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.

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!

 

[Clancieblue]

Please find something new to tell us. The seniors on this group all know these old laws & 99.99% obey them.

Unless they have forgotten

 

[Greentrees]

How about "not using blinkers when turning" ....if they fined this practice the National Debt could be paid off in weeks.

My pet peeve!

 

[Greentrees]

Please find something new to tell us. The seniors on this group all know these old laws & 99.99% obey them.

Some years ago there was a series of advertisements warning drivers of this rule. People stopped doing it. A new generation has arrived on the scene & are breaking this law. Perhaps there needs to be another warning campaign.

 

[Mikeyboy2012]

Cut them off. They won't do it again..

 

[jonbiddell]

Next they will be telling us how many breaths we can take.lf people want to rest their elbows on the window so what?

Providing your arm is inside the vehicle, rest it there all you like - I do always, nothing they can do about it

 

[Veggiepatch]

I took a photo of a piglet (copper) hanging his arm out of the window of his police car about 40 years ago. The look on his face was hilarious.

Unfortunately, the photo is long gone. Damn!

 

[Miss Jewel]

When I got my licence in 1981 it was a rule not to let anything hang out of the vehicle, hands, arms, elbows, feet. Nothing has changed and it isn't a new rule.

 

[Viellarde]

Providing your arm is inside the vehicle, rest it there all you like - I do always, nothing they can do about it

Agree

 

[Viellarde]

In the 50s a school friend of mine lost his right arm to a truck while he was on a bus. I already knew this Vic law when I learnt to drive!

 

[Ebby]

Providing your arm is inside the vehicle,

Agree

l agree sometimes if your sat with two others it's comfortable to just rest your elbow on the window

 

[freedy50]

Not mentioned in this article but you're not even supposed to wave goodbye, as you drive off, to someone you've visited.

 

[johno cpfc]

I have lived in Australia for 60 years and this rule was in force when i went for my driving licence so just about everyone should already know this but there are still people that do it so they deserve the fine .

 

[Viellarde]

Not mentioned in this article but you're not even supposed to wave goodbye, as you drive off, to someone you've visited.

Or toot your horn in farewell.

 

[Cuddles130664]

Always a way to raise revenue, nothing about safety, just revenue.

 

[Towing]

Tailgating can be hard to avoid if a vehicle over takes you in the legal space you leave and worse still if they slow down which shortens your legal gap. Especially if the same driver continuously does it for no reason when there is no cars ahead to cause it. Not only does it leaving you breaking the law it becomes very frustrating after awhile, especially when you know you have a long line of vehicles behind you and it becomes a continuous line of following vehicles having to do the same thing. Another problem is on a 2 lane road when a car is going very slow and it is safe for you to pass - when the car you are passing speeds up as you are passing - and continues to "pace" you. But it is even worse if the vehicle that was behind you closes the gap and you can't move back into the left lane.

 

[Towing]

Tailgating can be hard to avoid if a vehicle over takes you in the legal space you leave and worse still if they slow down which shortens your legal gap. Especially if the same driver continuously does it for no reason when there is no cars ahead to cause it. Not only does it leaving you breaking the law it becomes very frustrating after awhile, especially when you know you have a long line of vehicles behind you and it becomes a continuous line of following vehicles having to do the same thing. Another problem is on a 2 lane road when a car is going very slow and it is safe for you to pass - when the car you are passing speeds up as you are passing - and continues to "pace" you. But it is even worse if the vehicle that was behind you closes the gap and you can't move back into the left lane.

 

[Willowis147]

How about "not using blinkers when turning" ....if they fined this practice the National Debt could be paid off in weeks.

 

[Towing]

True. I think you are supposed to put them on 5 seconds before turning or leaving the kerb too