From a quick goodbye honk to resting an elbow out the window, seemingly harmless driving habits could land Australian motorists with hefty fines and demerit points. As National Road Safety Week runs from May 17 to 24, authorities are reminding drivers to brush up on obscure road rules that carry significant penalties.
Horn Use Restrictions in NSW
In New South Wales, a casual beep to say hello or goodbye could cost drivers around $410. Under Rule 224, horns may only be used to warn other road users or animals of danger, or as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device. Griffith University road safety expert Associate Professor Darren Wishart noted that even unusual rules are backed by safety concerns.
Passenger Limits and Roof Loads on K'gari
Tourists driving hired 4WDs on Queensland's K'gari, the world's largest sand island, face fines of about $500 and three demerit points for carrying more than seven passengers. Penalties also apply for strapping camping gear to the roof. Wishart explained that these laws followed serious rollover crashes involving inexperienced drivers on beach terrain, where roof loads raise the centre of gravity and increase crash risk.
Seatbelt Misuse Penalties
Wearing a seatbelt incorrectly, such as tucking the strap under the arm instead of across the chest, can result in fines exceeding $400 and three demerit points in NSW, and over $1200 with four demerit points in Queensland.
Other Little-Known Offences Across Australia
- Entering a roundabout in the wrong lane in South Australia: fines up to $538 and three demerit points.
- Riding an e-scooter on a footpath in Victoria: $198 fine.
- Driving with both headlights and fog lights on in Western Australia: $100 fine.
- Stopping beside a continuous yellow line in Tasmania: about $152 fine.
- Driving while a passenger has a body part hanging outside the window in the ACT: $219 fine.
- NSW drivers can be fined $423 and lose three demerit points for any part of their body protruding outside the vehicle, including resting an elbow out the window or waving.
- Looking at a passenger's phone while driving in the Northern Territory: $500 fine and three demerit points.
- L and P-platers in NSW driving with headphones or earbuds connected to a mobile phone: fines over $400 and five demerit points.
Stranger Rules Still in Effect
Victorian drivers can be fined for leaving a parked car unsecured with windows rolled down more than 2cm. In Tasmania, leading or tethering an animal while driving a moving vehicle attracts a $152 fine. ACT and SA drivers can be penalised for reversing further than necessary, with SA fines exceeding $300. SA drivers also face up to $356 and two demerit points for failing to cancel their indicator after turning.
Repealed Rule: Splashing Bus Passengers
NSW once had a rule banning drivers from speeding through puddles and splashing muddy water onto people waiting at bus stops, but not pedestrians. The offence was repealed in 2020.
With about 1200 deaths and 40,000 serious injuries on Australian roads each year, authorities urge all motorists to familiarise themselves with these rules to avoid fines and improve safety.
