Sit down before you read this: The VERY bizarre driving law that can leave motorists with a nasty $337 fine - and it’ll make you think twice about giving a sleepy passenger a lift
- Unwitting drivers warned they could be breaking road laws and risking fines
- Drivers could be given demerit points and $337 fine because of a passenger
- Tooting a car horn and leaving a car door unlocked among list of bizarre laws
- Failing to update a change of address or name can invite a staggering $112 fine
Drivers could be breaking the law without even knowing, risking hundreds of dollars worth of fines in the process.
In a bizarre twist, a driver could cop demerit points and a more than $300 fine for something a passenger does.
If a passenger in the front seat doesn't fasten their seat belt properly the driver risks a $337 fine and three demerit points.
What's more, the passenger is not allowed to recline their seat when the car is moving.
Drivers could be breaking the law without even knowing, risking hundreds of dollars worth of fines in the process (stock photo)
If a passenger in the front seat don't fasten their seat belt properly the driver risks a $337 fine and three demerit points (stock photo)
The same penalty applies if a driver waves out the window or toots the horn.
Western Region traffic tactician inspector Ben Macfarlane pointed out the car horn is only meant to be used to warn other drivers on the road.
Parking an unregistered car on the road can set you back $673 and failing to lock your car could result in more than $100 worth of penalties.
'The fine is $112 and three demerits if a motorist stands more than three metres away from his/her unattended vehicle and it has not been secured and keys removed,' he told Western Advocate.
Drivers who change address but fail to update their details risk a $112 fine, and driving under the speed limit in the right hand land invites $337 infringement and two points.
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Driving over a puddle during wet weather and splashing commuters waiting for a public transport on the side of the road could leave the culprit $187 worse off.
Watching videos or images on a TV/VDU device in the car while driving in a school zone will leave drivers with either a $337 or $448 fine and four demerit points to boot.
Eating behind the wheel can be costly, with a $448 fine and three demerit points tagged onto the offence.
Though inspector Macfarlane admitted police would not regularly charge drivers for this misconduct.
While wearing thongs in the driver's seat is no misdemeanour, police will pull over the car if the driver is negligent on the road or loses proper control of the vehicle.
On matters of giving way to an emergency vehicle drivers are given little leeway.
They can roll over a stop line or red light to give way to the vehicles.
Though they cannot continue through the intersection.
Eating behind the wheel can be costly, with a $448 fine and three demerit points tagged onto the offence (stock photo)
