Heads up! Doing this common mistake could land you in a $2,200 fine
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Australia has become a time of ghoulish fun and sweet indulgences during Halloween, with children and adults alike embracing the spooky spirit that 31 October brings.
This tradition has found a home Down Under, from haunted houses to costume parties, with Aussies putting their twist on the festivities.
But before you pull on that werewolf mask or drape yourself in a ghostly sheet, there's a cautionary tale that could save you from a real-life horror story involving a hefty fine.
It's crucial to remember that not all Halloween traditions involve treats. In fact, some could lead to tricks that hurt your wallet.
Legal experts have issued a stern warning to revellers: certain Halloween antics could result in fines up to $2,200, and it's not just about the pranks.
Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh has highlighted a common mistake that could turn some Halloween fun into a financial nightmare.
If one is planning to drive to a party or is simply chauffeuring a carload of costumed kids around the neighbourhood, think twice before donning a face-covering costume.
In New South Wales, and indeed across Australia, driving with a mask or any costume that impairs your vision or control of the vehicle is not just frowned upon—it's illegal.
‘If police see a person driving and they believe the costume affects their ability to properly exercise control of a vehicle or maintain a proper view while driving, then it is not unusual for them to stop the driver and issue a fine,’ Singh said.
‘The community should be aware that police conduct specific operations on special occasions — such as Halloween—when they expect an increased number of people to be out and about, as such, there is an increased risk of being charged with an offence or fined.’
The fine for such an offence can be up to $2,200.
However, Halloween has also seen a rise in property damage, often involving the infamous 'trick' of egging houses and cars.
‘This is most common with teenage children who are not aware of the serious consequences of their actions,’ he said.
‘Generally, the damage is through egging, which is an American concept associated with “trick or treat”’.
‘This is actually an offence of damaging property, which carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.’
Moreover, if you're considering a costume that conceals your identity with the intent to commit a crime, you could be looking at a maximum penalty of 14 years behind bars.
Have you or someone you know ever faced an unexpected mishap? Tell us your story in the comments below!
This tradition has found a home Down Under, from haunted houses to costume parties, with Aussies putting their twist on the festivities.
But before you pull on that werewolf mask or drape yourself in a ghostly sheet, there's a cautionary tale that could save you from a real-life horror story involving a hefty fine.
It's crucial to remember that not all Halloween traditions involve treats. In fact, some could lead to tricks that hurt your wallet.
Legal experts have issued a stern warning to revellers: certain Halloween antics could result in fines up to $2,200, and it's not just about the pranks.
Doing this common mistake might land you in a $2,200 fine. Credit: Shutterstock
Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh has highlighted a common mistake that could turn some Halloween fun into a financial nightmare.
If one is planning to drive to a party or is simply chauffeuring a carload of costumed kids around the neighbourhood, think twice before donning a face-covering costume.
In New South Wales, and indeed across Australia, driving with a mask or any costume that impairs your vision or control of the vehicle is not just frowned upon—it's illegal.
‘If police see a person driving and they believe the costume affects their ability to properly exercise control of a vehicle or maintain a proper view while driving, then it is not unusual for them to stop the driver and issue a fine,’ Singh said.
‘The community should be aware that police conduct specific operations on special occasions — such as Halloween—when they expect an increased number of people to be out and about, as such, there is an increased risk of being charged with an offence or fined.’
The fine for such an offence can be up to $2,200.
However, Halloween has also seen a rise in property damage, often involving the infamous 'trick' of egging houses and cars.
‘This is most common with teenage children who are not aware of the serious consequences of their actions,’ he said.
‘Generally, the damage is through egging, which is an American concept associated with “trick or treat”’.
‘This is actually an offence of damaging property, which carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.’
Moreover, if you're considering a costume that conceals your identity with the intent to commit a crime, you could be looking at a maximum penalty of 14 years behind bars.
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