Drivers across Australia could be copping hefty fines for road rules they never knew existed, with a national insurer warning motorists to brush up on the law.
Little-Known Offences Revealed
New research from Youi Insurance has revealed a range of little-known offences that can land drivers with penalties running into hundreds of dollars — and in some cases put lives at risk.
Western Australia's Surprising Rules
Among the lesser-known rules catching out Western Australians is the State's "slow down, move over" law. Motorists must slow to 40km/h when passing stationary emergency and incident response vehicles displaying flashing lights and, where safe, move into another lane. Not doing so can result in a $300 fine and three demerit points.
Another surprising WA road rule makes it illegal to drive with headlights and fog lights operating at the same time, with offenders facing a $100 fine and one demerit point.
Many motorists are also unaware that sitting in the right-hand lane on a WA freeway without overtaking is illegal. Drivers are required to keep left on roads with speed limits of 90km/h or more unless specific exemptions apply. Motorists are also generally required to travel at a speed no more than 20km/h below the posted limit on a freeway unless traffic, weather or visibility conditions prevent it.
National Offences and Penalties
Youi said seemingly harmless habits could create dangerous distractions, confusion for other motorists and increase the risk of crashes. In NSW, excessive use of a car horn can attract a $349 fine, while Victorians riding electric scooters on footpaths face a $198 penalty. South Australian motorists can be slugged $538 for entering a roundabout from the wrong lane, while Queensland drivers using overloaded hire vehicles on world heritage-listed K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) risk a $483 fine. Drivers in the Northern Territory can also face a $500 fine for looking at a passenger's phone while behind the wheel.
WA's Heavily Penalised Offences
Western Australian motorists also face penalties for a range of other lesser-known offences. Those caught performing burnouts or deliberately creating excessive smoke can receive a $100 fine, three demerit points and potentially have their vehicle impounded. Mobile phone offences remain among the state's most heavily penalised road infringements, with drivers caught creating, sending or viewing texts, emails, social media posts, photos or videos facing a $1000 fine and four demerit points. Running a red light attracts a $300 fine and three demerit points, while failing to give way to an emergency vehicle can cost motorists $400 and four demerit points.
Expert Warning
Youi head of product Marni Jackson urged Australians to refresh their knowledge of road rules, warning that small mistakes can have serious consequences. "Many drivers may not realise some everyday habits are actually offences but the rules are there to improve safety and reduce the risk of crashes," she said.
