Warning to drivers: This 'cool' trend could unexpectedly drain $300 from your wallet! Avoid it now!
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As the holiday season approaches, many people are looking for ways to get into the festive spirit.
One popular trend has been adding some sparkle and cheer to everyday life, but when it comes to decking out your car, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Here’s what you need to know about the festive car decoration trend and the rules you should be aware of.
If you’re tempted to add a festive touch to your car this holiday season with strings of Christmas lights, think twice—it could cost you over $300.
The trend of decking out vehicles with fairy lights, tinsel, and other holiday decorations has gained traction online, with many Aussies sharing their eye-catching creations on social media.
But while the festive spirit is commendable, decorating your car can lead to some serious fines, especially in Queensland, where drivers face penalties of up to $322 for breaching vehicle standards and safety regulations.
The main issue? The lighting on cars can breach specific regulations.
Police vehicles are the only ones permitted to display red and blue lights, while red and green lights could potentially be mistaken for emergency services such as ambulances.
One social media user showed off their lit-up ute, sharing that it cost them $150 to set up the decorations.
‘Imagine how many kids will be smiling at Woollies and Kmart, that’s so cool,’ one viewer commented.
‘Looks sick, mate,’ said another.
However, not everyone was convinced this was a great idea. One user pointed out, ‘definitely not but still cool,’ questioning whether such decorations were actually legal.
While Queensland’s rules are clear about the fines and regulations, other states like NSW take a more nuanced approach.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson explained that there is no specific law against decorating vehicles with lights, but other road rules may come into play if the decorations create distractions.
‘However, while many people enjoy spreading holiday cheer, it’s important to ensure that the decorations do not compromise safety or cause distractions for other road users,’ the spokesperson said.
For example, NSW Road Rule 297 requires drivers to have proper control of their vehicles and maintain a clear view of the road and surrounding traffic.
‘In some cases, additional exterior or interior lights could be deemed to affect a driver’s ability to control their vehicle safely. This could happen if the lights distract the driver or obscure their view of the road,’ the spokesperson added.
If a driver is found violating this rule, they could be hit with a fine of $544 and three demerit points. If the lights dazzle or could potentially dazzle other road users, a fine of $136 and one demerit point may be issued.
So, while spreading holiday cheer is always welcome, be mindful that decorating your vehicle comes with potential risks—and not just to your wallet.
Decorating your car may have its risks, but did you know that even something as simple as a car freshener can pose serious dangers? A recent incident highlights just how dangerous these seemingly harmless items can be.
Find out why doctors are warning every car owner about this potential hazard by reading the full article here.
So, while spreading holiday cheer is always fun, it’s important to make sure your decorations don’t come with unintended consequences. Have you decorated your car for the holidays, or would you consider it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
One popular trend has been adding some sparkle and cheer to everyday life, but when it comes to decking out your car, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Here’s what you need to know about the festive car decoration trend and the rules you should be aware of.
If you’re tempted to add a festive touch to your car this holiday season with strings of Christmas lights, think twice—it could cost you over $300.
The trend of decking out vehicles with fairy lights, tinsel, and other holiday decorations has gained traction online, with many Aussies sharing their eye-catching creations on social media.
But while the festive spirit is commendable, decorating your car can lead to some serious fines, especially in Queensland, where drivers face penalties of up to $322 for breaching vehicle standards and safety regulations.
The main issue? The lighting on cars can breach specific regulations.
Police vehicles are the only ones permitted to display red and blue lights, while red and green lights could potentially be mistaken for emergency services such as ambulances.
One social media user showed off their lit-up ute, sharing that it cost them $150 to set up the decorations.
‘Imagine how many kids will be smiling at Woollies and Kmart, that’s so cool,’ one viewer commented.
‘Looks sick, mate,’ said another.
However, not everyone was convinced this was a great idea. One user pointed out, ‘definitely not but still cool,’ questioning whether such decorations were actually legal.
While Queensland’s rules are clear about the fines and regulations, other states like NSW take a more nuanced approach.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson explained that there is no specific law against decorating vehicles with lights, but other road rules may come into play if the decorations create distractions.
‘However, while many people enjoy spreading holiday cheer, it’s important to ensure that the decorations do not compromise safety or cause distractions for other road users,’ the spokesperson said.
For example, NSW Road Rule 297 requires drivers to have proper control of their vehicles and maintain a clear view of the road and surrounding traffic.
‘In some cases, additional exterior or interior lights could be deemed to affect a driver’s ability to control their vehicle safely. This could happen if the lights distract the driver or obscure their view of the road,’ the spokesperson added.
If a driver is found violating this rule, they could be hit with a fine of $544 and three demerit points. If the lights dazzle or could potentially dazzle other road users, a fine of $136 and one demerit point may be issued.
So, while spreading holiday cheer is always welcome, be mindful that decorating your vehicle comes with potential risks—and not just to your wallet.
Decorating your car may have its risks, but did you know that even something as simple as a car freshener can pose serious dangers? A recent incident highlights just how dangerous these seemingly harmless items can be.
Find out why doctors are warning every car owner about this potential hazard by reading the full article here.
So, while spreading holiday cheer is always fun, it’s important to make sure your decorations don’t come with unintended consequences. Have you decorated your car for the holidays, or would you consider it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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