Are you making this driving mistake? It's costing Aussies thousands in fines!
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As we travel through the vast expanses of our country, we often encounter various sights: wildlife, large vehicles, and, occasionally, cars with 'for sale' signs.
It's a familiar scene in many areas, but did you know this simple action could lead to unexpected costs?
We’re here to offer a heads-up about a common road practice that could result in fines across the country.
Selling your car might seem straightforward, but if you're trying to catch the eye of potential buyers by parking your vehicle alongside a public road with a 'for sale' sign, you could be setting yourself up for trouble.
These homemade advertisements are not just a way to attract buyers; they're also considered a potential distraction for other drivers.
The penalties for this oversight can be quite steep, varying from state to state and even between local council areas.
Fines can range from a modest $100 to a staggering $2,000 or more.
In New South Wales, for instance, drivers caught displaying a 'for sale' sign on a car parked on a public road can face fines between $1,500 and $2,200.
Last year, the Sunshine Coast Council in Queensland ran an awareness campaign to inform the public about on-the-spot fines of $252 for this offence.
Over in Western Australia, the rules are even stricter, with authorities banning the advertising of vehicles on public land altogether, carrying potential fines of up to $1,000.
South Australia and Victoria have taken a regulatory approach, with councils requiring permits to display 'for sale' signs on vehicles.
Without a permit, motorists in these states are risking fines of up to $100.
Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh has urged Australians to be aware of these rules to avoid being penalised.
He explained that the rationale behind the prohibition is the potential distraction such signs can cause to other drivers.
‘The rationale behind the prohibition of putting a “sale” sign on a vehicle while parked on a public road is that it can distract drivers,’ Singha said.
‘By having an approval process, councils can ascertain whether the advertising is likely to distract road users or provide an impediment.’
The most effective and legal way to advertise your car for sale on a public road is by obtaining approval from your local council.
With their permission, you can display your advertisement without the risk of being fined.
For those in New South Wales, it's worth noting that Section 626 of the Local Government Act 1993 sets the maximum penalty for illegally advertising a vehicle for sale on a public road or space at 20 penalty units.
With one penalty unit currently valued at $110, this act can potentially come with a $2,200 fine.
So, before you decide to park your car with a 'for sale' sign, consider the potential cost.
It might be more effective and safer to advertise online or in the local paper.
And if you're set on using your vehicle as a billboard, make sure to check with your local council first.
In other news, a driver has been filmed with his feet hanging out of the car window while travelling at freeway speeds.
The video of his reckless behaviour has sparked outrage and concern among fellow Aussie drivers. You can read more about it here.
Have you or someone you know been fined for this common mistake? Or do you have other tips for selling a car without running afoul of the law? Share your stories and advice in the comments below.
It's a familiar scene in many areas, but did you know this simple action could lead to unexpected costs?
We’re here to offer a heads-up about a common road practice that could result in fines across the country.
Selling your car might seem straightforward, but if you're trying to catch the eye of potential buyers by parking your vehicle alongside a public road with a 'for sale' sign, you could be setting yourself up for trouble.
These homemade advertisements are not just a way to attract buyers; they're also considered a potential distraction for other drivers.
A 'for sale' sign on a car parked on a public road can result in hefty fines in Australia. Credit: Unsplash
The penalties for this oversight can be quite steep, varying from state to state and even between local council areas.
Fines can range from a modest $100 to a staggering $2,000 or more.
In New South Wales, for instance, drivers caught displaying a 'for sale' sign on a car parked on a public road can face fines between $1,500 and $2,200.
Last year, the Sunshine Coast Council in Queensland ran an awareness campaign to inform the public about on-the-spot fines of $252 for this offence.
Over in Western Australia, the rules are even stricter, with authorities banning the advertising of vehicles on public land altogether, carrying potential fines of up to $1,000.
South Australia and Victoria have taken a regulatory approach, with councils requiring permits to display 'for sale' signs on vehicles.
Without a permit, motorists in these states are risking fines of up to $100.
Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh has urged Australians to be aware of these rules to avoid being penalised.
He explained that the rationale behind the prohibition is the potential distraction such signs can cause to other drivers.
‘The rationale behind the prohibition of putting a “sale” sign on a vehicle while parked on a public road is that it can distract drivers,’ Singha said.
‘By having an approval process, councils can ascertain whether the advertising is likely to distract road users or provide an impediment.’
The most effective and legal way to advertise your car for sale on a public road is by obtaining approval from your local council.
With their permission, you can display your advertisement without the risk of being fined.
For those in New South Wales, it's worth noting that Section 626 of the Local Government Act 1993 sets the maximum penalty for illegally advertising a vehicle for sale on a public road or space at 20 penalty units.
With one penalty unit currently valued at $110, this act can potentially come with a $2,200 fine.
So, before you decide to park your car with a 'for sale' sign, consider the potential cost.
It might be more effective and safer to advertise online or in the local paper.
And if you're set on using your vehicle as a billboard, make sure to check with your local council first.
In other news, a driver has been filmed with his feet hanging out of the car window while travelling at freeway speeds.
The video of his reckless behaviour has sparked outrage and concern among fellow Aussie drivers. You can read more about it here.
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