"He made it up": Police hit back at motorist fined for drinking water while driving
Police have confirmed a motorist who claimed he was fined for drinking water made up the fine.
However, QLD police have warned drivers they could still be prosecuted for taking a sip of any liquid -whether water or not - if they are caught being reckless behind the wheel.
Brock Harris, from Beaudesert, west of Gold Coast, said he was pulled over as he was turning into his driveway after working 12 hours in 39C heat.
Mr Harris told radio listeners on ABC Radio Brisbane he was handed a $173 fine as well as one demerit point for driving with due care and attention.
“As I was pulling into my street I was pulled over by the police and told it was illegal to drink anything while driving,” he told ABC’s Rebecca Levingston at the time.
“If it is against the law then I’ll pay the fine, but it’s not compassionate to fine someone on a 39-degree day (for trying to) stay hydrated.
“The policeman told me there was nothing I could do and he was doing his job — but I am going to challenge the fine.”
While QLD Police have confirmed the fine was not issued to Mr Harris, the state’s Police Superintendent David Johnson told the ABC motorists must still be cautious behind the wheel.
“There are many people who consume drinks while driving and do it safely in a safe manner,” he said.
“For us to issue a fine we have to look at the circumstances to see if the driver's actions are causing risks to themselves or others.
“Driving without due care and attention was once put before court, but these days it’s a traffic infringement notice that is issued.
Driving without due care and attention carries a $533 fine and three demerit points, according to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads website.