DRIVING is something most of us do every day, but chances are that many people are unaware just how extensive the road rules are.
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Some motorists may even be breaking the rules without knowing it.
It's worth a reminder that the following behaviours are actually illegal and could result in a fine of thousands of dollars if you are caught and prosecuted.
How many have you unknowingly broken?
1. The sociable honk of your horn to a friend to say hello or goodbye. In fact your horn can't be sounded unless necessary to warn another road user or an animal of your approach or whereabouts of your car. Even an irritated honk of your horn to try to speed up slow traffic could result in a substantial fine.
2. Throwing an unwanted apple core out the window. Any littering (including biodegradable items) attracts a maximum $3657 fine.
3. Using any function of your mobile phone. Even when stopped in traffic or sitting in a drive-through waiting for food you cannot play on your mobile.
4. Opening your car door. Causing a pedestrian or cyclist to hit it will be your fault, not theirs, so look behind before opening your door.
5. Speeding up unnecessarily. Even within the speed limit, to avoid being overtaken. Just don’t do it.
6. Leaving your fog lights on when there is no fog or other hazardous weather causing reduced visibility.
7. Not using headlights when driving in fog or other hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility is deemed dangerous and is therefore against the law.
8. Failing to secure your vehicle if you're more than three metres away. This includes not putting your handbrake on or leaving your window open five centimetres or more, even in the heat of summer.
9. Having an animal (or person) on your lap. It's best to secure your fluffy friend with a special harness.
10. Not giving way to a bus with its indicator on, intending on joining traffic, where the speed is 70km/h or less.
11. Stopping within three metres of a post box unless dropping off, or picking up, passengers or mail.
12. Stopping within one metre of a fire hydrant. Little known but pretty self-explanatory.
13. Not parking within lines of a car park, unless your vehicle is too wide or too long for you to safely do so..
14. Parking for the maximum designated time in a car park bay and then moving your vehicle to another bay on the same length of road or same parking area to avoid a fine.
15. Leaving your high beam on if you're within 200 metres of another vehicle. Anyone who has had this done to them realises exactly how dangerous it can be.
So next time you get behind the wheel it pays to think twice – not just about making sure you keep yourself and others safe – but also to think about your actions in line with broader road rules, or the consequences could be costly.
This piece was written by Alison and Jillian Barrett are both principals at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers. The sisters are experienced lawyers and passionate social justice campaigners. Alison juggles motherhood, as well as heading up a major legal practice area. Younger sister Jillian also leads a team of lawyers and sports a double degree in Law and Journalism.