Avoid $410 fine with this surprising traffic law most drivers ignore
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As we navigate the bustling roads of Australia, it's crucial to stay abreast of traffic laws to ensure our safety and avoid hefty fines.
One such law, often overlooked by drivers, has come under the spotlight as authorities focus on motorists who may inadvertently or deliberately flout the rules.
This isn't just a concern for drivers in one state; it's a nationwide issue that could hit your wallet hard if ignored.
The Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, part of the New South Wales Police Force, has observed a worrying trend in road accidents linked to improper overtaking.
They've taken to social media to remind drivers about the misconceptions and risks associated with this maneuver.
One of the most common mistakes is lingering in the right lane.
In a recent statement, NSW Police urged drivers to heed 'keep left unless overtaking' signs.
A provisional driver learned this lesson the hard way, receiving a $410 fine for ignoring the directive.
But according to Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh of Astor Legal, the penalty could have been much steeper, with fines reaching up to $2,200 for such an infraction.
The rules of overtaking should be more understood and addressed, leading to dangerous situations on the road.
In NSW, overtaking is illegal across a continuous dividing line, whether single or double, and when there is no clear view of oncoming traffic, such as before a crest, curve, or poor visibility.
‘It is not only illegal to cross unbroken lane lines to overtake, but it is illegal to overtake at any time when it is unsafe to do so,’ the police said on social media.
‘This means you require an unobstructed view of traffic ahead, must not exceed the speed limit and must not overtake or re-enter the lane too close to the overtaken car.’
It is also prohibited when a vehicle is stopped at a pedestrian crossing, intersection, or railway crossing and where the road narrows.
Police emphasised that it's illegal to cross unbroken lane lines to overtake and to do so at any time when it's unsafe.
This means drivers must have an unobstructed view of the road ahead, adhere to speed limits, and avoid overtaking or merging back into the lane too close to the vehicle they've just passed.
Accelerating when another driver attempts to overtake you is another risky behaviour that can attract a $410 fine and three demerit points.
This is considered an offence and is just as punishable as the act of overtaking itself.
Remember, exceeding the speed limit while overtaking is never permissible, regardless of the situation.
Drivers should be aware that these rules do not apply exclusively to NSW; similar laws apply across all states and territories in Australia.
Familiarise yourself with your region's specific road rules to avoid infractions and ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
In other news, an 18-year-old driver was fined $3,568 and lost his license for making an unsafe maneuver on Campbell Hill Road in Guildford, Sydney.
The P-plater was caught speeding in a 50 km/h zone and overtaking on the wrong side of the road. Read more about it here.
What steps do you take to ensure you're following overtaking rules? Have you ever faced any issues with fines or penalties related to improper overtaking? Let us know in the comments below.
One such law, often overlooked by drivers, has come under the spotlight as authorities focus on motorists who may inadvertently or deliberately flout the rules.
This isn't just a concern for drivers in one state; it's a nationwide issue that could hit your wallet hard if ignored.
The Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, part of the New South Wales Police Force, has observed a worrying trend in road accidents linked to improper overtaking.
They've taken to social media to remind drivers about the misconceptions and risks associated with this maneuver.
One of the most common mistakes is lingering in the right lane.
NSW Police warned drivers about often ignoring overtaking rules in a new crackdown. Credit: NSW Police Force / Facebook
In a recent statement, NSW Police urged drivers to heed 'keep left unless overtaking' signs.
A provisional driver learned this lesson the hard way, receiving a $410 fine for ignoring the directive.
But according to Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh of Astor Legal, the penalty could have been much steeper, with fines reaching up to $2,200 for such an infraction.
The rules of overtaking should be more understood and addressed, leading to dangerous situations on the road.
In NSW, overtaking is illegal across a continuous dividing line, whether single or double, and when there is no clear view of oncoming traffic, such as before a crest, curve, or poor visibility.
‘It is not only illegal to cross unbroken lane lines to overtake, but it is illegal to overtake at any time when it is unsafe to do so,’ the police said on social media.
‘This means you require an unobstructed view of traffic ahead, must not exceed the speed limit and must not overtake or re-enter the lane too close to the overtaken car.’
It is also prohibited when a vehicle is stopped at a pedestrian crossing, intersection, or railway crossing and where the road narrows.
Police emphasised that it's illegal to cross unbroken lane lines to overtake and to do so at any time when it's unsafe.
This means drivers must have an unobstructed view of the road ahead, adhere to speed limits, and avoid overtaking or merging back into the lane too close to the vehicle they've just passed.
Accelerating when another driver attempts to overtake you is another risky behaviour that can attract a $410 fine and three demerit points.
This is considered an offence and is just as punishable as the act of overtaking itself.
Remember, exceeding the speed limit while overtaking is never permissible, regardless of the situation.
Drivers should be aware that these rules do not apply exclusively to NSW; similar laws apply across all states and territories in Australia.
Familiarise yourself with your region's specific road rules to avoid infractions and ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
In other news, an 18-year-old driver was fined $3,568 and lost his license for making an unsafe maneuver on Campbell Hill Road in Guildford, Sydney.
The P-plater was caught speeding in a 50 km/h zone and overtaking on the wrong side of the road. Read more about it here.
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