Parking your car with THIS sign could cost you $166—don’t risk it!
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A regional council in Far North Queensland has sparked debate after rolling out strict new rules for drivers.
Locals in Tully were met with fresh signage warning of $166 fines for a roadside habit many considered harmless.
Now, what was once a common way to sell an old car has suddenly become an offence carrying hefty penalties.
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council announced that parking vehicles with ‘for sale’ signs along the entrance to town was no longer allowed.
A council spokesperson said the crackdown followed community concerns and direction from councillors to lift the appearance of the area.
'This renewed enforcement comes in response to community concerns and Councillors’ direction to improve the appearance of our townships,' the spokesperson shared.
They explained that cars parked with homemade ads were unsafe, damaged grassed areas, and ‘detract from the welcoming impression we want to create for residents and visitors alike.’
Timber bollards were also installed to block off access, further preventing drivers from leaving their vehicles in front of the town’s welcome sign.
While this type of sale tactic is often seen nationwide, motorists have long faced the risk of fines for using public roads to advertise.
The penalties differ widely between states, ranging from $100 to $2,000.
In Queensland, drivers face lower fines, but in New South Wales, penalties range from $1,500 to $2,200, while in Western Australia, fines can reach $1,000.
Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh previously explained the reasoning behind the laws.
'The rationale behind the prohibition of putting a "sale" sign on a vehicle while parked on a public road is that it can distract drivers,' he said.
'By having an approval process, councils can ascertain whether the advertising is likely to distract road users or provide an impediment.'
Singh added that the only way to advertise legally on a public road was by applying for council approval.
With permission granted, drivers could display signs without the risk of being stung with large fines.
Parking a car with a ‘for sale’ sign isn’t the only little-known rule that can leave drivers out of pocket.
There are other roadside habits that seem harmless but actually carry fines worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
One such mistake has been catching drivers off guard and racking up costly penalties.
Read more: Are you making this driving mistake? It's costing Aussies thousands in fines!
Would you risk a fine to park your car with a ‘for sale’ sign, or is it better to play it safe and go through council approval?
Locals in Tully were met with fresh signage warning of $166 fines for a roadside habit many considered harmless.
Now, what was once a common way to sell an old car has suddenly become an offence carrying hefty penalties.
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council announced that parking vehicles with ‘for sale’ signs along the entrance to town was no longer allowed.
A council spokesperson said the crackdown followed community concerns and direction from councillors to lift the appearance of the area.
'This renewed enforcement comes in response to community concerns and Councillors’ direction to improve the appearance of our townships,' the spokesperson shared.
Council bans roadside car sales at town entrance. Image source: Cassowary Coast Regional Council
They explained that cars parked with homemade ads were unsafe, damaged grassed areas, and ‘detract from the welcoming impression we want to create for residents and visitors alike.’
Timber bollards were also installed to block off access, further preventing drivers from leaving their vehicles in front of the town’s welcome sign.
While this type of sale tactic is often seen nationwide, motorists have long faced the risk of fines for using public roads to advertise.
The penalties differ widely between states, ranging from $100 to $2,000.
In Queensland, drivers face lower fines, but in New South Wales, penalties range from $1,500 to $2,200, while in Western Australia, fines can reach $1,000.
Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh previously explained the reasoning behind the laws.
'The rationale behind the prohibition of putting a "sale" sign on a vehicle while parked on a public road is that it can distract drivers,' he said.
'By having an approval process, councils can ascertain whether the advertising is likely to distract road users or provide an impediment.'
Singh added that the only way to advertise legally on a public road was by applying for council approval.
With permission granted, drivers could display signs without the risk of being stung with large fines.
Parking a car with a ‘for sale’ sign isn’t the only little-known rule that can leave drivers out of pocket.
There are other roadside habits that seem harmless but actually carry fines worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
One such mistake has been catching drivers off guard and racking up costly penalties.
Read more: Are you making this driving mistake? It's costing Aussies thousands in fines!
Would you risk a fine to park your car with a ‘for sale’ sign, or is it better to play it safe and go through council approval?
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