The roads of Australia are a minefield of rules and regulations, and drivers are being warned to watch out for some bizarre and little-known laws that could land them with hefty fines. As National Road Safety Week gets underway, it's a good time to brush up on these obscure rules and ensure you're not breaking any of them. From the seemingly innocuous to the outright bizarre, these rules are designed to keep everyone safe on the roads, but they can be easy to overlook.
One of the most surprising rules is the one in NSW that cracks down on unnecessary horn use. A casual beep to say hello or goodbye could attract a fine of around $410. This rule is in place to ensure that horns are only used when necessary, such as to warn other road users or animals of danger. It's a reminder that even the smallest actions can have a significant impact on road safety.
Another rule that might seem strange to some is the one in Queensland that fines drivers for carrying more than seven passengers in a hired 4WD on K'gari, the world's largest sand island. This rule was introduced after serious rollover crashes involving tourists unfamiliar with beach driving. It highlights the importance of following rules that might seem unnecessary at first, but are actually designed to keep everyone safe.
There are also some rules that might seem more familiar but are still easy to overlook. For example, in South Australia, drivers can be fined up to $538 and lose three demerit points for entering a roundabout in the wrong lane. In Victoria, riding an e-scooter on a footpath can cost $198. In Western Australia, driving with both headlights and fog lights on can result in a $100 fine.
Some rules might seem more personal, such as the one in the ACT that fines drivers $219 if a passenger has a body part hanging outside the window. In NSW, drivers can be fined $423 and lose three demerit points for doing the same. In the Northern Territory, looking at a passenger's phone while driving can carry a $500 fine and three demerit points.
One rule that might seem particularly strange is the one in NSW that once made it illegal for drivers to speed through puddles and splash muddy water onto people waiting for or boarding a bus. The rule did not apply to ordinary pedestrians waiting at crossings, and it was repealed in 2020. It's a reminder that rules can be quirky and sometimes hard to understand, but they are there for a reason.
In conclusion, it's important to be aware of all the rules of the road, no matter how obscure they might seem. These rules are designed to keep everyone safe, and it's our responsibility to follow them. By being mindful of these rules, we can help to make the roads of Australia safer for everyone.
