Australian drivers are being warned that seemingly harmless habits behind the wheel could land them with hefty fines as millions hit the roads for the school holidays. From beeping the horn to say goodbye, to driving barefoot or letting your dog sit on your lap, legal expert Jahan Kalantar told Sunrise many motorists are unknowingly breaking road rules that police can enforce.
Driving Barefoot and Pets on Laps
“A lot of people don’t know that you can get pinged if you drive barefoot,” Kalantar said on Tuesday. “It’s a road control rule. Same as having your pet in your lap. You know, your dog should be your best friend but not your co-pilot.”
Horn Usage and Passenger Risks
Many motorists are also unaware that the horn can only legally be used to warn other road users of traffic conditions or danger. Using it to greet friends, say goodbye or vent frustration at another driver can result in penalties. Passengers riding with their feet on the dashboard can also create legal issues, with the position posing significant safety risks if airbags deploy and potentially affecting the driver’s control of the vehicle.
“The difficulty is there’s a really generic road rule that basically says you must have proper control of your vehicle,” he said. “The amount of ways that police officers can interpret you not having proper control means that you should be pretty guarded and almost over the top when you drive in terms of safety.”
New Rules in NSW and Queensland
The warning comes as Australians prepare to travel during the busy school holiday period, with authorities urging drivers to familiarise themselves with lesser-known road rules. Several new road rules have also come into effect around the country this year. In New South Wales, L-plate motorcycle riders are now required to wear high-visibility vests, while all motorcycle riders except full licence holders must wear gloves. Meanwhile, Queensland has tightened regulations around e-scooters, with police now enforcing rules against riding while intoxicated.
“It’s far more dangerous than people think,” Kalantar said.
Ignorance Is No Defence
While many drivers assume they would receive a warning for lesser-known offences, Kalantar said ignorance of the law is not a defence. Despite practising traffic law for 15 years, he admitted even he doesn’t know every regulation. “In some ways that’s kind of ridiculous,” he said. “There’s almost an expectation that you will know the rules.”
Drivers in New South Wales can request a review of some fines, but Kalantar said the best approach is to keep learning the rules and err on the side of caution whenever getting behind the wheel.
