Are you guilty of this common driving mistake? This harmless gesture could cost you $349!

Navigating the vast landscapes of Australia can be a thrilling experience for drivers.

However, it comes with its own set of challenges.

With each state and territory boasting its own set of road rules, even the most seasoned motorists could find themselves inadvertently on the wrong side of the law.


One particular road rule that recently caught drivers off guard was the prohibition against hanging an arm out of a car window.

It's an innocent act that many might not consider an offence, yet it could lead to hefty fines and demerit points.

The nationwide rule stated that no part of a driver's or passenger's body should protrude from a vehicle's window or door.


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Drivers, especially tourists, are expected to follow Australia's road rules when visiting The Land Down Under. Image Credit: Pexels/Valeriia Miller


An exception for this would be when the driver is signalling for a turn, to stop, or to slow down.

This law has been implemented to prevent accidents and ensure everyone's safety on the road.


In New South Wales, drivers caught breaking this rule could face a fine of $349 and three demerit points.

Victoria has an on-the-spot fine of $185, which could rise to $555 and three penalty points if the matter goes to court.

Queensland also enforced the same rule with a fine of $268 and three demerit points.

Right2Drive's General Manager, Blake Parker, emphasised the importance of staying informed about the ever-changing road rules.

With Australia welcoming thousands of visitors every month, it's crucial, especially for international drivers, to familiarise themselves with a country's driving regulations.

This rule may seem peculiar to other countries, but it's designed to promote responsible driving habits.

Keeping arms and other body parts inside the vehicle is a simple yet effective way to avoid accidents.


Other road rules include the usage of mobile phones and tailgating, which Australian laws heavily discourage.

States like Queensland recently introduced behavioural awareness monitors (BAM) cameras to monitor and give real-time warnings to those violating their road rules.

Drivers should stay vigilant and up-to-date with the road rules.

This could help everyone avoid fines and maintain safety on the roads.
Key Takeaways

  • Australian laws prohibit drivers from putting their arm or any body part out of the car while driving unless they are signalling fellow drivers.
  • Penalties for hanging an arm out of a car window can be substantial, with hundreds of dollars in fines and three demerit points for some states.
  • Everyone should be aware of this particular road rule, which can trip up both tourists and Aussie drivers.
  • It's important to stay informed about current road rules for safety and to avoid fines.
Are you guilty of putting your arm out while driving? Do you have some tips to keep up with the ever-changing traffic laws? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
 
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This road rule is decades old, it was orinally enforced due to people losing limbs in accidents due to them hanging out the windows. I have also noticed a high number of people starting to hang their arms out of windows again, usually young people who seem to have no regard or are totally unaware of road rules.
 
Okay, so everyone on here knows about this Rule. Yet only days ago it was highly suggested anyone over 50 take driving lessons to learn the road rules! Me thinks it’s the younger and middle aged that need to learn the rules. Not the experienced drivers on this forum. (Especially the one about tailgating, they mustn’t include that now because so many P platers do it.)
 
Women in SUVs would never do commit such an offence!

Idiot!
No they wouldn’t because they’d be too busy putting on their makeup. 😆

NO NO NO, I’m just joking!!!! I’m a woman and I know most women don’t do that (although I’ve seen a minuscule number who do).

Ugh! Should I delete my post?
 
Please find something new to tell us. The seniors on this group all know these old laws & 99.99% obey them.
 
Found that out many years ago. On the way out of a fast food outlet waved to a friend coming in police car coming in shouted through window not to do it. A friend of mine driving east on the nullabor got pulled over and fined because one of his kids had her arm hanging out and he hadn't realised she was doing it
 
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