Your morning coffee ritual might be sacred, but recent fake news stories claiming you'll cop a massive fine for drinking it in the car are causing quite the stir. Misleading AI-generated articles have been flooding social media and even appearing in Google search results, falsely claiming new Australian road rules will fine drivers up to $1500 for eating, drinking, or vaping while driving.
The good news is that there are no specific road rules in Australian states that prohibit eating behind the wheel, and NSW Road Rule 297(1) simply states 'a driver must not drive a vehicle unless the driver has proper control of the vehicle.'
The reality behind the road rules rumours
Transport authorities across the country have been busy debunking these false claims. The RAA's road rules department reported a notable increase in inquiries from members seeking clarification.
RAA senior road safety manager Charles Mountain explained that any genuine changes to road regulations are formally announced by the state government and published on the official mylicence website.
Only eleven people have been fined for eating or drinking while driving from 2019 to 2024, resulting in just $1900 in total fines according to Revenue NSW's fines dashboard.
Compare that to the thousands of fines issued for mobile phone use, and you'll see how rare these penalties actually are.
The current rules are sensible and have been in place for years: if eating or drinking impairs your ability to control your vehicle, you could face penalties.
In NSW, this means a $464 fine and three demerit points, rising to $581 and four demerit points in school zones.
'It's understandable that these stories raise alarm, particularly as they are not based on proposed changes to the regulations affecting older drivers'
How to spot the fake articles
These misleading stories share several red flags that make them easy to identify once you know what to look for. Many claim the new rules started on 10 or 12 October 2025, with fines ranging wildly from $220 to $1500.
Some articles even mention AI cameras that can detect 'hand and mouth movements' - technology that doesn't exist for this purpose.
The fake articles often have sensationalised headlines and appear on websites with official-sounding names but unclear ownership.
They frequently mix real information about existing road rules with completely fabricated new penalties, making them seem more credible.
Red flags for fake road rule articles
Claims of specific start dates for 'new' rules that authorities haven't announced
Wildly varying fine amounts across different articles
Mentions of non-existent enforcement technology
No quotes from actual government transport departments
Headlines designed to create outrage rather than inform
Why older drivers are being targeted
This isn't the first time fake news has specifically targeted older Australian drivers. Earlier this year, fake AI-generated articles falsely claimed drivers over 60 would face night-time driving restrictions, which also prompted increased inquiries and was quickly debunked by transport authorities who emphasised the importance of verifying information through trusted sources.
According to the BBC's Global Minds Survey of 2023, nearly 73 per cent of Australians struggled to identify fake news and AI-generated misinformation.
This vulnerability, combined with seniors' genuine concerns about changing regulations and road safety, makes them attractive targets for clickbait misinformation campaigns.
Incidents involving AI, including deepfake technology, have contributed to a 53 per cent year-on-year increase in social engineering attacks.
These road rule hoaxes represent a sophisticated form of misinformation designed to generate clicks and engagement through fear and outrage.
Smart habits for both road safety and news consumption
While you don't need to worry about new eating and drinking penalties, it's still worth being sensible about what you do behind the wheel.
Choose foods you can safely handle with one hand that don't distract you while driving, think twice about eating from packets that require digging around, and keep your coffee cup in the console cupholder when not drinking.
For news consumption, develop the same cautious approach. RAA encourages motorists to stay alert, use official sources for information, and notify authorities about any questionable or inaccurate articles to help limit the spread of false information, with all drivers encouraged to check official channels rather than relying on viral posts or AI-generated content.
Where to check for real road rule updates
- Your state's official transport website (transport.nsw.gov.au, vicroads.vic.gov.au, etc.)
- The mylicence website for your state
- Official motoring club websites (NRMA, RAA, etc.)
- Government news releases and media statements
- Never rely on social media posts or unfamiliar websites
The bigger picture on misinformation
Australia has been grappling with the challenge of online misinformation. The Australian government recently abandoned the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 after several parties announced they would not support it, leaving no viable path for it to pass through the Senate.
With over 80 percent of Australians wanting action on the issue of false information, politicians will likely explore alternative solutions in the future. Until then, it's up to individuals to stay vigilant and verify information through trusted sources.
The next time you see an alarming headline about new road rules, take a moment to check the source before sharing or worrying. Your morning coffee routine is safe, but your vigilance against misinformation shouldn't be.
What experiences have you had with questionable news stories on social media? Have you noticed an increase in these types of fake articles lately?
Primary Source
https://www.news.com.au/technology/...c374813b8e6741276ea9909ef9bfad?from=rss-basic
Is it illegal to eat or drink while driving? | Advice and How-to | Open Road | The NRMA
Cited text: While there are no specific road rules in Australian states that prohibit eating behind the wheel, drivers can still be slapped with hefty fines if do...
Excerpt: There are no specific road rules in Australian states that prohibit eating behind the wheel, and NSW Road Rule 297(1) simply states 'a driver must not drive a vehicle unless the driver has proper control of the vehicle.'
https://www.mynrma.com.au/open-road...y/is-it-illegal-to-eat-or-drink-while-driving
Fake AI article sparks warning for older Australian drivers | Insurance Business Australia
Cited text: According to the RAA’s road rules department, the misleading article prompted a notable increase in inquiries from members seeking clarification. Char...
Excerpt: The RAA's road rules department reported a notable increase in inquiries from members seeking clarification, with RAA senior road safety manager Charles Mountain explaining that any genuine changes to road regulations are formally…
https://www.insurancebusinessmag.co...ning-for-older-australian-drivers-549474.aspx
Is it illegal to eat or drink while driving? | Advice and How-to | Open Road | The NRMA
Cited text: It's not a widespread problem though—only eleven people have been fined for these reasons from 2019 to 2024, to the tune of $1900, according to the ...
Excerpt: Only eleven people have been fined for eating or drinking while driving from 2019 to 2024, resulting in just $1900 in total fines according to Revenue NSW's fines dashboard.
https://www.mynrma.com.au/open-road...y/is-it-illegal-to-eat-or-drink-while-driving
Is it illegal to eat or drink while driving? | Advice and How-to | Open Road | The NRMA
Cited text: By choosing a one-handed snack, you are more likely to avoid a $464 fine and three demerit points and that skyrockets to a $581 fine and four demerit ...
Excerpt: In NSW, this means a $464 fine and three demerit points, rising to $581 and four demerit points in school zones.
https://www.mynrma.com.au/open-road...y/is-it-illegal-to-eat-or-drink-while-driving
Fake AI article sparks warning for older Australian drivers | Insurance Business Australia
Cited text: Recent events, such as the circulation of a fake AI-generated article targeting older drivers, reflect a growing trend in the use of AI to spread misi...
Excerpt: Earlier this year, fake AI-generated articles falsely claimed drivers over 60 would face night-time driving restrictions, which also prompted increased inquiries and was quickly debunked by transport authorities who emphasised the…
https://www.insurancebusinessmag.co...ning-for-older-australian-drivers-549474.aspx
Fake AI article sparks warning for older Australian drivers | Insurance Business Australia
Cited text: “It’s understandable that these stories raise alarm, particularly as they are not based on proposed changes to the regulations affecting older drivers...
Excerpt: Earlier this year, fake AI-generated articles falsely claimed drivers over 60 would face night-time driving restrictions, which also prompted increased inquiries and was quickly debunked by transport authorities who emphasised the…
https://www.insurancebusinessmag.co...ning-for-older-australian-drivers-549474.aspx
Australia’s Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024: Balancing Misinformation Regulation and Freedom of Speech
Cited text: According to the BBC’s Global Minds Survey of 2023, nearly 73 per cent of Australians struggled to identify fake news and AI-generated misinformation.
Excerpt: According to the BBC's Global Minds Survey of 2023, nearly 73 per cent of Australians struggled to identify fake news and AI-generated misinformation.
https://www.cyberpeace.org/resource...sinformation-regulation-and-freedom-of-speech
Fake AI article sparks warning for older Australian drivers | Insurance Business Australia
Cited text: Incidents involving AI, including the use of deepfake technology, have contributed to a 53 per cent year-on-year increase in social engineering attacks.
Excerpt: Incidents involving AI, including deepfake technology, have contributed to a 53 per cent year-on-year increase in social engineering attacks.
https://www.insurancebusinessmag.co...ning-for-older-australian-drivers-549474.aspx
Is it illegal to eat or drink while driving? | Advice and How-to | Open Road | The NRMA
Cited text: Very simply—choose a food that you can safely handle with one hand that doesn’t distract you while driving. Think twice about eating out of a packet...
Excerpt: Choose foods you can safely handle with one hand that don't distract you while driving, think twice about eating from packets that require digging around, and keep your coffee cup in the console cupholder when not drinking.
https://www.mynrma.com.au/open-road...y/is-it-illegal-to-eat-or-drink-while-driving
Fake AI article sparks warning for older Australian drivers | Insurance Business Australia
Cited text: He emphasised the importance of verifying information through trusted sources, especially for older motorists who may be targeted by misinformation.
Excerpt: RAA encourages motorists to stay alert, use official sources for information, and notify authorities about any questionable or inaccurate articles to help limit the spread of false information, with all drivers encouraged to check official…
https://www.insurancebusinessmag.co...ning-for-older-australian-drivers-549474.aspx
Fake AI article sparks warning for older Australian drivers | Insurance Business Australia
Cited text: RAA is encouraging all drivers to rely on official channels for updates on road rules and to report any suspicious or misleading content. “Even long-t...
Excerpt: RAA encourages motorists to stay alert, use official sources for information, and notify authorities about any questionable or inaccurate articles to help limit the spread of false information, with all drivers encouraged to check official…
https://www.insurancebusinessmag.co...ning-for-older-australian-drivers-549474.aspx
Australia abandons legislation requiring social media companies to regulate misinformation—JURIST—News
Cited text: The Australian government opted to abandon proposed laws on Sunday requiring social media companies to regulate misinformation and disinformation that...
Excerpt: The Australian government recently abandoned the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 after several parties announced they would not support it, leaving no viable path for it to pass…
https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/11...l-media-companies-to-regulate-misinformation/
Australia abandons legislation requiring social media companies to regulate misinformation—JURIST—News
Cited text: The Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 was abandoned after several parties announced they w...
Excerpt: The Australian government recently abandoned the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 after several parties announced they would not support it, leaving no viable path for it to pass…
https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/11...l-media-companies-to-regulate-misinformation/
Australia abandons legislation requiring social media companies to regulate misinformation—JURIST—News
Cited text: With over 80 percent of Australians wanting action on the issue of false information, politicians will likely explore alternative solutions in the fut...
Excerpt: With over 80 percent of Australians wanting action on the issue of false information, politicians will likely explore alternative solutions in the future.
https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/11...l-media-companies-to-regulate-misinformation/
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