Driver faces thousands in fines over another simple road rule

Driving on the open road can be a liberating experience.

Yet, it also comes with the responsibility of keeping everyone on the road safe.

For drivers based in one state, there's a road rule that could lead to a hefty fine when ignored.

It's a rule some might overlook, but recent incidents show that it's one that the police have been taking seriously.


On 22 November, NSW Police spotted a driver cruising along the Hume Highway in the state's Southern Tablelands.

The driver was travelling west in the right-hand lane for an extended period without overtaking, turning right, or avoiding obstructions.

Despite passing several signs stating, 'Keep left unless overtaking,' the driver continued in the right lane.

Upon pulling the vehicle over, police discovered that the learner driver incorrectly used P-plates on the vehicle.


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The violator was caught driving a Subaru Forester. Image Credit: Facebook/Traffic and Highway Patrol Command-NSW Police Force


According to state laws, learner drivers must be accompanied by a fully licenced supervisor.

In this man's case, the other passenger in the vehicle was a woman with a P1 licence, tending to a small child in the rear passenger seat.

The man faced multiple penalties and was suspended from driving for three months.


This man's case was not an isolated incident, as right-hand lane driving offences have been on the rise.

Last August, authorities penalised another driver on the M5 in NSW.

In one case, a P-plater was fined $410 and lost two demerit points for failing to keep left despite multiple signs and even a police car following them for three kilometres.

Police have urged motorists to keep the rule in mind.

Astor Legal Avinash Singh commented on the severity of the rule.

'On a road where there is a speed limit of more than 80 km/h, you must not drive in the right lane unless you're overtaking. You can incur a fine of up to $2,200 for disobeying this rule.'


In a similar incident in Victoria, a 42-year-old man was caught driving in the right lane without overtaking on the Geelong Ring Road.

This resulted in $198 worth of fines and two demerit points.

For seasoned drivers, it's a reminder to refresh your knowledge of road rules, as they could change over time.

Keeping up to date with the latest regulations can help you avoid fines and demerit points and, more importantly, keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
Key Takeaways

  • A NSW driver was caught travelling in the right-hand lane without overtaking.
  • The driver was a learner driving without proper supervision and not displaying L-plates.
  • The incident highlighted an increasing issue with drivers ignoring the 'Keep left unless overtaking' rule on highways.
  • Penalties for driving in the right-hand lane when not overtaking could reach $2,200.
Have you ever been caught violating this rule? Do you have any driving tips everyone can keep in mind? Share your experiences and driving advice with us in the comments below.
 

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Driving in the right hand lane, without overtaking, is one of the most frustrating things whilst driving. I see idiots every day doing it. It stops you, moving to the right, in an emergency situation..
This is a regular occurrence here in WA
I don't know if people are unaware of this law, or just don't care.
Probably the latter as there are definitely enough signs advising you
 
Eeveryone would know that rule, there is no excuse for hogging the right lane. It is frustrating when you try and pass a slow moving vehicle and just behind you in the right line is a vehicle just cruising a few ks under the speed limit.
OH,yes. i feel your anger & FRUSTRATION.
 
This is a regular occurrence here in WA
I don't know if people are unaware of this law, or just don't care.
Probably the latter as there are definitely enough signs advising you
When the roads are busy and you need to change lanes other drivers do not let you in even if you indicate well in advance. Just to clarify I do not hog the
rght hand lane.
 
Driving in the right hand lane, without overtaking, is one of the most frustrating things whilst driving. I see idiots every day doing it. It stops you, moving to the right, in an emergency situation..
Well frankly, I have done that quite often whilst travelling between Kerang and Swan Hill but only when there is no traffic behind me BUT I am mindful of any vehicle coming up behind me and naturally, move to the left hand side. I would never think of doing this on a congested freeway ....
 
The roads are so bad in SA that you either drive in the overtaking lane (move left if someone is coming up behind) or hit massive pot holes and broken edges. Our highway 1 is like a patchwork quilt.
A Gravel road would be smoother! One section had new overtaking lanes built, 2 weeks later all the edges had broken away. Now it’s back to 60 and 80 for ages due to the mess it’s in less than a year later.
 

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