Life's full of surprises, and sometimes, the most unexpected ones can make all the difference. Case in point: one crafty Sydney man has managed to sidestep a $350 fine and five demerit points, all thanks to a humble cheese and cracker snack!

The drama unfolded when the 35-year-old driver was caught by a mobile detection camera near Moore Park with what appeared to be something in his hands while in control of the car. Authorities were quick to assume he was using his mobile phone while driving and slapped him with a hefty fine.

The savvy driver decided to challenge the accusation and took the matter to court. Armed with his trusty pack of ALDI-branded Dippits, he proceeded to unravel the entire incident in a rather 'cracking' manner.

With the help of lawyer Benjamin Goh, the driver disputed the claim that he was using a mobile phone. Instead, he demonstrated in the court exactly how he had opened the packet of cheese and crackers while maintaining control of the vehicle. Goh said, 'My client had proper control of the vehicle because the photo showed his left hand was in contact with the steering wheel while he was attempting to open the packet.'

Goh referred to his client as a 'hardworking Australian' who was simply enjoying his post-work afternoon tea —and we all know how important a good snack break is in getting through the day!

According to a report by the Daily Telegraph, the unconventional defence was enough to clear the driver of any wrongdoing, allowing him to walk away without coughing up the $350 fine or the five demerit points that come with it.

Who knew that Dippits could do more than just satisfy a craving?

Mobile Phone Detection Cameras in Sydney​

Since March 1, 2020, Sydney's roads have been under the watchful eye of mobile phone detection cameras implemented by the Roads and Maritime Services of New South Wales. These cameras aim to discourage drivers from using their phones while driving and have proven effective in terms of increased fines and reduced mobile phone-related accidents. However, relying solely on these cameras poses challenges as they are not foolproof.

The recent incident highlights the limitations of these cameras. The system's effectiveness relies on the accuracy of the technology, and although advancements have improved their reliability, errors can still occur.

For those who have been erroneously fined, as demonstrated by the Sydney man's case, it is possible to dispute and overturn the fines. Whether due to mistaken identity or human error, it is worthwhile to appeal if you believe the fines were issued incorrectly.

Key Takeaways

• A Sydney man managed to avoid a $350 fine after proving he was opening a packet of cheese and crackers instead of using his phone while driving.
• The driver was captured by a mobile detection camera and was initially accused of using a phone behind the wheel.
• In court, the man demonstrated how to open a packet of the ALDI-branded Dippits, which helped him overturn the fine.
• Mobile phone detection cameras have been operating in Sydney since March 1, 2020.

This isn’t the first case of a strange legal defence. You might also like to read this story of how another Aussie dodged a ‘mobile phone’ fine.
Remember, it’s always best to focus your full attention on the road, so save those nibbles for the safety of your own home. Stay safe out there, dear members! Now, we want to hear from you. What do you think of this story and the court case result?

 

[BrendaO]

Life's full of surprises, and sometimes, the most unexpected ones can make all the difference. Case in point: one crafty Sydney man has managed to sidestep a $350 fine and five demerit points, all thanks to a humble cheese and cracker snack!

The drama unfolded when the 35-year-old driver was caught by a mobile detection camera near Moore Park with what appeared to be something in his hands while in control of the car. Authorities were quick to assume he was using his mobile phone while driving and slapped him with a hefty fine.

View attachment 19929

The savvy driver decided to challenge the accusation and took the matter to court. Armed with his trusty pack of ALDI-branded Dippits, he proceeded to unravel the entire incident in a rather 'cracking' manner.

With the help of lawyer Benjamin Goh, the driver disputed the claim that he was using a mobile phone. Instead, he demonstrated in the court exactly how he had opened the packet of cheese and crackers while maintaining control of the vehicle. Goh said, 'My client had proper control of the vehicle because the photo showed his left hand was in contact with the steering wheel while he was attempting to open the packet.'

Goh referred to his client as a 'hardworking Australian' who was simply enjoying his post-work afternoon tea —and we all know how important a good snack break is in getting through the day!

According to a report by the Daily Telegraph, the unconventional defence was enough to clear the driver of any wrongdoing, allowing him to walk away without coughing up the $350 fine or the five demerit points that come with it.

Who knew that Dippits could do more than just satisfy a craving?

Mobile Phone Detection Cameras in Sydney​

Since March 1, 2020, Sydney's roads have been under the watchful eye of mobile phone detection cameras implemented by the Roads and Maritime Services of New South Wales. These cameras aim to discourage drivers from using their phones while driving and have proven effective in terms of increased fines and reduced mobile phone-related accidents. However, relying solely on these cameras poses challenges as they are not foolproof.

The recent incident highlights the limitations of these cameras. The system's effectiveness relies on the accuracy of the technology, and although advancements have improved their reliability, errors can still occur.

For those who have been erroneously fined, as demonstrated by the Sydney man's case, it is possible to dispute and overturn the fines. Whether due to mistaken identity or human error, it is worthwhile to appeal if you believe the fines were issued incorrectly.

Key Takeaways

• A Sydney man managed to avoid a $350 fine after proving he was opening a packet of cheese and crackers instead of using his phone while driving.
• The driver was captured by a mobile detection camera and was initially accused of using a phone behind the wheel.
• In court, the man demonstrated how to open a packet of the ALDI-branded Dippits, which helped him overturn the fine.
• Mobile phone detection cameras have been operating in Sydney since March 1, 2020.

This isn’t the first case of a strange legal defence. You might also like to read this story of how another Aussie dodged a ‘mobile phone’ fine.
Remember, it’s always best to focus your full attention on the road, so save those nibbles for the safety of your own home. Stay safe out there, dear members! Now, we want to hear from you. What do you think of this story and the court case result?

AND if in Queensland, You have to have all hands on steering wheel at all times, except from the changing of gears 9erstwise, changing gears"

 

[Jakepuss]

Bit hard in Qld if you have to scratch an itch. Ask the court judge how he could scratch his
non commendables.?
Case dismissed.

 

[ShannyN]

and wonder what the can't wait to eat driver would say to the cops after running down a small child chasing a ball etc, can't fine me for distracted driving was opening a cheese treat at the time?

 

[BrendaO]

Bit hard in Qld if you have to scratch an itch. Ask the court judge how he could scratch his
non commendables.?
Case dismissed.

obviuisly judge took discretion, but laws are rules

 

[Sockjoan]

Life's full of surprises, and sometimes, the most unexpected ones can make all the difference. Case in point: one crafty Sydney man has managed to sidestep a $350 fine and five demerit points, all thanks to a humble cheese and cracker snack!

The drama unfolded when the 35-year-old driver was caught by a mobile detection camera near Moore Park with what appeared to be something in his hands while in control of the car. Authorities were quick to assume he was using his mobile phone while driving and slapped him with a hefty fine.

View attachment 19929

The savvy driver decided to challenge the accusation and took the matter to court. Armed with his trusty pack of ALDI-branded Dippits, he proceeded to unravel the entire incident in a rather 'cracking' manner.

With the help of lawyer Benjamin Goh, the driver disputed the claim that he was using a mobile phone. Instead, he demonstrated in the court exactly how he had opened the packet of cheese and crackers while maintaining control of the vehicle. Goh said, 'My client had proper control of the vehicle because the photo showed his left hand was in contact with the steering wheel while he was attempting to open the packet.'

Goh referred to his client as a 'hardworking Australian' who was simply enjoying his post-work afternoon tea —and we all know how important a good snack break is in getting through the day!

According to a report by the Daily Telegraph, the unconventional defence was enough to clear the driver of any wrongdoing, allowing him to walk away without coughing up the $350 fine or the five demerit points that come with it.

Who knew that Dippits could do more than just satisfy a craving?

Mobile Phone Detection Cameras in Sydney​

Since March 1, 2020, Sydney's roads have been under the watchful eye of mobile phone detection cameras implemented by the Roads and Maritime Services of New South Wales. These cameras aim to discourage drivers from using their phones while driving and have proven effective in terms of increased fines and reduced mobile phone-related accidents. However, relying solely on these cameras poses challenges as they are not foolproof.

The recent incident highlights the limitations of these cameras. The system's effectiveness relies on the accuracy of the technology, and although advancements have improved their reliability, errors can still occur.

For those who have been erroneously fined, as demonstrated by the Sydney man's case, it is possible to dispute and overturn the fines. Whether due to mistaken identity or human error, it is worthwhile to appeal if you believe the fines were issued incorrectly.

Key Takeaways

• A Sydney man managed to avoid a $350 fine after proving he was opening a packet of cheese and crackers instead of using his phone while driving.
• The driver was captured by a mobile detection camera and was initially accused of using a phone behind the wheel.
• In court, the man demonstrated how to open a packet of the ALDI-branded Dippits, which helped him overturn the fine.
• Mobile phone detection cameras have been operating in Sydney since March 1, 2020.

This isn’t the first case of a strange legal defence. You might also like to read this story of how another Aussie dodged a ‘mobile phone’ fine.
Remember, it’s always best to focus your full attention on the road, so save those nibbles for the safety of your own home. Stay safe out there, dear members! Now, we want to hear from you. What do you think of this story and the court case result?

I didn’t have to go to court or to employ a lawyer to contest the charge against me for “using my mobile phone while driving”. I had the phone on a lanyard round my neck. They said oh, but it was resting on your body. I pointed out that their camera could see it because it was facing me, but I couldn’t see it. Furthermore, it would be perfectly legal for me to put it in holder on my dashboard, where I would be able to both see and use it. They dropped the charge.

 

[Oldgirllaughing]

AND if in Queensland, You have to have all hands on steering wheel at all times, except from the changing of gears 9erstwise, changing gears"

Likewise in WA