At the Seniors Discount Club, we love to share some interesting – and, at times, surprising – facts with our members. This week, we stumbled across a little-known road rule that will have you watching where you put your arm the next time you're driving.

An Aussie driver shared a story about a police officer silently gesturing at her as she waved to a neighbour with her arm out the car window. As it turns out, she was inadvertently breaking an obscure road rule – and she's not alone!

Yes, you read that correctly! According to Budget Direct, something as simple as waving your arm out of the car window or resting it on the door ledge while you drive could land you a wallet-crushing fine of $337 and a loss of three demerit points.

The insurer warns that passengers are also subject to the same penalties.

Drivers who put their arms outside of their cars while driving can get a $337 fine. Credit: Pexels/Adrien Olichon.

You might be thinking, 'Surely this can't be true?' but we assure you, it is!

The insurer explains: 'According to all state and territories' driving regulations, it is illegal for any part of your body to be outside a moving vehicle at any time.'

So, remember not to poke your arm out the window for a friendly wave. Instead, stick to the safer and legal option of displaying your goodbye from within the vehicle.

However, do note that if you are signalling that you are turning right, slowing down or stopping using your arm, then authorities will grant you a pass.

Budget Direct has also highlighted some other lesser-known road rules that you might want to consider if you haven't already heard of them:

Driving with a dog or pet on your lap: It's illegal in all states and territories to drive with a pet on your lap. Not only could this put other drivers at risk due to a potential obstruction of the view or interference with your driving, but your beloved pet could also be seriously harmed in the event of an accident.

The law is crystal clear: no animal, no matter how tiny, should be on the driver's lap while the vehicle is in motion.

Excessive car horn usage: Do you find yourself honking your car horn more often than not?

Be careful! It is illegal to use your horn across all of Australia unless you are warning other drivers that your vehicle is approaching, trying to get animals off the road, or using it as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device. In all other situations, you might just be breaking the law!

​

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers are being warned not to wave an arm out of their car window, as it could result in a hefty $337 fine and a loss of three demerit points.
• It is illegal for any part of the body to be outside a moving vehicle at any time, according to Budget Direct, who warned that passengers could also face the same penalties.
  Drivers are encouraged to wave inside the vehicle to avoid fines and should note that using their arm to signal turning, slowing down, or stopping is allowed.
• Other little-known rules include not driving with a pet on your lap and using your car horn only to warn other drivers, get animals off the road, or as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device.

These eye-opening legal titbits serve as a reminder that whenever you get behind the wheel, it's always good to brush up on your knowledge of traffic rules and regulations – no matter how experienced a driver you may be.

And while it's always necessary to abide by the law, staying aware and safe should be your top priority. Stay safe out there, dear members, and happy driving always!

 

[Thecheesequeen]

I’ve known this since long before I was even a driver!

 

[Sherza]

Yes I did know. It’s in the rode code that we’re meant to know before we get out license. No part of your body is allowed to protrude from the vehicle

 

[Cath99]

My father had his arm amputated above the elbow when he had his arm out the window and was hit by a truck.

 

[Silverfoxed]

While you might think that hand signals went out in the 1950s, if your vehicle was built without stop or indicator lights or your more modern vehicle’s stop lights or indicators have failed or are not clearly visible in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, SA and NT, you’re free to use hand signals to indicate a right turn or if you’re stopping.

 

[NickyW]

At the Seniors Discount Club, we love to share some interesting – and, at times, surprising – facts with our members. This week, we stumbled across a little-known road rule that will have you watching where you put your arm the next time you're driving.

An Aussie driver shared a story about a police officer silently gesturing at her as she waved to a neighbour with her arm out the car window. As it turns out, she was inadvertently breaking an obscure road rule – and she's not alone!

Yes, you read that correctly! According to Budget Direct, something as simple as waving your arm out of the car window or resting it on the door ledge while you drive could land you a wallet-crushing fine of $337 and a loss of three demerit points.

The insurer warns that passengers are also subject to the same penalties.

View attachment 21529

Drivers who put their arms outside of their cars while driving can get a $337 fine. Credit: Pexels/Adrien Olichon.

You might be thinking, 'Surely this can't be true?' but we assure you, it is!

The insurer explains: 'According to all state and territories' driving regulations, it is illegal for any part of your body to be outside a moving vehicle at any time.'

So, remember not to poke your arm out the window for a friendly wave. Instead, stick to the safer and legal option of displaying your goodbye from within the vehicle.

However, do note that if you are signalling that you are turning right, slowing down or stopping using your arm, then authorities will grant you a pass.

Budget Direct has also highlighted some other lesser-known road rules that you might want to consider if you haven't already heard of them:

Driving with a dog or pet on your lap: It's illegal in all states and territories to drive with a pet on your lap. Not only could this put other drivers at risk due to a potential obstruction of the view or interference with your driving, but your beloved pet could also be seriously harmed in the event of an accident.

The law is crystal clear: no animal, no matter how tiny, should be on the driver's lap while the vehicle is in motion.

Excessive car horn usage: Do you find yourself honking your car horn more often than not?

Be careful! It is illegal to use your horn across all of Australia unless you are warning other drivers that your vehicle is approaching, trying to get animals off the road, or using it as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device. In all other situations, you might just be breaking the law!

View attachment 21572​

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers are being warned not to wave an arm out of their car window, as it could result in a hefty $337 fine and a loss of three demerit points.
• It is illegal for any part of the body to be outside a moving vehicle at any time, according to Budget Direct, who warned that passengers could also face the same penalties.
  Drivers are encouraged to wave inside the vehicle to avoid fines and should note that using their arm to signal turning, slowing down, or stopping is allowed.
• Other little-known rules include not driving with a pet on your lap and using your car horn only to warn other drivers, get animals off the road, or as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device.

These eye-opening legal titbits serve as a reminder that whenever you get behind the wheel, it's always good to brush up on your knowledge of traffic rules and regulations – no matter how experienced a driver you may be.

And while it's always necessary to abide by the law, staying aware and safe should be your top priority. Stay safe out there, dear members, and happy driving always!

I'm surprised that people are unaware of this rule. Hope they know about not touching their mobile phones. That's an expensive fine.

 

[terri]

While you might think that hand signals went out in the 1950s, if your vehicle was built without stop or indicator lights or your more modern vehicle’s stop lights or indicators have failed or are not clearly visible in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, SA and NT, you’re free to use hand signals to indicate a right turn or if you’re stopping.

I'd be very surprised if anyone under 40 would know road hand signals. They are probably wondering what you are doing. Letting others know your intentions on the road is not always a priority with some drivers, even with working lights.

 

[DotP]

I was told this rule by a very nice policeman when I first got my licence back in 1971 , so it’s been around a long time

 

[Baz1960]

This well known in our generation. We were tested correctly to get our licence, back in the day

 

[desmond atkins]

there are no police on W.A roads .believe me that's a nothing issue to what laws are broken on W.A roads

 

[CristinaV]

At the Seniors Discount Club, we love to share some interesting – and, at times, surprising – facts with our members. This week, we stumbled across a little-known road rule that will have you watching where you put your arm the next time you're driving.

An Aussie driver shared a story about a police officer silently gesturing at her as she waved to a neighbour with her arm out the car window. As it turns out, she was inadvertently breaking an obscure road rule – and she's not alone!

Yes, you read that correctly! According to Budget Direct, something as simple as waving your arm out of the car window or resting it on the door ledge while you drive could land you a wallet-crushing fine of $337 and a loss of three demerit points.

The insurer warns that passengers are also subject to the same penalties.

View attachment 21529

Drivers who put their arms outside of their cars while driving can get a $337 fine. Credit: Pexels/Adrien Olichon.

You might be thinking, 'Surely this can't be true?' but we assure you, it is!

The insurer explains: 'According to all state and territories' driving regulations, it is illegal for any part of your body to be outside a moving vehicle at any time.'

So, remember not to poke your arm out the window for a friendly wave. Instead, stick to the safer and legal option of displaying your goodbye from within the vehicle.

However, do note that if you are signalling that you are turning right, slowing down or stopping using your arm, then authorities will grant you a pass.

Budget Direct has also highlighted some other lesser-known road rules that you might want to consider if you haven't already heard of them:

Driving with a dog or pet on your lap: It's illegal in all states and territories to drive with a pet on your lap. Not only could this put other drivers at risk due to a potential obstruction of the view or interference with your driving, but your beloved pet could also be seriously harmed in the event of an accident.

The law is crystal clear: no animal, no matter how tiny, should be on the driver's lap while the vehicle is in motion.

Excessive car horn usage: Do you find yourself honking your car horn more often than not?

Be careful! It is illegal to use your horn across all of Australia unless you are warning other drivers that your vehicle is approaching, trying to get animals off the road, or using it as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device. In all other situations, you might just be breaking the law!

View attachment 21572​

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers are being warned not to wave an arm out of their car window, as it could result in a hefty $337 fine and a loss of three demerit points.
• It is illegal for any part of the body to be outside a moving vehicle at any time, according to Budget Direct, who warned that passengers could also face the same penalties.
  Drivers are encouraged to wave inside the vehicle to avoid fines and should note that using their arm to signal turning, slowing down, or stopping is allowed.
• Other little-known rules include not driving with a pet on your lap and using your car horn only to warn other drivers, get animals off the road, or as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device.

These eye-opening legal titbits serve as a reminder that whenever you get behind the wheel, it's always good to brush up on your knowledge of traffic rules and regulations – no matter how experienced a driver you may be.

And while it's always necessary to abide by the law, staying aware and safe should be your top priority. Stay safe out there, dear members, and happy driving always!

Mmmmm.....seems the police need to make up for the fines they did not collect during the "pandemic we had to have". Disgraceful behaviour. And the fines are not $50 or $100 but $300 and over and to top it off you loose not 1 BUT 3 demerit points. Again....disgraceful behaviour by the police.

 

[Baz1960]

there are no police on W.A roads .believe me that's a nothing issue to what laws are broken on W.A roads

Sounds like Queensland "The State of Lack of Enforcement"

 

[spalasskyeterriers]

it used to be fun on a motor cycle letting go of the throttle and giving signals

 

[Mr Chips]

While you might think that hand signals went out in the 1950s, if your vehicle was built without stop or indicator lights or your more modern vehicle’s stop lights or indicators have failed or are not clearly visible in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, SA and NT, you’re free to use hand signals to indicate a right turn or if you’re stopping.

and a left turn I believe.

 

[Tipsy]

At the Seniors Discount Club, we love to share some interesting – and, at times, surprising – facts with our members. This week, we stumbled across a little-known road rule that will have you watching where you put your arm the next time you're driving.

An Aussie driver shared a story about a police officer silently gesturing at her as she waved to a neighbour with her arm out the car window. As it turns out, she was inadvertently breaking an obscure road rule – and she's not alone!

Yes, you read that correctly! According to Budget Direct, something as simple as waving your arm out of the car window or resting it on the door ledge while you drive could land you a wallet-crushing fine of $337 and a loss of three demerit points.

The insurer warns that passengers are also subject to the same penalties.

View attachment 21529

Drivers who put their arms outside of their cars while driving can get a $337 fine. Credit: Pexels/Adrien Olichon.

You might be thinking, 'Surely this can't be true?' but we assure you, it is!

The insurer explains: 'According to all state and territories' driving regulations, it is illegal for any part of your body to be outside a moving vehicle at any time.'

So, remember not to poke your arm out the window for a friendly wave. Instead, stick to the safer and legal option of displaying your goodbye from within the vehicle.

However, do note that if you are signalling that you are turning right, slowing down or stopping using your arm, then authorities will grant you a pass.

Budget Direct has also highlighted some other lesser-known road rules that you might want to consider if you haven't already heard of them:

Driving with a dog or pet on your lap: It's illegal in all states and territories to drive with a pet on your lap. Not only could this put other drivers at risk due to a potential obstruction of the view or interference with your driving, but your beloved pet could also be seriously harmed in the event of an accident.

The law is crystal clear: no animal, no matter how tiny, should be on the driver's lap while the vehicle is in motion.

Excessive car horn usage: Do you find yourself honking your car horn more often than not?

Be careful! It is illegal to use your horn across all of Australia unless you are warning other drivers that your vehicle is approaching, trying to get animals off the road, or using it as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device. In all other situations, you might just be breaking the law!

View attachment 21572​

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers are being warned not to wave an arm out of their car window, as it could result in a hefty $337 fine and a loss of three demerit points.
• It is illegal for any part of the body to be outside a moving vehicle at any time, according to Budget Direct, who warned that passengers could also face the same penalties.
  Drivers are encouraged to wave inside the vehicle to avoid fines and should note that using their arm to signal turning, slowing down, or stopping is allowed.
• Other little-known rules include not driving with a pet on your lap and using your car horn only to warn other drivers, get animals off the road, or as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device.

These eye-opening legal titbits serve as a reminder that whenever you get behind the wheel, it's always good to brush up on your knowledge of traffic rules and regulations – no matter how experienced a driver you may be.

And while it's always necessary to abide by the law, staying aware and safe should be your top priority. Stay safe out there, dear members, and happy driving always!

There are a lot more rules and regulations with regarding the road and vehicles, the book is a real big one that the public dont get to see unless it is produced in a court matter, but that doesnt mean you get to read it.... THATS NOT ALOUD... each time a new law is passed it is printed in the newspaper and if you didnt see it or read it thats tough titties as ignorance of the law is no excuse when it comes to being charged with an offence.... Governments and the law are Lovely people arnt they....... NOT.... how else do they raise extra coin.

 

[Leoni]

Mmmmm.....seems the police need to make up for the fines they did not collect during the "pandemic we had to have". Disgraceful behaviour. And the fines are not $50 or $100 but $300 and over and to top it off you loose not 1 BUT 3 demerit points. Again....disgraceful behaviour by the police.

Easy fix, don't do it! The risk of losing a limb if it is outside the car and you are involved in an accident could be rather high, the answer, leave your body part in the car, or you could possibly be leaving it on the road!

 

[Emmy Im12]

At the Seniors Discount Club, we love to share some interesting – and, at times, surprising – facts with our members. This week, we stumbled across a little-known road rule that will have you watching where you put your arm the next time you're driving.

An Aussie driver shared a story about a police officer silently gesturing at her as she waved to a neighbour with her arm out the car window. As it turns out, she was inadvertently breaking an obscure road rule – and she's not alone!

Yes, you read that correctly! According to Budget Direct, something as simple as waving your arm out of the car window or resting it on the door ledge while you drive could land you a wallet-crushing fine of $337 and a loss of three demerit points.

The insurer warns that passengers are also subject to the same penalties.

View attachment 21529

Drivers who put their arms outside of their cars while driving can get a $337 fine. Credit: Pexels/Adrien Olichon.

You might be thinking, 'Surely this can't be true?' but we assure you, it is!

The insurer explains: 'According to all state and territories' driving regulations, it is illegal for any part of your body to be outside a moving vehicle at any time.'

So, remember not to poke your arm out the window for a friendly wave. Instead, stick to the safer and legal option of displaying your goodbye from within the vehicle.

However, do note that if you are signalling that you are turning right, slowing down or stopping using your arm, then authorities will grant you a pass.

Budget Direct has also highlighted some other lesser-known road rules that you might want to consider if you haven't already heard of them:

Driving with a dog or pet on your lap: It's illegal in all states and territories to drive with a pet on your lap. Not only could this put other drivers at risk due to a potential obstruction of the view or interference with your driving, but your beloved pet could also be seriously harmed in the event of an accident.

The law is crystal clear: no animal, no matter how tiny, should be on the driver's lap while the vehicle is in motion.

Excessive car horn usage: Do you find yourself honking your car horn more often than not?

Be careful! It is illegal to use your horn across all of Australia unless you are warning other drivers that your vehicle is approaching, trying to get animals off the road, or using it as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device. In all other situations, you might just be breaking the law!

View attachment 21572​

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers are being warned not to wave an arm out of their car window, as it could result in a hefty $337 fine and a loss of three demerit points.
• It is illegal for any part of the body to be outside a moving vehicle at any time, according to Budget Direct, who warned that passengers could also face the same penalties.
  Drivers are encouraged to wave inside the vehicle to avoid fines and should note that using their arm to signal turning, slowing down, or stopping is allowed.
• Other little-known rules include not driving with a pet on your lap and using your car horn only to warn other drivers, get animals off the road, or as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device.

These eye-opening legal titbits serve as a reminder that whenever you get behind the wheel, it's always good to brush up on your knowledge of traffic rules and regulations – no matter how experienced a driver you may be.

And while it's always necessary to abide by the law, staying aware and safe should be your top priority. Stay safe out there, dear members, and happy driving always!

This is definitely not a very known road rule, though I think it’s been mentioned before in the SDC news, and I often wave to family and friends, sticking my arm out the car window, so each time I’m breaking a road rule too but on Saturday my husband and I were out for a drive and here’s this tradie van with the driver driving with his arm out the drivers window and a cute little puppy with it’s head out the window as it’s sitting on his lap or arm, not sure as it was so tiny. Of course my husband was saying ‘take a photo and report him’ but I just couldn’t, who knows maybe someone else saw it and may have reported this but I felt bad doing it and some may think I’m wrong but that’s just me

 

[Aussie all the Way]

OMG another road rule that everyone who drives SHOULD know, no part of your body is allowed to protrude from the vehicle, unless using hand signals for turning, stopping. How do people get their licence now.

 

[Barbara V]

Yes found out years ago was warned by police in their car whilst waving goodbye in a Maccas car park not to do it when entering the main road

 

[KSS]

Frankly, if you didn't know these road rules then you shouldn't be on the road in the first place. And you can add parking across or impeding a pavement to the list. So many inconsiderate people do this with seeming impunity.