Is eating and driving legal? Test your Aussie road knowledge with these lesser-known rules!
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Those of us who have been driving for a long time already know the rules of driving on Australian roads.
But, every now and then, we find ourselves stumped over relatively unknown rules that exist — and carry hefty fines. Yikes!
So, let’s take a trip through some road rules that will surely have you rethinking your next drive!
Eating while driving
You’re driving along with one hand on the steering wheel and another on the delicious burger you bought at the drive-through. Maybe you picked up a snag from Bunnings and are scoffing it down on your way home…
So, can you eat the scrumptious meal while driving?
No!
In Queensland, you can get fined up to $575 if you’re caught eating while driving, according to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Queensland.
Not to mention, you also risk getting three demerit points if you’re judged to not have proper control of your car or are distracted while driving!
Improper use of seatbelts
The woman pictured above was caught taking a nap with her legs pulled up and her seatbelt still on. Is this an offence?
Yes, it is!
Getting caught doing something similar can cost you $1078 in Queensland and four demerit points according to the TMR.
We would like to note that there are very specific instances where drivers are allowed to not wear a seatbelt, such as having medical conditions, or engaging in door-to-door deliveries and travelling below 25 km/h.
Be sure to wear your seatbelt properly the next time you drive (not only for your safety but for your wallet)!
Mopeds in bike lanes
Mopeds are a slower form of two-wheeled transport we sometimes see on the sides of roads — and in bike lanes. But are they allowed there?
TMR says: nope!
Mopeds and motor trikes are classified as motorcycles, which means the same road rules apply.
Motorcycles, and mopeds by extension, are allowed on unmarked road shoulders provided that the speed limit is 90km/h or more and they are travelling at 30km/h or less.
Cyclists and other motorbike riders should be given right of way in sealed shoulder areas, provided also that there are no roadworks in place and the location is not a tunnel.
Pets in cars… on your lap
Most of us love our pets, so much so that even when driving, some of us couldn’t help but place our pint-sized (in some cases!) dogs or cats on our laps.
But is this allowed?
Apparently, it’s an offence!
As a driver, you must always ensure total control of your vehicle.
Anything less is bound to catch the eye of police, especially in cases where pets are jumping around inside the car and causing a potential distraction.
Cars in bike lanes
In the situation pictured above, the orange car’s driver wants to take a left turn at a stoplight. While waiting, can they cross over into the bike ‘box’ lane?
Nope!
TMR Queensland says vehicles must stop at the first white line. Meanwhile, bikes and motorcycles are allowed to enter the bike area but must stop at the second line when the traffic light is red.
Were you surprised by these rules? You’re not alone in feeling like there’s a lot more out there you don’t know!
Just ask this anonymous woman who also found herself receiving a ‘very harsh’ fine over a little-known rule.
This US expat shared a couple of road rules last July that she found confusing after moving Down Under.
And if you have time, be sure to check out the rest of these unknown rules here. Who knows? It may end up saving you from paying costly fines — or worse!
Do you know of any other rules that we should have in mind while driving? Tell us in the comments section below!
Source: YouTube/Safe Roads Australia
But, every now and then, we find ourselves stumped over relatively unknown rules that exist — and carry hefty fines. Yikes!
So, let’s take a trip through some road rules that will surely have you rethinking your next drive!
Eating while driving
Eating and driving at the same time seems like a good multi-tasking thing to do, but is it legal? Credit: 9News/TMR Queensland
You’re driving along with one hand on the steering wheel and another on the delicious burger you bought at the drive-through. Maybe you picked up a snag from Bunnings and are scoffing it down on your way home…
So, can you eat the scrumptious meal while driving?
No!
In Queensland, you can get fined up to $575 if you’re caught eating while driving, according to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Queensland.
Not to mention, you also risk getting three demerit points if you’re judged to not have proper control of your car or are distracted while driving!
Improper use of seatbelts
This woman was caught wearing her seatbelt in an odd way. Credit: 9News/TMR Queensland
The woman pictured above was caught taking a nap with her legs pulled up and her seatbelt still on. Is this an offence?
Yes, it is!
Getting caught doing something similar can cost you $1078 in Queensland and four demerit points according to the TMR.
We would like to note that there are very specific instances where drivers are allowed to not wear a seatbelt, such as having medical conditions, or engaging in door-to-door deliveries and travelling below 25 km/h.
Be sure to wear your seatbelt properly the next time you drive (not only for your safety but for your wallet)!
Mopeds in bike lanes
Are mopeds allowed in bike lanes? Credit: 9News/TMR Queensland
Mopeds are a slower form of two-wheeled transport we sometimes see on the sides of roads — and in bike lanes. But are they allowed there?
TMR says: nope!
Mopeds and motor trikes are classified as motorcycles, which means the same road rules apply.
Motorcycles, and mopeds by extension, are allowed on unmarked road shoulders provided that the speed limit is 90km/h or more and they are travelling at 30km/h or less.
Cyclists and other motorbike riders should be given right of way in sealed shoulder areas, provided also that there are no roadworks in place and the location is not a tunnel.
Pets in cars… on your lap
Travelling with pets isn’t unheard of, but what if they crawl in your lap while you’re driving? Credit: 9News/TMR Queensland
Most of us love our pets, so much so that even when driving, some of us couldn’t help but place our pint-sized (in some cases!) dogs or cats on our laps.
But is this allowed?
Apparently, it’s an offence!
As a driver, you must always ensure total control of your vehicle.
Anything less is bound to catch the eye of police, especially in cases where pets are jumping around inside the car and causing a potential distraction.
Cars in bike lanes
Can cars enter areas designated for bikes when at a red-lit traffic stop? Credit: 9News/TMR Queensland
In the situation pictured above, the orange car’s driver wants to take a left turn at a stoplight. While waiting, can they cross over into the bike ‘box’ lane?
Nope!
TMR Queensland says vehicles must stop at the first white line. Meanwhile, bikes and motorcycles are allowed to enter the bike area but must stop at the second line when the traffic light is red.
Were you surprised by these rules? You’re not alone in feeling like there’s a lot more out there you don’t know!
Just ask this anonymous woman who also found herself receiving a ‘very harsh’ fine over a little-known rule.
This US expat shared a couple of road rules last July that she found confusing after moving Down Under.
And if you have time, be sure to check out the rest of these unknown rules here. Who knows? It may end up saving you from paying costly fines — or worse!
Do you know of any other rules that we should have in mind while driving? Tell us in the comments section below!
Source: YouTube/Safe Roads Australia
