport premises under subregulation (1), (2) or (3) must comply with the request immediately.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

Schedule 1—Revoked regulations

Regulation 4

S.R. No.	Title
72/2015	Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2015
49/2017	Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Amendment Regulations 2017
57/2019	Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) and (Ticketing) Amendment Regulations 2019
168/2019	Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) and (Ticketing) Further Amendment Regulations 2019
2/2022	Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) and (Infringements) (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Regulations 2022
48/2023	Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) and (Ticketing) Amendment (Prescribed Equipment and Processes) Regulations 2023

Schedule 2—Prescribed equipment

Regulation 26

Table

Item	Equipment
1.	A TTA: ACS Expert 900 Melbourne: CVM/AVM-s, also known as a myki machine (stationary).
2.	A Parkeon (Wayfarer) TCON product Melbourne: Bus Driver Console BDC, also known as a Bus Driver Console.
3.	A Parkeon (Wayfarer) TCON product Melbourne: Depot Card Management Console, also known as a Depot Card Management Console.
4.	A Parkeon (Wayfarer) ICON Product Melbourne: Primary Tram Driver Console TDC, also known as a Tram Driver Console.
5.	A Parkeon (Wayfarer) ICON Product Melbourne: Secondary Tram Driver Console TDC.
6.	An ACS Product family EVD121 Melbourne: Standalone Enquiry Machine (SEM), also known as a myki check.
7.	A Motorola MobileCompia (M3) MC6500S.
8.	A Melbourne: Ticket Office Machine (Terminal) Fixed (TOM/TOT-F).
9.	A Melbourne: Ticket Office Machine (Terminal) Mobile (TOM/TOT-M).
10.	A Melbourne: Ticket Office Machine (Terminal) Smart Card Management Terminal (TOM SMT).
11.	An ACS Product family EVD240 Melbourne: Fare Payment Device Mobile, including the housing for that equipment.
12.	An ACS Product family EVD141 Melbourne: Fare Payment Device Stationary, including the housing for that equipment.
13.	An ACS Product family EVD360 Melbourne: Fare Payment Device Mobile, including the housing for that equipment.
14.	A PSION WORKABOUT PRO S Model 7527S-G2.
15.	An ACS Electronic Validation Device EVD340, including the housing for that equipment.
16.	An operator access card within the meaning of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Ticketing) Regulations 2017.
17.	A vehicle control unit within the meaning of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Ticketing) Regulations 2017.
18.	An ACS product family AGC100 Arcos Gate Controller, also known as a Gate Attendant Control, including the housing for that equipment.
19.	An electronic gate kit, also known as an EGK.
20.	An M3 Mobile M3 Orange.
21.	A ZEBRA Model TC77.
22.	A Vix Product Family iVal CR6000 Fare Payment Device, including the housing for that equipment.
23.	The central computer system within the meaning of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Ticketing) Regulations 2017.
24.	A ticket barrier within the meaning of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Ticketing) Regulations 2017.
25.	A smartcard security access module within the meaning of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Ticketing) Regulations 2017.
26.	A Vix product family DC6000 Primary Tram Driver Console, also known as a TDC.
27.	A Vix product family DC6000 Secondary Tram Driver Console, also known as a TDC.
28.	A Vix product family DC6000 Bus Driver Console, also known as a BDC.
29.	A Vix product family iVal CP6500 Fare Payment Device, also known as a myki reader, including the housing for that equipment.
30.	A Vix product family PCP6100 Standalone Enquiry Machine, also known as an SEM or a myki check.
31.	A Vix Gate Attendant Control, also known as a Gate Attendant Control, including the housing for that equipment.

═════════════

Endnotes

1 General information

See www.legislation.vic.gov.au for Victorian Bills, Acts and current Versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.

The Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025, S.R. No. 147/2025 were made on 16 December 2025 by the Governor in Council under sections 56, 249B and 256 of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983, No. 9921/1983 and came into operation on 21 December 2025: regulation 3.

The Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025 will sunset 10 years after the day of making on 16 December 2035 (see section 5 of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994).

INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION ACT 1984 (ILA)

Style changes

Section 54A of the ILA authorises the making of the style changes set out in Schedule 1 to that Act.

References to ILA s. 39B

Sidenotes which cite ILA s. 39B refer to section 39B of the ILA which provides that where an undivided regulation, rule or clause of a Schedule is amended by the insertion of one or more subregulations, subrules or subclauses the original regulation, rule or clause becomes subregulation, subrule or subclause (1) and is amended by the insertion of the expression "(1)" at the beginning of the original regulation, rule or clause.

Interpretation

As from 1 January 2001, amendments to section 36 of the ILA have the following effects:

• Headings

All headings included in a Statutory Rule which is made on or after
1 January 2001 form part of that Statutory Rule. Any heading inserted in a Statutory Rule which was made before 1 January 2001, by a Statutory Rule made on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Statutory Rule.
This includes headings to Parts, Divisions or Subdivisions in a Schedule; Orders; Parts into which an Order is divided; clauses; regulations; rules; items; tables; columns; examples; diagrams; notes or forms.
See section 36(1A)(2A)(2B).

• Examples, diagrams or notes

All examples, diagrams or notes included in a Statutory Rule which is made on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Statutory Rule. Any examples, diagrams or notes inserted in a Statutory Rule which was made before 1 January 2001, by a Statutory Rule made on or after 1 January 2001, form part of that Statutory Rule. See section 36(3A).

• Punctuation

All punctuation included in a Statutory Rule which is made on or after
1 January 2001 forms part of that Statutory Rule. Any punctuation inserted in a Statutory Rule which was made before 1 January 2001, by a Statutory Rule made on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Statutory Rule.
See section 36(3B).

• Provision numbers

All provision numbers included in a Statutory Rule form part of that Statutory Rule, whether inserted in the Statutory Rule before, on or after
1 January 2001. Provision numbers include regulation numbers, rule numbers, subregulation numbers, subrule numbers, paragraphs and subparagraphs. See section 36(3C).

• Location of "legislative items"

A "legislative item" is a penalty, an example or a note. As from 13 October 2004, a legislative item relating to a provision of a Statutory Rule is taken to be at the foot of that provision even if it is preceded or followed by another legislative item that relates to that provision. For example, if a penalty at the foot of a provision is followed by a note, both of these legislative items will be regarded as being at the foot of that provision. See section 36B.

• Other material

Any explanatory memorandum, table of provisions, endnotes, index and other material printed after the Endnotes does not form part of a Statutory Rule. See section 36(3)(3D)(3E).

2 Table of Amendments

There are no amendments made to the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025 by statutory rules, subordinate instruments and Acts.

3 Explanatory details

Reg. 5(1) def. of compulsory ticket area: S.R. No. 48/2017 as amended by S.R. Nos 22/2018, 55/2018, 150/2018, 22/2019, 57/2019, 168/2019, 6/2020, 103/2020, 87/2021, 48/2023, 129/2024 and 22/2025. ↑
Reg. 5(1) def. of Road Rules: S.R. No. 41/2017 as amended by
S.R. Nos 6/2018, 87/2018, 88/2018, 96/2019, 121/2019, 153/2019, 121/2020, 35/2021, 111/2021, 135/2021, 30/2022, 38/2022, 7/2023, 22/2023, 101/2024, 21/2025, 67/2025 and 102/2025.

——

Penalty Units

These Regulations provide for penalties by reference to penalty units within the meaning of section 110 of the Sentencing Act 1991. The amount of the penalty is to be calculated, in accordance with section 7 of the Monetary Units Act 2004, by multiplying the number of penalty units applicable by the value of a penalty unit.

The value of a penalty unit for the financial year commencing 1 July 2025 is $203.51. The amount of the calculated penalty may be rounded to the nearest dollar.

The value of a penalty unit for future financial years is to be fixed by the Treasurer under section 5 of the Monetary Units Act 2004. The value of a penalty unit for a financial year must be published in the Government Gazette and a Victorian newspaper before 1 June in the preceding financial year. ↑

1 Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025

Version No. 001

Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025

S.R. No. 147/2025

Version as at
21 December 2025

TABLE OF PROVISIONS

Regulation Page

Part 1—Preliminary 1

1 Objectives 1

2 Authorising provisions 2

3 Commencement 2

4 Revocations 2

5 Definitions 2

6 Liability for offences 11

Part 2—Conduct affecting safety 12

Division 1—General conduct offences 12

7 Conveying or bringing things likely to injure or endanger 12

8 Protruding part of body or object 13

9 Throwing or dropping things 13

10 Creating obstructions 13

11 Carriage of pedal bicycles and electric bicycles on metropolitan trains 14

12 Carriage of modified bicycles on metropolitan trains 14

13 Carriage of modified bicycles on V/Line passenger services 14

14 Modified bicycles in compulsory ticket areas 15

15 Carriage of bicycles on trams and bicycles on tram stop platforms 15

16 Carriage of bicycles on buses 16

17 Carriage of electric scooters on trams and electric scooters on tram stop platforms 16

18 Carriage of electric scooters on buses 17

19 Riding bicycles etc. on public transport vehicles 17

20 Charging or operating electric bicycles, electric scooters and electric transportation devices on public transport vehicles 17

21 Charging or operating electric bicycles, electric scooters and electric transportation devices in compulsory ticket areas 18

22 Driving, riding or parking a vehicle on public transport premises 18

23 Unauthorised entering and leaving vehicles and premises 19

24 Travelling in, or mounting of, places not intended for travel 21

Division 2—Interfering with equipment or property offences 21

25 Interference with gates and doors 21

26 Prescribed equipment 23

27 Damage to property 23

28 Fires on public transport vehicles and public transport premises 23

The Regulations organise conduct rules by concept and outcome. Key legal concepts are defined and carry operational consequence across the scheme (regulation 5). Those definitions, which are the pivot points of the Regulations, include:

Authorised person (conduct): a broad category covering authorised officers (as defined in s 208 of the Act), police, protective services officers, certain employees of passenger transport or bus companies who deal with ticketing or operations, persons appointed in writing by passenger transport companies, rail freight operators, Rail Track, the Secretary or the Head, Transport for Victoria, and a bus company that is a natural person (regulation 5(1), definition of authorised person (conduct)). That definition places decision‑making powers and discretion to give directions, issue requests to leave and make seat allocation demands in a wide, partly private workforce. The text makes clear these persons can give directions in a range of safety and amenity contexts (see regulations 7(2)-(4), 59).
Public transport vehicle and public transport premises: these definitions determine where the Regulations apply. Public transport vehicle includes trains, trams and buses operated by passenger transport companies, rail freight operators or bus companies (regulation 5). Public transport premises includes railway premises and bus premises (regulation 5). The definitions adopt references to other Acts (eg Road Rules; Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Ticketing) Regulations 2017).
Compulsory ticket area: this is drawn from the ticketing regulations (regulation 5(1)), and multiple prohibitions attach to compulsory ticket areas (eg modified bicycles, charging devices, face coverings where a pandemic order applies).
Vehicle categories and micro‑categories: bicycle, pedal bicycle, electric bicycle, modified bicycle, folding bicycle and small children’s bicycle are separately defined (regulation 5). The distinction between electric bicycle and modified bicycle is operationally significant. An electric bicycle is defined by power outputs and cut‑out speeds (with an express exclusion for modified bicycles), whereas a modified bicycle is a pedal bicycle retrofitted with external motors, controller boxes or non‑integrated batteries (regulation 5). The Regulations impose differing carriage restrictions and penalties depending on those categories (regulations 11-16).
Electric transportation device and electric scooter: electric transportation device is a catch‑all for non‑bicycle electric devices, and the electric scooter definition is sourced from the Road Rules (regulation 5). Charging, operating and carriage rules differ across device types (regulations 17-21).
Reasonable excuse and appropriate written authorisation: many offences are qualified by “without reasonable excuse” and by the requirement of “appropriate written authorisation” for conduct such as busking, playing musical instruments, lighting fires and using sound equipment (regulations 20, 21, 25, 39-41, 28(2)). Appropriate written authorisation is defined as written authorisation from the operator in relation to vehicles, or owner/occupier in relation to premises (regulation 5(1)). That creates a gatekeeping mechanism that centralises discretion with operators and occupiers.
Prescribed equipment: Schedule 2 lists ticketing and fare control hardware, declared “prescribed equipment” for the purposes of s 222B(1) of the Act (regulation 26). That links to separate prohibitions in the Act on interference with equipment, but the Regulations provide the concrete inventory of devices covered.

Conceptually the Regulations mix criminal prohibitions with administrative and quasi‑contractual obligations. Many provisions are expressed as offences with specified penalty units; others empower authorised persons to make directives, including temporary removal from vehicles or premises (regulation 59). The instrument also situates operator duties: display of no smoking signs and the authority to approve consumption of alcohol in specified locations (regulation 43; regulation 42).

Several rules are explicitly safety‑focused: forbidding crossing tracks except at pedestrian crossings and requiring pedestrians to leave a crossing if warning lights or booms begin operating (regulations 30-33), prohibiting throwing burning substances and lighting fires (regulation 28), and forbidding entry while vehicles are in motion (regulation 23). Others address amenity and commercial interaction: busking and selling require written authorisation and the use of sound equipment is restricted to headphones or inaudible outputs (regulations 39-41, 40).

Definitions cross‑refer to other Victorian instruments and Commonwealth law, creating integrated compliance obligations (eg Road Rules definitions; Disability Discrimination Act definition of assistance animal used in regulation 50(6); ticketing regulations). The treatment of “authorised person (conduct)” and “transport employee” separates immunity and powers: reg 6 exempts authorised persons (conduct) and certain employees, contractors or agents from prosecution or infringement for anything reasonably done in the course of their duties.

The Regulations affect a broad set of actors, each with distinct obligations, entitlements and enforcement exposure.

Passengers and other members of the public using public transport vehicles and premises. The Regulations set conduct rules applicable to all persons on or in relation to trains, trams, buses and public transport premises (Parts 2-4). Passengers face penalties for a range of conduct including safety offences (eg throwing objects, obstructing, entering vehicles in motion,regs 7, 9, 10, 23), amenity offences (eg indecent language, smoking, littering,regs 37, 43, 44), device and bicycle carriage rules (regs 11-21) and seating obligations (regs 53-57). Many offences are framed as “without reasonable excuse”, leaving fact issues for enforcement and adjudication.
Passenger transport companies, bus companies, rail freight operators and Rail Track. They are referenced repeatedly as the entities that operate vehicles or occupy premises (regulation 5 definitions). The Regulations give these entities the power and obligation to authorise certain activities (eg written authorisation for fires, busking, sale), to designate priority seats and wheelchair areas, and to display no smoking signs (regs 1, 5, 39-42, 43(2)-(4), 53-56). They may appoint persons in writing as authorised persons (conduct) and thus enable delegated enforcement (regulation 5).
Authorised persons (conduct) and transport employees. The Regulations create and rely on a class of enforcers. Authorised persons (conduct) include authorised officers under the Act, police officers, protective services officers, ticketing or operating employees, persons appointed in writing by operators, and in some cases a bus company that is a natural person (regulation 5). Those persons may give directions requiring compliance with safety and amenity rules (eg regulation 7(2)-(4), 59), and regulation 6 shields them and certain employees, contractors and agents from prosecution or infringement where the actions were reasonably done in the course of duties.
Businesses and individuals seeking to sell, busk or trade in public transport environments. Regulation 41 requires “appropriate written authorisation” for selling, busking, soliciting money, distributing handbills and similar conduct. The definition of appropriate written authorisation reserves that role to the operator or owner/occupier (regulation 5). That creates a permission regime impacting micro‑enterprises, buskers and commercial vendors.
People with assistive devices and disabilities. The Regulations treat assistance animals according to the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act definition (regulation 50(6)). Wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs and wheelchair areas are specifically regulated (regulation 5 definitions; regs 55). There are carry and seating exemptions for small children’s bicycles and folding bicycles (regs 11(3), 15(5), 16(3)). Face covering obligations under a pandemic order are qualified by reasonable excuse and pandemic order exemptions (regulation 36(3)).
Users of personal electric devices and micromobility devices. The Regulations regulate carriage, operation and charging of electric bicycles, modified bicycles, electric scooters and electric transportation devices differently (regs 11-21). For example, modified bicycles are prohibited on metropolitan trains and in compulsory ticket areas (regs 12, 13, 14), electric scooters must be folded to be carried on trams and buses unless the service is a V/Line bus (regs 17, 18).
Owners and managers of property where public transport infrastructure is sited. The definitions of occupier and responsible entity in regulation 43 place obligations to display no smoking signs on infrastructure managers, passenger transport companies or the owner of the place. Those entities must ensure signage “so far as is reasonably practicable” (reg 43(2)-(4)).

Who pays: principally the individual who breaches an offence (penalties measured in penalty units). Operators incur compliance costs: signage, staff training, issuance and record‑keeping for written authorisations, securing prescribed equipment and implementing authorisation and removal procedures. Those costs and the allocation of decision‑making power are embedded in the instrument’s definitions and delegated powers (regulations 5, 6, 26, 41, 59). The instrument concentrates authorising power in operators and appointed authorised persons by linking many permissions to “appropriate written authorisation” and to the ability of authorised persons to give directions.

The Regulations establish a network of duties on passengers, obligations on operators and specific decision rights for authorised persons. They also preserve certain exemptions and procedural safeguards in form.

Key duties on passengers

Safety duties: do not bring or convey items likely to injure or endanger others or damage property (regulation 7(1)). Obey directions from transport employees not to bring specified things (regulation 7(2)-(4)). Do not protrude any body part or object from moving vehicles (regulation 8). Do not throw or drop things (regulation 9). Do not create obstructions (regulation 10). Do not ride bicycles, scooters or similar devices in or on public transport vehicles (regulation 19). Do not charge or operate electric bicycles, electric scooters or electric transportation devices on vehicles or in compulsory ticket areas (regulations 20-21). Crossing rules: pedestrians must cross tracks only at pedestrian crossings unless directed otherwise, and must obey warning lights, bells, booms and instructions (regs 30-33, 35).
Carriage restrictions: bicycles, electric bicycles, modified bicycles and electric scooters are subject to carriage restrictions established by vehicle type and location. Folding bicycles and small children’s bicycles are routinely exempted from carriage bans (regs 11-18).
Amenity and conduct duties: do not use indecent or threatening language or behave in a disorderly way (regulation 37). Do not busk, sell, distribute handbills or use sound equipment without written authorisation or containment (regs 39-41). Do not drink or possess open containers of liquor unless authorised premises have been designated by the operator (regulation 42). Smoking, vaping and similar acts are prohibited in specified places and operators must display no smoking signs, so far as is reasonably practicable (regulation 43).
Seating obligations: vacate priority seats and wheelchair areas on request by or on behalf of persons who need them, and comply with authorised person seat allocations and conditions of travel (regs 53-57).

Obligations of operators, occupiers and responsible entities

Signage and designation duties: passenger transport companies and bus companies must, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure acceptable no smoking signs are displayed on vehicles and at platforms and shelters (regulation 43(2)-(4)). Operators also designate priority seats and wheelchair areas and specify conditions of travel, and they may set places where liquor can be consumed (regs 53-56; regulation 42).
Authorisation power: operators, rail freight operators, Rail Track and owners/occupiers provide “appropriate written authorisation” for activities such as busking, selling, lighting fires and authorising exceptions (regulation 5, regs 28(2), 39-41). This gives them a gatekeeping function.
Delegation and appointment: operators can appoint authorised persons (conduct) in writing, enabling staff and contractors to exercise statutory powers under the Regulations (regulation 5).

Decision rights and enforcement powers

Authorised persons (conduct) and transport employees may direct persons not to bring prohibited items, order people to leave vehicles or premises under specific grounds and make reasonable seat allocation requests. Regulation 59 sets out an authorised person’s power to ask a person to leave for listed behavioural or safety reasons and requires immediate compliance (regulation 59(1)-(4)). The authorised person’s power is broad and covers failure to comply with certain ticketing regulations (regulation 59(3)(a)-(b)).
Protection from liability: regulation 6 exempts an authorised person (conduct) or an employee, contractor or agent of a passenger transport company, rail freight operator, bus company or Rail Track from prosecution or being served with an infringement notice for anything reasonably done in the course of their duties. That is a specific statutory immunity that shields front‑line staff and contractors in the exercise of these powers.

Rights and qualifications

Reasonable excuse and pandemic exemptions: many offences are qualified by “without reasonable excuse” (eg regs 9, 10, 23, 30). Regulation 36(3) explicitly recognises exemptions in a pandemic order as reasonable excuse in relation to face coverings.
Assistance animals: regulation 50(2) permits certain animals, including guide dogs, hearing dogs, assistance animals and small animals in suitable containers, on vehicles and premises. Regulation 50(6) refers to the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act definition for assistance animals, linking federal discrimination protections to carriage rules.
Written authorisations create a discrete class of lawful exceptions to prohibitions; their form and source are defined (regulation 5(1)).

Rights to challenge and procedural context

The Regulations create offences with penalties in penalty units and implicitly allow enforcement through infringement notices or prosecution, subject to the non‑liability clause for authorised persons and employees for reasonable acts (regulation 6). Regulation 58 prevents dual liability for face covering offences if action was taken under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 section 165BN(1).
Many provisions turn on fact questions (eg whether a thing is “likely to endanger”, whether a person has a “reasonable excuse”, or whether signage was displayed “so far as is reasonably practicable”), leaving scope for contestation in enforcement and adjudication.

Penalties

The Regulations specify monetary penalties by reference to penalty units for each offence. Penalty levels in the instrument are primarily 5, 10 or 20 penalty units, with a standalone 15 penalty unit sanction for disobeying directions given by transport employees in regulation 7(4) (forbidding the carriage of dangerous things where a transport employee has directed otherwise).
Examples: many safety and amenity offences carry 10 penalty units (eg protruding body parts reg 8; throwing objects reg 9; obstruction reg 10; carriage of bicycles on trams and buses regs 15-16). Higher penalties (20 penalty units) are attached to interference with gates and doors, damage to property, fires, and modified behaviour around tracks and crossings in some circumstances (regs 25, 27, 28, 32, 35).
The endnotes fix the penalty unit value for the financial year commencing 1 July 2025 at $203.51. The monetary penalty for an offence is calculated by multiplying the number of penalty units by the penalty unit value and rounding to the nearest dollar (Endnotes). The value for future years is to be fixed by the Treasurer under the Monetary Units Act 2004 and published ahead of each financial year.

Enforcement actors and instruments

Authorised persons (conduct) and police/protective services officers are authorised to give directions and request persons to leave vehicles and premises (regulation 5 definition; regulation 59). Transport employees may give directions not to bring dangerous things onto vehicles or premises (regulation 7(2)-(3)). An authorised person (conduct) may request immediate compliance and removal, and that request carries a 10 penalty unit consequence for failure to comply (regulation 59(4)).
Regulation 6 provides a limited form of immunity: an authorised person (conduct) or an employee, contractor or agent of a passenger transport company, rail freight operator, bus company or Rail Track is not liable to be prosecuted or served with an infringement notice for an offence under the Regulations for anything reasonably done in the course of their duties (regulation 6). That immunity covers both criminal prosecution and administrative penalty notices, for acts done reasonably in the course of duty.
The Regulations themselves specify penalties. The broader enforcement framework for issuing infringement notices and prosecutions resides in the Act and other instruments. Regulation 58 limits double prosecution for face covering contraventions by providing that a person is not liable to be prosecuted or served with an infringement notice under the Regulations if they have been prosecuted or served with an infringement notice for the same facts under section 165BN(1) of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.
Many offences require proof of absence of reasonable excuse. That evidential element will affect enforcement strategy and charging decisions; authorised persons and prosecutors will usually have to establish the absence of reasonable excuse as part of the case.

Operational enforcement mechanisms and discretion

The Regulations assign practical enforcement tasks to operators and their delegates. Operators designate priority seats and wheelchair areas (regs 53-56), set conditions of travel (reg 57(1)(a)), and authorise certain activities in writing (reg 5). The gatekeeping power implicit in “appropriate written authorisation” concentrates discretion in operators and occupiers for authorising exceptions to prohibitions (eg busking, fires, liquor consumption).
Many offences are contingent on the reasonable judgement of authorised persons (conduct) or transport employees, for example when determining whether a person’s clothing or luggage is likely to soil property (regulation 59(1)(e)) or whether an animal is causing disturbance (regulation 50(4)). Those subjective judgments are insulated by regulation 6 when made reasonably in the course of duty, but they remain points where dispute can arise.
The Regulations also set out specific and relatively automatic triggers for obligations (eg crossing rules tied to warning lights or booms, obligation to vacate a crossing under reg 30(6) with a 5 unit penalty).

Enforcement costs and practicalities

Enforcement requires: training authorised persons to understand the scope of their powers; documenting written authorisations; maintaining signage and physical infrastructure; and tracking incidents and removals. Operators will carry the administrative burden of authorising activities, posting signage in compliance with “so far as is reasonably practicable” requirements, and defending or documenting decisions. For frontline staff, regulation 6 reduces exposure to criminal or infringement liability for reasonable acts but does not eliminate reputational or civil risk.
The non‑duplication rule in regulation 58 interacts with public health prosecutions and requires coordination between public health enforcement and transport enforcement agencies to avoid inconsistent charging choices.

The Regulations are cross‑referential and incorporate or rely upon definitions, offences and instruments from other legislation. Key interactions include:

Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983: the Regulations are made under sections 56, 249B and 256 of the Act (regulation 2). Regulation 26 expressly prescribes equipment “for the purposes of section 222B(1) of the Act”. Section 208 of the Act defines authorised officers, a term incorporated into the Regulations’ authorised person (conduct) definition (regulation 5).
Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Ticketing) Regulations 2017: the Regulations cross‑refer to that instrument for the definitions of “compulsory ticket area”, “passenger vehicle”, “operator access card” and “vehicle control unit” (regulation 5 and Schedule 2 items). Regulation 59(3) relies on specific ticketing regulations (eg reg 7(1), 8(2) and 10(3) of the Ticketing Regulations) when authorising a person to ask someone to leave based on ticketing failures.
Road Rules (Road Safety Road Rules 2017): the Regulations import definitions such as electric scooter, level crossing, shared path, pedestrian, park and wheelchair references via the Road Rules dictionary (regulation 5). Crossing and driving rules (Divisions 3, regs 29-35) interact with Road Rules concepts like twin red lights and level crossing signage.
Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008: the Regulations implement face‑covering rules conditioned on “pandemic orders” as defined in the Public Health Act (regulation 36). Regulation 58 prevents duplicate enforcement where a person has already been prosecuted or issued an infringement for the same facts under section 165BN(1) of the Public Health Act.
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth): regulation 50(6) imports the Commonwealth definition of “assistance animal” and thereby aligns carriage obligations with federal discrimination law. That interaction can affect the reasonableness of refusals and the scope of exemptions.
Tobacco Act 1987 and Environment Protection Act 2017: regulation 43(5) imports the Tobacco Act’s concept of “acceptable no smoking sign” and regulation 44 imports the Environment Protection Act’s definition of “litter”. Operators must ensure signage and receptacles comply with these Acts as integrated duties.
Road Management Act 2004: the concept of “occupier” for stop shelters uses the infrastructure manager definition from the Road Management Act (regulation 43).
Monetary Units Act 2004 and Sentencing Act 1991: penalties are expressed in penalty units (Sentencing Act s 110) and their dollar value is fixed annually by the Treasurer under the Monetary Units Act (Endnotes).

Consequences of these interactions

The Regulations do not operate in isolation. They create offences and duties that depend on external definitions and enforcement regimes. For example, the face covering rules only bind if a pandemic order is in force under the Public Health Act (regulation 36), and the non‑duplication rule in regulation 58 requires coordination with public health prosecutions.
Federal discrimination obligations remain relevant to carriage of assistance animals and access. Operators that refuse carriage to an assistance animal must reconcile the Regulations’ carriage framework with obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act.
The prescription of equipment under regulation 26 plugs directly into the Act’s protections against interference with ticketing equipment (s 222B(1) of the Act). Schedule 2 provides the concrete list that will determine when interference engages those Act offences.
The Regulations allocate procedural powers (eg authorisation of activities) to private operators and occupiers, which engages administrative law considerations and possible civil claims where those powers are exercised in a way that conflicts with other statutory or contractual rights.

The Regulations consolidate and replace prior subordinate instruments. The amendment history in the instrument itself is minimal because this is Version No. 001 as at 21 December 2025. The endnotes and Schedule 1 record previous instruments that are revoked and give context for certain definitional references.

Key items in the instrument’s amendment history and provenance:

The Regulations were made on 16 December 2025 and commenced on 21 December 2025 (regulation 3; Endnotes).
Schedule 1 revokes the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2015 and a series of amendment and COVID‑19 response Statutory Rules (S.R. Nos 72/2015; 49/2017; 57/2019; 168/2019; 2/2022; 48/2023). The Schedule lists the revoked instruments by SR number and title (Schedule 1).
Endnotes record that the instrument will sunset 10 years after making, that is on 16 December 2035, by operation of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 (Endnotes).
The explanatory details in the endnotes trace the lineage of a number of definitional cross‑references. For example, the defintion of “compulsory ticket area” references S.R. No. 48/2017 and a chain of subsequent amendments (Endnotes). The Road Rules definition chain is similarly recorded.
The instrument lists no amendments made to it after its making (Endnotes, Table of Amendments states none).

Implication for users

This version replaces the 2015 Regulations and subsequent amendment instruments. Stakeholders accustomed to prior regulatory text should check Schedule 2 and the new device‑specific prohibitions (for example the expanded definition and treatment of modified bicycles and electric transportation devices) as operationally new constraints.
The lack of post‑making amendments in the endnotes indicates the text in the published version reflects the making instrument. The sunset provision means the Regulations will automatically expire unless renewed or replaced within ten years.

The text of the Regulations does not record any judicial decisions construing these provisions. The instrument is Version No. 001 and came into force on 21 December 2025; the Endnotes list no litigation or amendments following its making. Therefore, as of the version date, there is no litigation history contained in the instrument to cite.

Nevertheless, the Regulations create numerous provisions likely to generate fact‑sensitive enforcement disputes and possible judicial review or statutory interpretation litigation once the scheme is operational. The following points flag areas where litigation risk is concentrated, based on textual features of the instrument:

“Reasonable excuse” and “reasonably done in the course of their duties” are recurrent standards. The fact sensitivity of these standards is likely to provoke disputes over evidentiary burdens and whether authorised persons or passengers had an excuse. (See, for example, regs 9(1), 10, 23(1), 25, 59 and reg 6 immunities.) The Regulations place the immunity for authorised persons on a “reasonable” test, which is likely to be litigated if enforcement escalates to prosecution or civil claims.
The classification of devices (electric bicycle v modified bicycle v electric transportation device) carries operational consequence. Disputes may arise about whether a particular device is a modified bicycle under regulation 5, which affects carriage rights (regulations 11-16). Technical characterisation will be important.
Operators’ discretion to grant “appropriate written authorisation” for activities (eg busking, sales, fires, sound equipment) centralises power in private actors and will produce administrative decisions that can be challenged under administrative law and possibly civil action if exercised arbitrarily or inconsistently with other statutory duties.
The list of “prescribed equipment” in Schedule 2 is precise. Interference with those devices is linked to section 222B(1) of the Act. Should a person interfere and be charged, disputes over whether a particular device falls within Schedule 2 may be litigated.

Because the Regulations are newly made and no cases are named in the instrument, lawyers and compliance officers will need to monitor enforcement patterns and early tribunal or court decisions that interpret the scope of “reasonable” immunities and the technical definitions.

The Regulations read as a detailed rulebook but include several traps for the unwary. The following are concrete, source‑grounded pitfalls to watch for.

Definitions that change outcomes

Modified bicycle v electric bicycle: a bicycle retrofitted with an external motor, controller box or battery not integrated into the frame is a “modified bicycle” and is prohibited in many places (regulation 5, definitions; regs 12-15). The difference between an electric bicycle built to specified power outputs and a modified bicycle is decisive for carriage rights. Aftermarket kits, externally mounted batteries or hub motors may convert a lawful electric bicycle into a prohibited modified bicycle under the definition and incur penalties of 10 penalty units for carriage.
Electric scooters and folding requirement: an electric scooter that is not folded is expressly prohibited on trams and buses and on tram stop platforms (regs 17-18). A passenger who forgets to fold an electric scooter risks penalty unless the device “is folded” or is permitted under the narrow exceptions.
“Vehicle” excludes wheelchairs under 10 km/h: the definition of vehicle expressly excludes a wheelchair other than a motorised wheelchair capable of a speed of 10 km/h or more (regulation 5). That means some motorised wheelchairs are captured by vehicle rules; others are not, which has practical consequences at level crossings and for driving/riding across tracks.

Authorisation and gatekeeping

Appropriate written authorisation centralises power with operators: many exceptions (busking, sales, fires, some uses of sound equipment and drinking alcohol at authorised places) require appropriate written authorisation from the operator or occupier (regulation 5 and regs 28(2), 39-42). Operators therefore determine who can lawfully conduct commercial activity, busk or light a fire, and can set conditions. For small traders and buskers, seeking and obtaining such authorisation is a prerequisite.
Written authorisations may be informal in content but the definition requires writing from the operator or occupier. Keep a record format and a process for issuing and verifying authorisations to reduce disputes.

Immunities and enforcement discretion

Regulation 6 immunity is limited to acts “reasonably done in the course of their duties”. This shields authorised persons and certain employees, contractors and agents from prosecution or infringement notice for acts reasonably done. It does not immunise them from civil suits, or from disciplinary consequences within an employing entity, nor from prosecution where conduct is not reasonably done. The standard of “reasonable” will be litigated.
Authorised persons’ powers to direct and remove (regulation 59) require immediate compliance by passengers (reg 59(4)), with a 10 penalty unit sanction for non‑compliance. It is a practical “comply now, challenge later” model. Documenting the grounds for removal and the steps taken is important for operators and their staff.

Face coverings and overlap with public health law

Duplication and overlap risk: regulation 36 imposes face covering obligations “if a pandemic order is in force” and regulation 58 prevents double prosecution where a person has already been prosecuted or issued an infringement under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act. Coordinated enforcement approaches are required to avoid inconsistent charging. Operators and authorised persons should be aware of when a pandemic order is in force and of the statutory exemptions that constitute reasonable excuse (regulation 36(3)).

Tracks, crossings and level crossing traps

Pedestrian crossing rules are precise and fact sensitive. For example, entering a pedestrian crossing while warning lights are operating or bells ringing is an offence (reg 31(2)). A pedestrian who entered before lights activated must exit without delay if lights start or a boom begins to close (reg 30(6)). These are immediate‑action obligations that may be difficult to meet in congested areas.
A person driving or riding must not stop on a crossing between boom gates (reg 33). Vehicle drivers must also obey traffic control devices on public transport premises (reg 22(3)).

Technical lists and interference risk

Schedule 2 prescribes specific ticketing equipment for the purposes of s 222B(1) (regulation 26; Schedule 2). Interference with any listed device will engage Act‑level offences. The list is detailed and technical; operators must secure and mark such equipment and passengers should avoid tampering.

Ambiguities turned into disputes

“Reasonably practicable” signage duty for no smoking signs (reg 43(2)-(4)) invites challenge about what was practicable in the circumstances. Operators should document efforts to comply.
Many offences are qualified by “without reasonable excuse”. Because “reasonable excuse” is not defined, enforcement practice, evidence protocols and witness statements will decide outcomes. Keep consistent operational rules and internal guidance to build coherent enforcement records.

Practical enforcement mismatches

The Regulations impose penalties on individuals but also require operators to exercise discretion. Operators who do not issue authorisations consistently or do not deploy enough authorised persons may face practical inability to enforce prohibitions, or variable outcomes that expose them to complaints and legal challenges.

Compliance requires a three‑strand approach: (A) policy and documentation, (B) staff training, appointment and powers, and (C) physical and operational controls. The Regulations give many concrete actions operators and users must take; below are source‑grounded compliance steps.

A. Policy and documentation (operators, occupiers, responsible entities)

Written authorisation regime
- Create a standard form and process for issuing “appropriate written authorisation” for activities that require it (busking, selling, use of sound equipment, lighting fires, liquor consumption, exceptions). The definition of appropriate written authorisation requires written permission from the operator in relation to vehicles or the owner/occupier in relation to premises (regulation 5). Keep a central register and retain copies accessible to authorised persons and inspectors.
Conditions of travel and seat allocation
- Publish and document any conditions determined under section 220D(1) of the Act and the conditions of travel set by passenger transport companies or bus companies, as regulation 57(1) contemplates. Post notices and update public information channels with seat reservation rules and priority seat designations.
Signage for smoking and no smoking
- Display acceptable no smoking signs on vehicles, platforms and shelters “so far as is reasonably practicable” (regulation 43(2)-(4)). Record the steps taken to install signs and the reasoning where locational constraints exist.
Preserve evidence of compliance effort
- Maintain records showing signage, written authorisations, incident reports, video footage where available, and attempts to resolve disputes. These records support both enforcement actions and defence against alleged enforcement excesses.
Prescribed equipment protection
- Identify Schedule 2 devices on premises and in vehicles and implement technical and physical protections. Schedule 2 lists numerous ticketing devices and the central computer system (regulation 26, Schedule 2). Post warnings and consider surveillance, access control and maintenance logs to deter and document interference.

B. Staff training, appointment and powers

Appoint authorised persons (conduct) in writing
- The Regulations allow operators to appoint persons in writing for the purpose of the Regulations (regulation 5). Draft appointment letters that specify the scope of powers and the standards for exercising them.
Train staff on the scope and limits of powers
- Develop operational guidance on what counts as a “reasonable excuse”, when to direct persons to leave (regulation 59), and how to assess whether an item is “likely to injure or endanger” (regulation 7). Emphasise the immunity rule in regulation 6 but clarify that immunity is limited to actions reasonably done in the course of duties.
Procedural safeguards
- Train staff on procedural documentation: the requirement to provide reasons for a direction, how to request a person to leave, and how to support subsequent prosecution should the operator choose to proceed. Ensure staff record time, location, witnesses, and the steps taken.
Coordination with police and protective services officers
- Where behaviour escalates, staff should know when to call police or protective services officers, who are also defined as authorised persons (conduct) (regulation 5). Establish liaison procedures.

C. Physical and operational controls

Bicycle and micromobility rules
- Post clear signage at entrances and platforms about carriage rules for bicycles, modified bicycles and electric scooters (regs 11-18). Clarify exceptions for folding bicycles and small children’s bicycles. Instruct staff on identifying modified bicycles per the definition (external motor/controller/battery).
Charging and operation bans
- Enforce the prohibition on charging or operating electric bicycles, scooters and electric transportation devices on vehicles and in compulsory ticket areas (regs 20-21). Provide charging stations outside ticketed areas if the operator wants to facilitate charging without breaching the rules.
Track and crossing safety
- Post signage at pedestrian crossings, platform edges and level crossings referencing the specific behavioural rules (regs 29-35). Train staff to direct pedestrians when necessary and to document instructions to avoid later evidential disputes.
Alcohol and smoking
- Designate authorised liquor consumption areas, and post notices. Ensure smoking signage is installed and that smoking prohibitions are enforced in no smoking zones (regulation 42; regulation 43).
Sound equipment, busking and commercial conduct
- Create and publish an approvals process for buskers and sellers, including criteria and timeframes for written authorisations. If operators permit busking, specify acceptable volume controls and location constraints. For sound equipment, remind passengers that use is permitted only with headphones or when inaudible except where authorised (regulation 40).
Priority seats and wheelchair areas
- Clearly mark priority seats and wheelchair areas. Communicate the vacate rules (regs 53-55) and train staff on making reasonable seat allocation requests (regulation 57(3)).

Passenger guidance

Carry folded scooters and folding bicycles where required; do not carry modified bicycles onto metropolitan trains, V/Line services or into compulsory ticket areas (regs 11-16). If unsure whether a bicycle is a modified bicycle, seek operator guidance or avoid carriage.
Do not charge or operate electric devices on vehicles or in compulsory ticket areas (regs 20-21).
Obey authorised persons’ directions and immediate requests to leave. If removed, document the circumstances and note the authorised person who gave the direction (regulation 59).
During a pandemic order, wear a face covering on passenger vehicles and in specified locations unless you have an exemption set out in the pandemic order (regulation 36).
Avoid interacting with prescribed equipment; tampering with Schedule 2 devices risks Act‑level consequences (regulation 26).

Recordkeeping and review

Regularly review policies against incident reports to ensure the application of “reasonable excuse” and “reasonably practicable” is consistent. Update staff guidance and written authorisation templates as operational experience accumulates.
Maintain logs of written authorisations, removal requests and enforcement actions for both internal quality control and in case of external scrutiny or litigation.

Implementation risks and practical trade‑offs

Operators face a trade‑off between active enforcement and customer service aims. Aggressive enforcement without adequate documentation may trigger complaints or litigation. Conversely, weak enforcement can create safety and amenity problems that undermine the operator’s objectives under regulation 1.
The requirement that authorised persons and employees be “reasonably” acting in the course of their duties to be immune from prosecution (regulation 6) imposes a need for clear internal policies and training to demonstrate reasonableness after the event.
The centralisation of authorisation powers benefits operators with the ability to manage commercial activity but imposes administrative workload and potential legal challenges if authorisations are denied inconsistently.

Taken together, the Regulations require operators to put in place clear written protocols, robust staff training, visible signage and documented decision trails. Passengers should be made aware of specific device and conduct prohibitions and have straightforward channels for seeking written authorisation where activities might otherwise be prohibited.

Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025

Plain English Summary

Deep Dive

What it does

Current sections

Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025

Source text: opening excerpt

1 Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025

Main concepts

Who it affects

Key duties and rights

Penalties and enforcement

How it interacts with other laws

Amendment history

Litigation history

Gotchas

How to comply