Are you aware of the lesser-known road rules drivers should be abiding by?

If not, then we suggest you pay attention, as the penalty for breaking certain rules can be quite hefty!

According to a recent warning from the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA), drivers can be fined up to $344 and be hit with a three-demerit point penalty if their passengers distract them by using their mobile phones.

Yes, you read that correctly – as long as the phone's 'visual display' is visible to the driver, and they were caught looking at it, you could be in trouble.

Even worse, breaking this rule in school zones carries a heftier penalty of $457 and four demerit points! Ouch.

Drivers can get fined for ‘distracted driving’ because of their passenger. Credit: Unsplash/David Emrich.

While it's common knowledge that you shouldn't use your phone when driving, it looks like it's not just the obvious no-nos (like using your phone for calls, texting, checking emails, or playing games) that you need to be aware of.

Straining your neck to view what's on your passenger's phone is enough to get you on the wrong side of the law and be fined if you're pulled over by the police.

And that's not all! Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads has also warned that you could receive a $575 fine and three demerit points if you're caught eating or drinking while driving - as it can cause a 'serious distraction to drivers'.

There are three Australian Road Rules relating to driver distraction, with minor variations in each state and territory.

Road Rule 297 states: 'A driver must not operate a vehicle unless the driver has proper control of the vehicle.'

Road Safety Road Rule 299 states: 'A driver must not drive a vehicle that has a television receiver or visual display unit operating if the screen is visible to the driver or is likely to distract another driver.'

Road Rule 300 states: 'The driver of a vehicle must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving unless:

• the phone is being used to make an audio call and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle or does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the phone is being used as a driver's aid and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle and the phone does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the vehicle is an emergency vehicle or a police vehicle; or
• the driver is exempt from this rule under another law.'

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers could face significant fines and demerit points if they are caught with a 'distracting' passenger while driving.
• Breaking this rule in a school zone comes with an even higher fine of $457 and a loss of four demerits.

So please, members, bear this all in mind and stay vigilant. Distractions of any kind can be extremely dangerous, so always keep your eyes on the road and leave using your mobile phone (whether you're the driver or the passenger) until it’s safe.

As always, we encourage our readers to drive safely and be aware of their surroundings all the time. Stay safe out there on the roads!

What do you think of this rule? Let us know in the comments!

 

[MHM]

Are you aware of the lesser-known road rules drivers should be abiding by?

If not, then we suggest you pay attention, as the penalty for breaking certain rules can be quite hefty!

According to a recent warning from the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA), drivers can be fined up to $344 and be hit with a three-demerit point penalty if their passengers distract them by using their mobile phones.

Yes, you read that correctly – as long as the phone's 'visual display' is visible to the driver, and they were caught looking at it, you could be in trouble.

Even worse, breaking this rule in school zones carries a heftier penalty of $457 and four demerit points! Ouch.

View attachment 10689

Drivers can get fined for ‘distracted driving’ because of their passenger. Credit: Unsplash/David Emrich.

While it's common knowledge that you shouldn't use your phone when driving, it looks like it's not just the obvious no-nos (like using your phone for calls, texting, checking emails, or playing games) that you need to be aware of.

Straining your neck to view what's on your passenger's phone is enough to get you on the wrong side of the law and be fined if you're pulled over by the police.

And that's not all! Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads has also warned that you could receive a $575 fine and three demerit points if you're caught eating or drinking while driving - as it can cause a 'serious distraction to drivers'.

There are three Australian Road Rules relating to driver distraction, with minor variations in each state and territory.

Road Rule 297 states: 'A driver must not operate a vehicle unless the driver has proper control of the vehicle.'

Road Safety Road Rule 299 states: 'A driver must not drive a vehicle that has a television receiver or visual display unit operating if the screen is visible to the driver or is likely to distract another driver.'

Road Rule 300 states: 'The driver of a vehicle must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving unless:

• the phone is being used to make an audio call and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle or does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the phone is being used as a driver's aid and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle and the phone does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the vehicle is an emergency vehicle or a police vehicle; or
• the driver is exempt from this rule under another law.'

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers could face significant fines and demerit points if they are caught with a 'distracting' passenger while driving.
• Breaking this rule in a school zone comes with an even higher fine of $457 and a loss of four demerits.

So please, members, bear this all in mind and stay vigilant. Distractions of any kind can be extremely dangerous, so always keep your eyes on the road and leave using your mobile phone (whether you're the driver or the passenger) until it’s safe.

As always, we encourage our readers to drive safely and be aware of their surroundings all the time. Stay safe out there on the roads!

What do you think of this rule? Let us know in the comments!

What is the fine for driving a car with the steering wheel on the left side of the vehicle, on the right side of the street, as shown in the image above?

 

[John.RS]

Are you aware of the lesser-known road rules drivers should be abiding by?

If not, then we suggest you pay attention, as the penalty for breaking certain rules can be quite hefty!

According to a recent warning from the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA), drivers can be fined up to $344 and be hit with a three-demerit point penalty if their passengers distract them by using their mobile phones.

Yes, you read that correctly – as long as the phone's 'visual display' is visible to the driver, and they were caught looking at it, you could be in trouble.

Even worse, breaking this rule in school zones carries a heftier penalty of $457 and four demerit points! Ouch.

View attachment 10689

Drivers can get fined for ‘distracted driving’ because of their passenger. Credit: Unsplash/David Emrich.

While it's common knowledge that you shouldn't use your phone when driving, it looks like it's not just the obvious no-nos (like using your phone for calls, texting, checking emails, or playing games) that you need to be aware of.

Straining your neck to view what's on your passenger's phone is enough to get you on the wrong side of the law and be fined if you're pulled over by the police.

And that's not all! Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads has also warned that you could receive a $575 fine and three demerit points if you're caught eating or drinking while driving - as it can cause a 'serious distraction to drivers'.

There are three Australian Road Rules relating to driver distraction, with minor variations in each state and territory.

Road Rule 297 states: 'A driver must not operate a vehicle unless the driver has proper control of the vehicle.'

Road Safety Road Rule 299 states: 'A driver must not drive a vehicle that has a television receiver or visual display unit operating if the screen is visible to the driver or is likely to distract another driver.'

Road Rule 300 states: 'The driver of a vehicle must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving unless:

• the phone is being used to make an audio call and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle or does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the phone is being used as a driver's aid and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle and the phone does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the vehicle is an emergency vehicle or a police vehicle; or
• the driver is exempt from this rule under another law.'

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers could face significant fines and demerit points if they are caught with a 'distracting' passenger while driving.
• Breaking this rule in a school zone comes with an even higher fine of $457 and a loss of four demerits.

So please, members, bear this all in mind and stay vigilant. Distractions of any kind can be extremely dangerous, so always keep your eyes on the road and leave using your mobile phone (whether you're the driver or the passenger) until it’s safe.

As always, we encourage our readers to drive safely and be aware of their surroundings all the time. Stay safe out there on the roads!

What do you think of this rule? Let us know in the comments!

An ambulance program on TV has clearly shown a passenger displayed their phone to the driver while they were moving. A clear violation by a duo involved with safety of persons. I was horrified when I saw it.

 

[Thecheesequeen]

What is the fine for driving a car with the steering wheel on the left side of the vehicle, on the right side of the street, as shown in the image above?

Well spotted - I hadn’t noticed that!

 

[Januvia1952]

Are you aware of the lesser-known road rules drivers should be abiding by?

If not, then we suggest you pay attention, as the penalty for breaking certain rules can be quite hefty!

According to a recent warning from the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA), drivers can be fined up to $344 and be hit with a three-demerit point penalty if their passengers distract them by using their mobile phones.

Yes, you read that correctly – as long as the phone's 'visual display' is visible to the driver, and they were caught looking at it, you could be in trouble.

Even worse, breaking this rule in school zones carries a heftier penalty of $457 and four demerit points! Ouch.

View attachment 10689

Drivers can get fined for ‘distracted driving’ because of their passenger. Credit: Unsplash/David Emrich.

While it's common knowledge that you shouldn't use your phone when driving, it looks like it's not just the obvious no-nos (like using your phone for calls, texting, checking emails, or playing games) that you need to be aware of.

Straining your neck to view what's on your passenger's phone is enough to get you on the wrong side of the law and be fined if you're pulled over by the police.

And that's not all! Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads has also warned that you could receive a $575 fine and three demerit points if you're caught eating or drinking while driving - as it can cause a 'serious distraction to drivers'.

There are three Australian Road Rules relating to driver distraction, with minor variations in each state and territory.

Road Rule 297 states: 'A driver must not operate a vehicle unless the driver has proper control of the vehicle.'

Road Safety Road Rule 299 states: 'A driver must not drive a vehicle that has a television receiver or visual display unit operating if the screen is visible to the driver or is likely to distract another driver.'

Road Rule 300 states: 'The driver of a vehicle must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving unless:

• the phone is being used to make an audio call and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle or does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the phone is being used as a driver's aid and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle and the phone does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the vehicle is an emergency vehicle or a police vehicle; or
• the driver is exempt from this rule under another law.'

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers could face significant fines and demerit points if they are caught with a 'distracting' passenger while driving.
• Breaking this rule in a school zone comes with an even higher fine of $457 and a loss of four demerits.

So please, members, bear this all in mind and stay vigilant. Distractions of any kind can be extremely dangerous, so always keep your eyes on the road and leave using your mobile phone (whether you're the driver or the passenger) until it’s safe.

As always, we encourage our readers to drive safely and be aware of their surroundings all the time. Stay safe out there on the roads!

What do you think of this rule? Let us know in the comments!

Revenue raising. Have to pay for the Olympics.

 

[JedCorella]

As you can see it's all about "public safety". Yeah right. Why don't they focus on people driving painfully slow or many other aspects of driving that a lot of people are not familiar with or just blatantly ignore. Things such as pulling over with your caravan when you have dozens of drivers' behind you that are very frustrated.
What about simple courtesy? That has fallen by the wayside. Instead everyone is so tied up in their own little world that other are simply forgotten or ignored.

 

[Tipsy]

Are you aware of the lesser-known road rules drivers should be abiding by?

If not, then we suggest you pay attention, as the penalty for breaking certain rules can be quite hefty!

According to a recent warning from the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA), drivers can be fined up to $344 and be hit with a three-demerit point penalty if their passengers distract them by using their mobile phones.

Yes, you read that correctly – as long as the phone's 'visual display' is visible to the driver, and they were caught looking at it, you could be in trouble.

Even worse, breaking this rule in school zones carries a heftier penalty of $457 and four demerit points! Ouch.

View attachment 10689

Drivers can get fined for ‘distracted driving’ because of their passenger. Credit: Unsplash/David Emrich.

While it's common knowledge that you shouldn't use your phone when driving, it looks like it's not just the obvious no-nos (like using your phone for calls, texting, checking emails, or playing games) that you need to be aware of.

Straining your neck to view what's on your passenger's phone is enough to get you on the wrong side of the law and be fined if you're pulled over by the police.

And that's not all! Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads has also warned that you could receive a $575 fine and three demerit points if you're caught eating or drinking while driving - as it can cause a 'serious distraction to drivers'.

There are three Australian Road Rules relating to driver distraction, with minor variations in each state and territory.

Road Rule 297 states: 'A driver must not operate a vehicle unless the driver has proper control of the vehicle.'

Road Safety Road Rule 299 states: 'A driver must not drive a vehicle that has a television receiver or visual display unit operating if the screen is visible to the driver or is likely to distract another driver.'

Road Rule 300 states: 'The driver of a vehicle must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving unless:

• the phone is being used to make an audio call and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle or does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the phone is being used as a driver's aid and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle and the phone does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the vehicle is an emergency vehicle or a police vehicle; or
• the driver is exempt from this rule under another law.'

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers could face significant fines and demerit points if they are caught with a 'distracting' passenger while driving.
• Breaking this rule in a school zone comes with an even higher fine of $457 and a loss of four demerits.

So please, members, bear this all in mind and stay vigilant. Distractions of any kind can be extremely dangerous, so always keep your eyes on the road and leave using your mobile phone (whether you're the driver or the passenger) until it’s safe.

As always, we encourage our readers to drive safely and be aware of their surroundings all the time. Stay safe out there on the roads!

What do you think of this rule? Let us know in the comments!

Well the screen thing means that rear view mirrors are not allowed either as using them takes one eyes of the road as well.... the same as rear view cameras and what about all new vehicles sold nowadays with their fancy units there in place of the CD player/radio...... Does it mean that they have to be removed or maybe tape a piece of cardboard over the screen....!!!!!!!!

 

[JedCorella]

Well the screen thing means that rear view mirrors are not allowed either as using them takes one eyes of the road as well.... the same as rear view cameras and what about all new vehicles sold nowadays with their fancy units there in place of the CD player/radio...... Does it mean that they have to be removed or maybe tape a piece of cardboard over the screen....!!!!!!!!

What about the women putting on makeup using their rear vision mirrors to make sure their "war paint"is applied properly?

 

[Zemo]

One thing that gets my goat is that the law is written in such a way that you don't even have to be using a phone to get pinged. For instance, if you have a phone on a lanyard around your neck (even if it's not turned on), you are "deemed" to be using it and cop a fine without any need for the system to actually prove you were using it. Where's the justice in that? If you're accused, surely the police have to prove that you were making a call or talking on it? If I have an axe on the seat beside me while I'm driving, am I guilty of murdering somebody or I intend to do so?

 

[ojfleming]

One thing that gets my goat is that the law is written in such a way that you don't even have to be using a phone to get pinged. For instance, if you have a phone on a lanyard around your neck (even if it's not turned on), you are "deemed" to be using it and cop a fine without any need for the system to actually prove you were using it. Where's the justice in that? If you're accused, surely the police have to prove that you were making a call or talking on it? If I have an axe on the seat beside me while I'm driving, am I guilty of murdering somebody or I intend to do so?

I always have my phone on a lanyard around my neck. It is handy plus when I bend over the phone does not drop on the ground. Saving a $1,000.00 phone! I do not use it while driving and if the police pull me over the log will prove I was not using it. Cops hate to be pulled into court! They just want to carry on with their revenue raising without hinderance!

 

[Maurie7]

Revenue raising. Have to pay for the Olympics.

Don't do anything wrong and you don't have to worry, revenue comes from the idiots on the road.

 

[JehazFNQ]

Does this also cover either using the phone, albeit on a dash mount, as a map (with or without an annoying voice to distract the driver) or using a GPS map system to find one’s way? I was also horrified to be told that having the phone on my person (even tucked away in my pocket) was deemed to be using it! As an aside, I’d love to see them enforce the incorrect use of the horn more often. Am heartily fed up of the greet and farewell and “here I am at your front gate” beeps that drive every dog in the street crazy, day and night!

 

[Ronloby]

Another photo of a LEFT-HAND DRIVE car in Australia. I have brought this up before in previous photos of left-hand cars.

 

[Baz1960]

Are you aware of the lesser-known road rules drivers should be abiding by?

If not, then we suggest you pay attention, as the penalty for breaking certain rules can be quite hefty!

According to a recent warning from the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA), drivers can be fined up to $344 and be hit with a three-demerit point penalty if their passengers distract them by using their mobile phones.

Yes, you read that correctly – as long as the phone's 'visual display' is visible to the driver, and they were caught looking at it, you could be in trouble.

Even worse, breaking this rule in school zones carries a heftier penalty of $457 and four demerit points! Ouch.

View attachment 10689

Drivers can get fined for ‘distracted driving’ because of their passenger. Credit: Unsplash/David Emrich.

While it's common knowledge that you shouldn't use your phone when driving, it looks like it's not just the obvious no-nos (like using your phone for calls, texting, checking emails, or playing games) that you need to be aware of.

Straining your neck to view what's on your passenger's phone is enough to get you on the wrong side of the law and be fined if you're pulled over by the police.

And that's not all! Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads has also warned that you could receive a $575 fine and three demerit points if you're caught eating or drinking while driving - as it can cause a 'serious distraction to drivers'.

There are three Australian Road Rules relating to driver distraction, with minor variations in each state and territory.

Road Rule 297 states: 'A driver must not operate a vehicle unless the driver has proper control of the vehicle.'

Road Safety Road Rule 299 states: 'A driver must not drive a vehicle that has a television receiver or visual display unit operating if the screen is visible to the driver or is likely to distract another driver.'

Road Rule 300 states: 'The driver of a vehicle must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving unless:

• the phone is being used to make an audio call and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle or does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the phone is being used as a driver's aid and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle and the phone does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the vehicle is an emergency vehicle or a police vehicle; or
• the driver is exempt from this rule under another law.'

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers could face significant fines and demerit points if they are caught with a 'distracting' passenger while driving.
• Breaking this rule in a school zone comes with an even higher fine of $457 and a loss of four demerits.

So please, members, bear this all in mind and stay vigilant. Distractions of any kind can be extremely dangerous, so always keep your eyes on the road and leave using your mobile phone (whether you're the driver or the passenger) until it’s safe.

As always, we encourage our readers to drive safely and be aware of their surroundings all the time. Stay safe out there on the roads!

What do you think of this rule? Let us know in the comments!

All comes under the heading of distracted drivers. We have to do one thing when driving. Simply drive the car.

 

[Suzanne rose]

My daughter was involved in an accident and I had believed it was because she was texting on her phone .
I was always telling her to leave her phone alone while driving.

Rules are rules and I was so happy when they became more stricter with mobiles .

If it saves lives then it's worth it

 

[Luckyus]

Are you aware of the lesser-known road rules drivers should be abiding by?

If not, then we suggest you pay attention, as the penalty for breaking certain rules can be quite hefty!

According to a recent warning from the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA), drivers can be fined up to $344 and be hit with a three-demerit point penalty if their passengers distract them by using their mobile phones.

Yes, you read that correctly – as long as the phone's 'visual display' is visible to the driver, and they were caught looking at it, you could be in trouble.

Even worse, breaking this rule in school zones carries a heftier penalty of $457 and four demerit points! Ouch.

View attachment 10689

Drivers can get fined for ‘distracted driving’ because of their passenger. Credit: Unsplash/David Emrich.

While it's common knowledge that you shouldn't use your phone when driving, it looks like it's not just the obvious no-nos (like using your phone for calls, texting, checking emails, or playing games) that you need to be aware of.

Straining your neck to view what's on your passenger's phone is enough to get you on the wrong side of the law and be fined if you're pulled over by the police.

And that's not all! Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads has also warned that you could receive a $575 fine and three demerit points if you're caught eating or drinking while driving - as it can cause a 'serious distraction to drivers'.

There are three Australian Road Rules relating to driver distraction, with minor variations in each state and territory.

Road Rule 297 states: 'A driver must not operate a vehicle unless the driver has proper control of the vehicle.'

Road Safety Road Rule 299 states: 'A driver must not drive a vehicle that has a television receiver or visual display unit operating if the screen is visible to the driver or is likely to distract another driver.'

Road Rule 300 states: 'The driver of a vehicle must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving unless:

• the phone is being used to make an audio call and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle or does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the phone is being used as a driver's aid and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle and the phone does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the vehicle is an emergency vehicle or a police vehicle; or
• the driver is exempt from this rule under another law.'

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers could face significant fines and demerit points if they are caught with a 'distracting' passenger while driving.
• Breaking this rule in a school zone comes with an even higher fine of $457 and a loss of four demerits.

So please, members, bear this all in mind and stay vigilant. Distractions of any kind can be extremely dangerous, so always keep your eyes on the road and leave using your mobile phone (whether you're the driver or the passenger) until it’s safe.

As always, we encourage our readers to drive safely and be aware of their surroundings all the time. Stay safe out there on the roads!

What do you think of this rule? Let us know in the comments!

I turn my phone off before driving, also I don't drink and drive because I spill to much.

 

[thomas]

Are you aware of the lesser-known road rules drivers should be abiding by?

If not, then we suggest you pay attention, as the penalty for breaking certain rules can be quite hefty!

According to a recent warning from the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA), drivers can be fined up to $344 and be hit with a three-demerit point penalty if their passengers distract them by using their mobile phones.

Yes, you read that correctly – as long as the phone's 'visual display' is visible to the driver, and they were caught looking at it, you could be in trouble.

Even worse, breaking this rule in school zones carries a heftier penalty of $457 and four demerit points! Ouch.

View attachment 10689

Drivers can get fined for ‘distracted driving’ because of their passenger. Credit: Unsplash/David Emrich.

While it's common knowledge that you shouldn't use your phone when driving, it looks like it's not just the obvious no-nos (like using your phone for calls, texting, checking emails, or playing games) that you need to be aware of.

Straining your neck to view what's on your passenger's phone is enough to get you on the wrong side of the law and be fined if you're pulled over by the police.

And that's not all! Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads has also warned that you could receive a $575 fine and three demerit points if you're caught eating or drinking while driving - as it can cause a 'serious distraction to drivers'.

There are three Australian Road Rules relating to driver distraction, with minor variations in each state and territory.

Road Rule 297 states: 'A driver must not operate a vehicle unless the driver has proper control of the vehicle.'

Road Safety Road Rule 299 states: 'A driver must not drive a vehicle that has a television receiver or visual display unit operating if the screen is visible to the driver or is likely to distract another driver.'

Road Rule 300 states: 'The driver of a vehicle must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving unless:

• the phone is being used to make an audio call and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle or does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the phone is being used as a driver's aid and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle and the phone does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the vehicle is an emergency vehicle or a police vehicle; or
• the driver is exempt from this rule under another law.'

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers could face significant fines and demerit points if they are caught with a 'distracting' passenger while driving.
• Breaking this rule in a school zone comes with an even higher fine of $457 and a loss of four demerits.

So please, members, bear this all in mind and stay vigilant. Distractions of any kind can be extremely dangerous, so always keep your eyes on the road and leave using your mobile phone (whether you're the driver or the passenger) until it’s safe.

As always, we encourage our readers to drive safely and be aware of their surroundings all the time. Stay safe out there on the roads!

What do you think of this rule? Let us know in the comments!

as i wrote in comments a while ago, police, and emergenct vehicles can use mobile phones and \ or 2-way radios while dring a vehicle, and so too can truck drivers, but not the common driver. one rule should apply to ALL vehicle drivers not a "select" few be allowed to not abide by the rules. police are there to enforce the rules yet are allowed to break the rules themselves. listening to the radio or cd in the vehicle is just as distracting and so is changing radio stations, AND I even go as far as saying that even just talking to someone in the vehicle is just as distracting as you are listening to that person speak and you are distracting you mind from driving in order to hear what is said and what you will reply

 

[Hrynpa]

Are you aware of the lesser-known road rules drivers should be abiding by?

If not, then we suggest you pay attention, as the penalty for breaking certain rules can be quite hefty!

According to a recent warning from the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA), drivers can be fined up to $344 and be hit with a three-demerit point penalty if their passengers distract them by using their mobile phones.

Yes, you read that correctly – as long as the phone's 'visual display' is visible to the driver, and they were caught looking at it, you could be in trouble.

Even worse, breaking this rule in school zones carries a heftier penalty of $457 and four demerit points! Ouch.

View attachment 10689

Drivers can get fined for ‘distracted driving’ because of their passenger. Credit: Unsplash/David Emrich.

While it's common knowledge that you shouldn't use your phone when driving, it looks like it's not just the obvious no-nos (like using your phone for calls, texting, checking emails, or playing games) that you need to be aware of.

Straining your neck to view what's on your passenger's phone is enough to get you on the wrong side of the law and be fined if you're pulled over by the police.

And that's not all! Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads has also warned that you could receive a $575 fine and three demerit points if you're caught eating or drinking while driving - as it can cause a 'serious distraction to drivers'.

There are three Australian Road Rules relating to driver distraction, with minor variations in each state and territory.

Road Rule 297 states: 'A driver must not operate a vehicle unless the driver has proper control of the vehicle.'

Road Safety Road Rule 299 states: 'A driver must not drive a vehicle that has a television receiver or visual display unit operating if the screen is visible to the driver or is likely to distract another driver.'

Road Rule 300 states: 'The driver of a vehicle must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving unless:

• the phone is being used to make an audio call and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle or does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the phone is being used as a driver's aid and the body of the phone is affixed to the vehicle and the phone does not require the driver to press anything on the phone or manipulate any part of the phone; or
• the vehicle is an emergency vehicle or a police vehicle; or
• the driver is exempt from this rule under another law.'

Key Takeaways

• Australian drivers could face significant fines and demerit points if they are caught with a 'distracting' passenger while driving.
• Breaking this rule in a school zone comes with an even higher fine of $457 and a loss of four demerits.

So please, members, bear this all in mind and stay vigilant. Distractions of any kind can be extremely dangerous, so always keep your eyes on the road and leave using your mobile phone (whether you're the driver or the passenger) until it’s safe.

As always, we encourage our readers to drive safely and be aware of their surroundings all the time. Stay safe out there on the roads!

What do you think of this rule? Let us know in the comments!

I knew about a couple of them then read about Queensland and food and was so surprised

 

[Witch25]

Well the screen thing means that rear view mirrors are not allowed either as using them takes one eyes of the road as well.... the same as rear view cameras and what about all new vehicles sold nowadays with their fancy units there in place of the CD player/radio...... Does it mean that they have to be removed or maybe tape a piece of cardboard over the screen....!!!!!!!!

While we are on the subject what about all the distracting billboards along the highway???

 

[Witch25]

Does this also cover either using the phone, albeit on a dash mount, as a map (with or without an annoying voice to distract the driver) or using a GPS map system to find one’s way? I was also horrified to be told that having the phone on my person (even tucked away in my pocket) was deemed to be using it! As an aside, I’d love to see them enforce the incorrect use of the horn more often. Am heartily fed up of the greet and farewell and “here I am at your front gate” beeps that drive every dog in the street crazy, day and night!

My husband has carried his phone in his breast pocket with his glasses ever since mobile phones came on the market, a lifetime habit is hard to break, I am constantly taking his phone from his pocket.We are becoming a Nanny State.