We’re all used to the usual road rules like not using a phone while driving, adhering to the speed limit, and avoiding driving under the influence, but the slew of unusual road laws that are on the books is a lot longer than most of us realise.

Even if you’re incredibly conscientious about the way you drive, you may be surprised to know that there are a few hidden laws out there that many of us infringe without intending to - and the consequences of doing so could be pretty costly.

Given that many Australians are planning on road trips this summer season, we here at the Seniors Discount Club thought it was a good time to refresh our memories on the less well-known road rules and laws we should be aware of.

Knowing them inside and out could mean the difference between a pleasant and safe drive, and an expensive breach of the law.

Here are the top 10 lesser-known road laws you might not be aware of:

Don’t get caught out this summer. Breaking these little-known road rules could result in a heavy fine. Credit: Pexels/Kampus Production.

1. Hurling apple cores out of a moving vehicle (Fine: $533 and two demerit points)

You may have thought that throwing a banana skin or apple core out of your car window was an innocent act of biodegradable littering, but think again; drivers in QLD could cop a hefty $533 fine and two demerit points for dropping 'injurious matter on a road'.

2. Waving goodbye and tooting your horn (Fine: $698 and three demerit points.)

If you're in NSW, giving a friendly beep on the horn when you leave someone can land you in trouble with the law.

Unnecessary use of the horn or warning device as a friendly farewell can incur a $349 fine by itself, while throwing in a wave alongside the beep can double that fine to a total of $698 and three points.

3. Paying at a drive-through with your phone (Fine: $534 and five demerit points)

The dangers of using a mobile phone in a vehicle are well-known, but using your phone to pay for your meal at a drive-through is an act not many people are aware of.

Depending on the state, you could be liable for a $534 fine and could also cop five demerit points for doing it.

To avoid the fine, members, you should switch your engine off and have your handbrake on before using your mobile phone to pay for your meal.

If an Australian driver uses their phone to pay at a drive-through, they risk receiving a fine of up to $534 and incurring five demerit points. Credit: Pexels/Erik Mclean.

4. Cutting through a service station (Fine: $349 and three demerit points)

In a hurry to get to your destination and stuck in traffic or at a red light? Don't consider cutting through a service station as a shortcut!

It falls under the 'drive on or over footpath' road rule, and can cost you a hefty $349 fine and three demerit points.

5. Splashing water at pedestrians (Fine: $187)

Be careful when passing a puddle that's in the vicinity of a pedestrian; you could be fined if said pedestrian gets splashed.

In NSW, this much-ridiculed rule isn't limited to just pedestrians who are walking by the side of the road – it applies to those who are waiting for a bus too. Pity the poor passengers who can't get to the sheltered side of the bus stop!

Penalty points aren’t applicable, but you’ll definitely still feel the sting of the fine hitting your wallet.

6. Accelerating when you're being overtaken (Fine: $344 and two demerit points)

We all know the feeling of frustration that can come with being next to an aggressive over-taker. But don't take the bait and speed up!

If you do, you could face a $344 fine and two demerit points for such behaviour in NSW, or $330 and two demerit points if you're in Victoria.

7. Flashing lights to alert people about speed cameras or RBT (Fine: $116 and one demerit point)

Although it's appreciated by many drivers, flashing your lights to warn others of police presence is a punishable offence – one that lands you a $116 ticket and one demerit point.

Previously, the rule referred to using high beams in a built-up area, but now covers 'use of high beams towards oncoming vehicles'.

In NSW, drivers should be wary of this law regardless of whether they're in fog or inclement weather.

8. Driving through a school zone's nature strip (Fine: $464 fine and four demerit points)

If you happen to be in a school zone, do not mount any kerb or median strip – no matter how difficult it is to find a spot to park.

Not only will you be putting yourself and other vehicles in danger, but you may also face a hefty $464 fine and four points for such behaviour.

9. Not giving way to horses (Fine: $130)

Although horses are no longer a frequent sight on the road, it's still a good rule of thumb to give way to horses on the rare occasions you encounter one.

If a rider signals at you to indicate the horse is being stubborn and won't move, you must move to the left, turn off your engine, and wait. Fail to do so, and you might face a $130 fine in Queensland.

10. Not taking your key out of the ignition (Fine: $114)

No matter how much of a hurry you’re in, NEVER leave your car key in the ignition or unattended. Doing so could put you at risk of car theft or worse - a $114 fine in NSW.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers in Queensland and NSW should be aware of roadside laws that could result in hefty fines and demerit points.
• Specific issues drivers should take into consideration are throwing injurious objects out of the car window, 'unnecessary use' of vehicle horns or warning devices, using a mobile phone while in a drive-through lane, cutting through a service station, splashing pedestrians, speeding up while being overtaken, flashing headlights to warn others of speed cameras or random breath tests, driving over nature strips in school zones, not giving way to horses, and leaving keys in the ignition.
• The fines range from $116 to $533 for these seemingly minor offences.

Members, if you discovered that you’ve been breaking any of these rules in the past, don’t worry! The point, of course, is to be mindful of laws that may not be so well-known. Pay attention to road signs, look out for the odd rule, and you won’t need to worry about getting stung with a hefty fine.

It’s also important to remember that these rules and penalties may vary from state to state, so always make sure you are aware of the laws and road regulations of the states you may be travelling.

Folks, have you subconsciously broken any of these road rules recently? Let us know in the comments below - and please, be sure to share this article with your friends and family. Together, we can help keep our community safe on the roads!

 

[Carol.s]

I wasn’t aware road rule penalties applied to retail premises…..ie drive through are not public roads……I use cash, never pay by phone but this rule is definitely one that could catch out a LOT of people.

 

[DebbieC62]

I can say that I’ve been guilty of waving and tooting as I leave a friend, and warning oncoming drivers of a stationary speed radar. Those who pay with their phone at a drive-through might be surprised to know they’re breaking the law, although it makes sense since you’re not allowed to touch your phone when driving.

I was surprised at the drive thru one - which could possibly be argued that you are not on a public highway?
Seems a bit ridiculous in this day and age

 

[DrivingGirl]

Just about time for a law update or two. I have a pair of hearing aids (Bluetooth) which with the aid of a necklace also (Bluetooth) links to my mobile phone. An incoming call can be answered by pressing a lathe button on the necklace. And similarly press to end a call. The mobile phone could be in the car boot but I keep mine in my shirt pocket.

My Prado LandCruiser allows voice dialing therefore no need to touch my mobile phone to dial. Also phone calls can be answered and hung up by buttons on the steering wheel. Again no need to touch my mobile phone.

Messages display on the large screen and can be read out by the software by pressing the “read” button the screen.

As for splashing pedestrians during wet weather then maybe the local government should be forced to install better drainage near bus stops and take a More active roll in removing pot holes from our roads which holds the water which could splash unfortunate pedestrians. It is impossible to tell how deep a pot hole is as you approach when it is full of water especially at night or in low light. Better road maintenance and better drainage is the only answer To this problem.

And lastly the law about leaving your keys in the ignition. My “key” never leaves my pocket. It is only need to be in the Prado for me to start the motor. Once the car is started it will continue to run without the “key” actually being in the car. I have been dropped off in the city by a friend and because no parking available he then drove off to later pick me up. Unfortunately I forgot to leave my “key” in the Prado. Hence he could not turn off the Prado and wait somewhere for my phone call to be picked up but need to run the motor until such time of my call. The law has some catching up with technology. Maybe politicans especially our Minister of Governments actually drove them selves around in their own mnisterial cars they may be more attune to new technology. Thanks for reading.

I hear what you say, but we don’t all own Prados - so the rules are for the majority I guess

 

[Linzee]

What about the rules for travelling with dogs in car, while different states have different rules
Driving with a dog on your lap is very dangerous, illegal and attracts a fine of $247. Similarly travelling with a dog unrestrained in the back of your utility could result in a $235 fine.

 

[SnV14]

We’re all used to the usual road rules like not using a phone while driving, adhering to the speed limit, and avoiding driving under the influence, but the slew of unusual road laws that are on the books is a lot longer than most of us realise.

Even if you’re incredibly conscientious about the way you drive, you may be surprised to know that there are a few hidden laws out there that many of us infringe without intending to - and the consequences of doing so could be pretty costly.

Given that many Australians are planning on road trips this summer season, we here at the Seniors Discount Club thought it was a good time to refresh our memories on the less well-known road rules and laws we should be aware of.

Knowing them inside and out could mean the difference between a pleasant and safe drive, and an expensive breach of the law.

Here are the top 10 lesser-known road laws you might not be aware of:

Don’t get caught out this summer. Breaking these little-known road rules could result in a heavy fine. Credit: Pexels/Kampus Production.

1. Hurling apple cores out of a moving vehicle (Fine: $533 and two demerit points)

You may have thought that throwing a banana skin or apple core out of your car window was an innocent act of biodegradable littering, but think again; drivers in QLD could cop a hefty $533 fine and two demerit points for dropping 'injurious matter on a road'.

2. Waving goodbye and tooting your horn (Fine: $698 and three demerit points.)

If you're in NSW, giving a friendly beep on the horn when you leave someone can land you in trouble with the law.

Unnecessary use of the horn or warning device as a friendly farewell can incur a $349 fine by itself, while throwing in a wave alongside the beep can double that fine to a total of $698 and three points.

3. Paying at a drive-through with your phone (Fine: $534 and five demerit points)

The dangers of using a mobile phone in a vehicle are well-known, but using your phone to pay for your meal at a drive-through is an act not many people are aware of.

Depending on the state, you could be liable for a $534 fine and could also cop five demerit points for doing it.

To avoid the fine, members, you should switch your engine off and have your handbrake on before using your mobile phone to pay for your meal.

If an Australian driver uses their phone to pay at a drive-through, they risk receiving a fine of up to $534 and incurring five demerit points. Credit: Pexels/Erik Mclean.

4. Cutting through a service station (Fine: $349 and three demerit points)

In a hurry to get to your destination and stuck in traffic or at a red light? Don't consider cutting through a service station as a shortcut!

It falls under the 'drive on or over footpath' road rule, and can cost you a hefty $349 fine and three demerit points.

5. Splashing water at pedestrians (Fine: $187)

Be careful when passing a puddle that's in the vicinity of a pedestrian; you could be fined if said pedestrian gets splashed.

In NSW, this much-ridiculed rule isn't limited to just pedestrians who are walking by the side of the road – it applies to those who are waiting for a bus too. Pity the poor passengers who can't get to the sheltered side of the bus stop!

Penalty points aren’t applicable, but you’ll definitely still feel the sting of the fine hitting your wallet.

6. Accelerating when you're being overtaken (Fine: $344 and two demerit points)

We all know the feeling of frustration that can come with being next to an aggressive over-taker. But don't take the bait and speed up!

If you do, you could face a $344 fine and two demerit points for such behaviour in NSW, or $330 and two demerit points if you're in Victoria.

7. Flashing lights to alert people about speed cameras or RBT (Fine: $116 and one demerit point)

Although it's appreciated by many drivers, flashing your lights to warn others of police presence is a punishable offence – one that lands you a $116 ticket and one demerit point.

Previously, the rule referred to using high beams in a built-up area, but now covers 'use of high beams towards oncoming vehicles'.

In NSW, drivers should be wary of this law regardless of whether they're in fog or inclement weather.

8. Driving through a school zone's nature strip (Fine: $464 fine and four demerit points)

If you happen to be in a school zone, do not mount any kerb or median strip – no matter how difficult it is to find a spot to park.

Not only will you be putting yourself and other vehicles in danger, but you may also face a hefty $464 fine and four points for such behaviour.

9. Not giving way to horses (Fine: $130)

Although horses are no longer a frequent sight on the road, it's still a good rule of thumb to give way to horses on the rare occasions you encounter one.

If a rider signals at you to indicate the horse is being stubborn and won't move, you must move to the left, turn off your engine, and wait. Fail to do so, and you might face a $130 fine in Queensland.

10. Not taking your key out of the ignition (Fine: $114)

No matter how much of a hurry you’re in, NEVER leave your car key in the ignition or unattended. Doing so could put you at risk of car theft or worse - a $114 fine in NSW.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers in Queensland and NSW should be aware of roadside laws that could result in hefty fines and demerit points.
• Specific issues drivers should take into consideration are throwing injurious objects out of the car window, 'unnecessary use' of vehicle horns or warning devices, using a mobile phone while in a drive-through lane, cutting through a service station, splashing pedestrians, speeding up while being overtaken, flashing headlights to warn others of speed cameras or random breath tests, driving over nature strips in school zones, not giving way to horses, and leaving keys in the ignition.
• The fines range from $116 to $533 for these seemingly minor offences.

Members, if you discovered that you’ve been breaking any of these rules in the past, don’t worry! The point, of course, is to be mindful of laws that may not be so well-known. Pay attention to road signs, look out for the odd rule, and you won’t need to worry about getting stung with a hefty fine.

It’s also important to remember that these rules and penalties may vary from state to state, so always make sure you are aware of the laws and road regulations of the states you may be travelling.

Folks, have you subconsciously broken any of these road rules recently? Let us know in the comments below - and please, be sure to share this article with your friends and family. Together, we can help keep our community safe on the roads!

Drivers in NSW can use their phone to pay in a drive-through of a fast food outlet or at the boom gate of a car park from today, but strict rules apply.

In an Australian first NSW drivers are permitted to use their phone as a digital wallet as long as the vehicle is stationary and off road, in a car park, drive-through or driveway.

Bernard Carlon, Executive Director of Transport for NSW’s Centre for Road Safety, said the Government is adapting the legislation to keep pace with emerging technologies.

 

[jakethedog]

Is the waving law also applicable to caravan drivers who wave when passing each other on other side of road.