Little-known traffic law surprises many motorists, leading to confusion and debate
- Replies 42
As we navigate the roads of our beautiful country, it's essential to stay informed about the various traffic laws that keep us safe.
However, one little-known rule might catch many Australian drivers off guard, potentially leading to fines and demerit points.
It's a small detail that could significantly affect your driving record.
A Perth woman, Janelle McEvoy, recently highlighted this obscure road rule when she shared her experience with a random breath test on social media.
The police officer conducting the test advised her to remove the air freshener hanging from her rearview mirror to avoid a $100 fine and a demerit point.
This warning left many drivers, including Janelle, surprised and questioning, 'Doesn't everyone have one hanging from their car? Where is it supposed to go?'
The conversation quickly spread online, with many commenters expressing shock and confusion.
Some drivers were unaware of the rule, while others acknowledged its existence but noted that it's rarely enforced.
The critical issue here is that anything hanging from the rearview mirror, be it an air freshener, fluffy dice, or even a parking pass, could be considered a distraction or an obstruction of view if it impairs the driver's ability to see the road.
While it's not illegal to have an item dangling from your rearview mirror, the law clearly states that a driver's view should not be obstructed.
In New South Wales, for example, the Department of Transport can issue a $349 fine and three demerit points for driving without a clear road view.
Victoria has similar rules, with a $288 fine and the possibility of a court penalty of up to $962 for significant obstructions.
In Queensland, drivers can face an on-the-spot fine of $361, while in Western Australia, where Ms McEvoy was stopped, the penalty is a $100 fine and one demerit point.
South Australia and Tasmania have fines of $215 and $195, respectively.
The Northern Territory categorises driving an unsafe motor vehicle with a $140 fine for an obstructed view.
Lastly, in the ACT, fines can vary, with the maximum amount reaching a hefty $3,200.
For those who still want their car to smell fresh without the risk, consider alternatives like vent clips or under-seat fresheners that won't interfere with your line of sight.
Janelle McEvoy followed up with a video showing her new vent-clip air freshener, a simple solution that complies with the law.
Have you ever received a fine for having an item hanging from your rearview mirror, and how did you feel about it? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
However, one little-known rule might catch many Australian drivers off guard, potentially leading to fines and demerit points.
It's a small detail that could significantly affect your driving record.
A Perth woman, Janelle McEvoy, recently highlighted this obscure road rule when she shared her experience with a random breath test on social media.
The police officer conducting the test advised her to remove the air freshener hanging from her rearview mirror to avoid a $100 fine and a demerit point.
A little-known road rule highlighted by a Perth woman warns drivers can be fined and receive demerit points for having items hanging from their rearview mirrors. Credit: @janellemcevoy / TikTok
This warning left many drivers, including Janelle, surprised and questioning, 'Doesn't everyone have one hanging from their car? Where is it supposed to go?'
The conversation quickly spread online, with many commenters expressing shock and confusion.
Some drivers were unaware of the rule, while others acknowledged its existence but noted that it's rarely enforced.
The critical issue here is that anything hanging from the rearview mirror, be it an air freshener, fluffy dice, or even a parking pass, could be considered a distraction or an obstruction of view if it impairs the driver's ability to see the road.
While it's not illegal to have an item dangling from your rearview mirror, the law clearly states that a driver's view should not be obstructed.
In New South Wales, for example, the Department of Transport can issue a $349 fine and three demerit points for driving without a clear road view.
Victoria has similar rules, with a $288 fine and the possibility of a court penalty of up to $962 for significant obstructions.
In Queensland, drivers can face an on-the-spot fine of $361, while in Western Australia, where Ms McEvoy was stopped, the penalty is a $100 fine and one demerit point.
South Australia and Tasmania have fines of $215 and $195, respectively.
The Northern Territory categorises driving an unsafe motor vehicle with a $140 fine for an obstructed view.
Lastly, in the ACT, fines can vary, with the maximum amount reaching a hefty $3,200.
For those who still want their car to smell fresh without the risk, consider alternatives like vent clips or under-seat fresheners that won't interfere with your line of sight.
Janelle McEvoy followed up with a video showing her new vent-clip air freshener, a simple solution that complies with the law.
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