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Motorist fined $4000 for dodgy driver's license tactic

<p>A prominent Sydney lawyer has warned Aussie drivers against falsely nominating someone to take on their demerit points after one of his clients was fined $4000 for the illegal act. </p> <p>Speaking to <em>Yahoo News Australia</em>,  Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh said that there has been a significant spike in the practice in recent months. </p> <p>"In 2024, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) commenced a crackdown on false nominations of drivers," he told <em>Yahoo</em>.</p> <p> "There has been a widespread trend of people agreeing to take demerit points for other drivers.</p> <p>"The person nominated will usually charge a fee to take the demerit points. Often they are on international licences and may not even be in the country."</p> <p>He then explained the case of one of his clients who was issued a $4,000 fine for trying to offload their demerit points. </p> <p>"The reason the fine was so expensive was because the vehicle was registered as a company vehicle and the company had a record of previous offences," he explained.</p> <p>"As such, it was subject to the penalties for a corporation, which are significantly greater than that of an individual ($1,500)."</p> <p>He said the matter was listed at court where the $4,000 fine "could have been increased to $22,000".</p> <p>Singh managed to fight the fine on behalf of the driver, but warned that authorities are increasing their surveillance on this illegal act and have urged Aussies to remain vigilant. </p> <p>The tactic has gained popularity over the past few years, with the illegal service often being advertised on social media and the price of one demerit point going for anywhere between $30-$150.</p> <p><em>Image: Facebook/ Yahoo</em></p>

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Police share wild seatbelt pic after fining driver for bizarre DIY fix

<p>A driver has copped a $387 fine over their bizarre seatbelt fix during a random stationary test at Richmond in Sydney's northwest. </p> <p>A photo shared by NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol showed the shocking state of the driver's seatbelt, which was tattered and held together by duct tape. </p> <p>The police department have warned other drivers to make sure their seatbelts are in good condition, otherwise they too might cop a fine and demerit points.</p> <p>"Seatbelts help to save lives, except for this one...."  they wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday. </p> <p>"Hawkesbury Highway Patrol were recently conducting random stationary testing on Londonderry Road at Richmond when they spoke with a driver about his seatbelt.</p> <p> "Not only was the seatbelt not being worn, an inspection of the seatbelt found it to be dangerously defective," they added. </p> <p>"He was issued a defect notice and infringement in the amount of $387 and three demerit points. Please ensure your seatbelts don't look like this."</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/03/SeatbeltNSWPolice.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p>Many commenters were baffled as to how the vehicle passed the eSafety check, also known as a pink slip inspection, which is required for vehicles over five years old in NSW to be deemed roadworthy. </p> <p>"And who passed the Pink Slip? That’s where I’d be heading,"  one wrote. </p> <p>"I wonder who did the rego check on this vehicle," another added. </p> <p>"How does it even get to that stage," a third questioned, while others agreed that the seatbelt was no longer safe. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty / Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, NSW Police Force</em></p>

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Driver fined over "six-second stop"

<p>A driver has been fined $387 for making "six-second stop" at what he thought was a 15-minute parking zone, and now he is fuming as he believes he is a victim of a cash grab.</p> <p>Sydney resident Michael was dropping off his partner in a quiet street on Darling Harbour and was shocked to receive a hefty fine and two demerit points for his quick drop-off. </p> <p>Revenue NSW reportedly told him that he had stopped within 10 metres after a crossing, which was a "serious" safety risk. </p> <p>Michael said that he was unaware he needed to pull in and believed he was allowed to stop where he did, as he was adjacent to the parking bay. </p> <p>"It's a flawed set up with the crossing being so close to the 15-minute parking," Michael told <em>Yahoo News Australia</em>.</p> <p>"If I was a metre over in the vacant bay I would have avoided the fine. But the signage is just not clear.. and that bay itself is within 10 metres of the crossing, so how does that work?"</p> <p>The photos supplied by Revenue NSW, all time-stamped 8:23am, showed Michael's vehicle in different positions of the Zollner Circuit, which he has argued is not sufficient evidence to prove that he stopped.</p> <p>The photos also showed no visible pedestrians, other than Michael's partner who had just gotten out of the car, and Michael argued that he was allowed to stop since there was the 15-minute parking sign. </p> <p>While Darling Harbour is located in the City of Sydney LGA, the area is managed by government-run Place Management NSW.</p> <p>"It is an offence to stop on or near a pedestrian crossing," a spokesperson stressed. </p> <p>Michael questioned why there was no leniency, with such a large fine particularly amid a cost-of-living crisis, but it is reportedly because those who clearly breach road laws would not be granted any. </p> <p>"There's no one around and I was there for six seconds... it just feels like someone was having a bad day and waiting to make a name for themselves," Michael argued.</p> <p><em>Images: Yahoo News Australia. </em></p>

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“Welcome to reality”: Dad fined for daughter's seatbelt mistake receives little sympathy

<p dir="ltr">A Queensland father has posted a plea for help on social media, after he received two hefty fines adding up to $2,156 for his daughter’s simple seatbelt mistake.</p> <p dir="ltr">The father claimed that he was completely unaware of what his daughter was doing, after cameras caught her wearing her seatbelt incorrectly twice as a passenger.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Just received two x $1078 fines plus total 8 demerit points, only 2 weeks apart for my 13yo daughter not wearing her seatbelt correctly. Had no idea that she was wearing it that way as can’t see from the driver's point of view," he wrote on Facebook.</p> <p dir="ltr">The frustrated dad revealed that his daughter had made the same mistake twice within two weeks and asked whether it was worth taking it to court.</p> <p dir="ltr">He also asked if "any chance of somehow reducing the penalty".</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the <a href="https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/road/seatbelt-rules#:~:text=Everyone%207%20years%20or%20older,are%20not%20frayed%20or%20loose." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Queensland Government</a> fines and demerit points apply for not wearing a seatbelt or wearing it incorrectly, and that drivers “may be fined for each unrestrained or incorrectly restrained passenger in the vehicle”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dozens of people have responded, but many didn’t sympathise with the dad saying that they both should’ve known better.</p> <p dir="ltr">"You as a driver are responsible for everyone in the car. Perhaps you need to be firm with your daughter. Welcome to reality," commented one person.</p> <p dir="ltr">"She's old enough to know how to wear a seat belt, just give her the fines to pay and she will wear it properly from then on," wrote another.</p> <p dir="ltr">Others have said that they should learn from this mistake and be more aware of the dangers of wearing a seatbelt incorrectly.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Both learn from this and fix the problem for next time before your daughter flies out of the car in a crash," said one person.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I’d suggest you forget about the law and just think of the damage done to your daughter in an accident with the seatbelt worn like this," wrote another.</p> <p dir="ltr">A few others did sympathise and acknowledge that kids can make mistakes despite the adults knowing better.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I feel for you, I caught my 13-year-old doing this and yelled at her," commented one user.</p> <p dir="ltr">"These fines are crippling people. I understand to a certain degree but mistakes are made," wrote another.</p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p> <p> </p>

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How long does it take to get demerit points back in New South Wales?

<p>The demerit point scheme in New South Wales is regulated by <a href="https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2013-018#ch.3-pt.3.2">Part 3.2 of the Road Transport Act 2013</a>, and its related regulations.</p> <p>How many demerit points do I have to accrue before I am suspended from driving?</p> <p>The law states that a driver will have their licence suspended if he or she accrues a specific number of demerit points within a three year period.</p> <p>The number of points relating to each licence type are as follows:</p> <ul> <li>Unrestricted licence: 13 points</li> <li>Professional driver: 14 points</li> <li>Provisional P2 licence: 7 points</li> <li>Provisional P1 licence: 4 points</li> <li>Learner licence: 4 points</li> </ul> <p>How long will I be suspended if I accrue these points?</p> <p><a href="http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/rta2013187/s33.html">Section 33 of the Act</a> prescribes the following periods of suspension in the event demerit points are accrued or exceeded:</p> <table border="0" width="814"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="359"> <p>Number of demerit points incurred within previous 3 years</p> </td> <td width="177"> <p>Period of licence suspension</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="359"> <p>13 (or 14 in the case of a professional driver) to 15</p> </td> <td width="177"> <p>3 months</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="359"> <p>16 to 19</p> </td> <td width="177"> <p>4 months</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="359"> <p>20 or more</p> </td> <td width="177"> <p>5 months</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Can I elect to have a good behaviour licence?</p> <p><a href="http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/rta2013187/:~:text=36%20Driver%20may%20elect%20to%20be%20of%20good%20behaviour%20as%20alternative,-(cf%20DL%20Act&amp;text=(3)%20If%20a%20pers">Section 36 of the Act</a> provides that a full licence holder who has accrued or exceeded his or her demerit point limit may apply for a <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/what-is-a-good-behaviour-licence-in-new-south-wales/">good behaviour licence</a>, instead of being suspended from driving.</p> <p>This licence lasts for a period of 12 months.</p> <p>If a driver accrues two or more demerit points while on a good behaviour licence, he or she will be suspended from driving in accordance with the following table:</p> <table border="0" width="814"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="200"> <p><strong>Demerit Points</strong></p> </td> <td width="200"> <p><strong>Original Suspension</strong></p> </td> <td width="200"> <p><strong>Suspension for a breach on a good behaviour licence</strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="200"> <p>13 to 15</p> </td> <td width="200"> <p>3 months</p> </td> <td width="200"> <p>6 months</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="200"> <p>16 to 19</p> </td> <td width="200"> <p>4 months</p> </td> <td width="200"> <p>8 months</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="200"> <p>20 or more</p> </td> <td width="200"> <p>5 months</p> </td> <td width="200"> <p>10 months</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>How long does it take to get my demerit points back?</p> <p>According to the Act, demerit points are subject to deletion 3 years after the date of the offence for which the points are accrued.</p> <p>So, for example, if 3 demerit points are accrued for an offence of speeding by more than 10km/h but not more than 20km/h on 5 April 2021, those demerit points are subject to deletion 3 years after 5 April 2021; although, for administrative reasons, the RMS may exercise discretion to add a reasonable period, to allow for payments and potential appeals.</p> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/demerits-offences/demerit-points/how-it-works.html">RMS website</a>, this period may be an additional 4 months.</p> <p><a href="http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/rta2013187/s41a.html">The Act also states that</a> all demerit points are deleted upon the commencement of any driver licence suspension.</p> <p>Going to court for a traffic offence?</p> <p>If you are going to court over a traffic offence, call Sydney Criminal Lawyers anytime on (02) 9261 8881 for expert advice and formidable representation by one of our <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/videos/appeals-against-driver-licence-suspensions-by-the-rms/">experienced traffic lawyers</a>.</p> <p><em>Republished with permission from <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-demerit-points-back-in-new-south-wales/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</a> </em></p>

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Australia's "worst driver" accused of losing more than 500 demerit points

<p>Kevin Jones could well hold Australia's worst driving record as an alleged repeat disqualifier who has racked up more than 500 demerit points.</p> <p><em>A Current Affair</em><span> </span>confronted him as Jones attended Parramatta court this week.</p> <p>"Can you explain how you could possibly have lost more than 500 demerit points?" he was asked.</p> <p>"And $70,000 in fines?"</p> <p>Jones wore a face mask, sunglasses, a baseball hat and a hoodie to conceal his identity.</p> <p>"Mr Jones, haven't you got any sort of explanation at all?" Simon Bouda persisted.</p> <p>"You're going to be pleading not guilty ... is that the case?"</p> <p>His lawyer spoke for him.</p> <p>"We wish not to comment," his lawyer replied.</p> <p>"As I indicated the matter is before the courts."</p> <p>Despite Jones going home in a taxi,<span> </span><em>A Current Affair</em><span> </span>was waiting at his house to bombard him with questions.</p> <p>"Mr Jones, you didn't drive home? Wise choice – getting a cab," Mr Bouda said.</p> <p>Retired New South Wales Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Mick Corboy had a lot to say about Jones' flouting of the rules.</p> <p>"To see these people that constantly flout the laws and get up points and even keep driving after they've been to court a number of times ... very frustrating for the police and it's something the police take very seriously.</p> <p>"There's recent research that actually says that people who flout the law, people who have points or are disqualified are often involved in more serious crashes because they're risk takers and they take that chance."</p> <p>Mr Jones will face court again in April next year.</p> <p><em>Photo credits:<span> </span></em><a rel="noopener" href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/australias-worst-driver-alleged-repeat-disqualified-driver-loses-over-500-demerit-points/1d8e0e45-6c3b-44d6-89a7-55b29a1a727f" target="_blank"><em>9now</em></a></p>

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Double demerits: The one move that could cost you your licence this weekend

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>The October long weekend quickly approaches, which means double demerits are enforced from Friday until the end of Monday in NSW.</p> <p>Thousands of people are expected to travel with eased COVID-19 restrictions to drive interstate.</p> <p>However, Police and Emergency Services David Elliot said that police will be out in force across the state for Operation Slowdown, with a focus on mobile phone usage.</p> <p>Mobile Phone Detection Cameras will be out, with drivers hit with a $457 fine and 10 demerit points if caught using their phone behind the wheel.</p> <p>“One or two mistakes on the road could cost you your licence,” Mr Elliott said on Wednesday.</p> <p>"One road fatality is one too many. Stick to the speed limit, put your phone down, and observe the road rules. We want people to arrive at their destination safely," Mr Elliott said.</p> <p>On the last long weekend in October, six people were killed on NSW roads.</p> <p>“That is six people too many,” Regional Transport and Roads Minister Paul Toole said.</p> <p>"We are asking everyone to plan your trip in advance, allow plenty of extra travel and be patient on the roads," he said.</p> <p>Police in NSW are also targeting speeding, seat belt and motorcycle helmet offences, with the penalty for driving without a seatbelt during a double demerit period being six points off your licence.</p> </div> </div> </div>

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Woman shocked over $114 fine for obscure road rule

<p>A Sydney woman was shocked to learn she had been breaking the law after being pulled over police, who let her know about this relatively unknown road rule.</p> <p>The driver took to Facebook to explain that she was nearly hit with a $114 fine after police noticed she didn’t have any windscreen wiper fluid.</p> <p>Luckily, the woman got off with a minor defect notice and instantly rushed to a mechanic to get the washer refilled so she didn’t have to pay the penalty.</p> <p>NSW Police confirmed to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7845335/Sydney-woman-shocked-copping-114-fine-breaching-little-known-road-rule.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a><span> </span></em>that the penalty for having no water in your wipers will result in a $114 fine with no loss of demerit points.</p> <p>The rule comes under the Road Transport Act as a wiper must be able to remove anything that could obstruct the driver’s view.</p> <p>It states that: 'At least one windscreen wiper fitted to the motor vehicle must— be able to remove moisture from the part of the windscreen in front of the driver to allow the driver an adequate view of the road ahead of the motor vehicle when the windscreen is wet.'</p> <p>Another woman was fined after police caught her flashing her lights at other cars to alert them that authorities were in the area.</p> <p>The penalty was a loss of one demerit point and a $110 fine.</p>

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NSW to roll out cameras that catch drivers on their mobile phones

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a world-first, the NSW Government will be implementing mobile phone detection cameras to keep an eye on drivers who are breaking the law.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The government has been trialling the technology for six months and will now roll out the cameras across the state.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to </span><em><a href="https://10daily.com.au/news/australia/a190922crksu/nsw-to-roll-out-mobile-phone-cameras-to-catch-law-breaking-drivers-20190922"><span style="font-weight: 400;">10 Daily</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, during the trial, cameras checked 8.5 million cars. There were 100,000 drivers who were caught using their phones on NSW roads. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Andrew Constance, NSW Minister for Roads said that the ‘get your hand off it message’ is not getting through to drivers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Unfortunately some people haven’t received the message and think they can continue to put the safety of themselves, their passengers and the community at risk without consequence,” Constance said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There is strong community support for more enforcement to stop illegal mobile phone use with 80 per cent of people we surveyed supporting use of the mobile phone detection cameras.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">NSW Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole agrees.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"The decision to pick up your phone can have fatal consequences," he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It doesn’t matter whether you’re driving on a busy city motorway or on an isolated road in the bush -- there’s just no excuse for using your phone illegally."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The program is expected to roll out across the state later this year and will check 135 million vehicles before 2023.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For the first three months, drivers will receive a warning letter.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After that, it’s a $344 fine and four demerit points.</span></p>

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Double demerits have started: Your guide to where and when the police will be cracking down this Easter

<p>Stiff penalties are guaranteed this Easter holidays if motorists choose to disobey the road rules.</p> <p>Police are warning drivers to be aware as if they are caught speeding, illegally using their mobile phone, not wearing seatbelts and riding without a helmet they will incur pretty hefty fines and double demerits.</p> <p>In NSW, drivers can lose 10 demerit points and be fined $337 for using their phones while driving.</p> <p>Be especially careful to not break the law while near a school zone as the fine can increase up to $448.</p> <p>In ACT, for the same offence, motorists can receive a whopping $557 and six demerit points lost.</p> <p>Motorcyclists caught riding without a helmet will lose six demerit points and have to pay $337 in penalties.</p> <p>Those who ride and carry a passenger not wearing a helmet will lose 12 demerit points and two passengers without helmets will lose 18 points and receive a $1085 fine.</p> <p>NSW drivers who are caught not wearing a seatbelt without driving will incur a $337 penalty and lose six demerit points.</p> <p>If a driver with two passengers with unfastened belts can pay up to $673 in fines and lose 12 points on their license.</p> <p>The fine can increase to $1085 for three unrestrained passengers and $1422 for four.</p> <p>That’s not the only hefty penalties drivers can incur as speeding is also a targeted law being targeted during the double demerit period.</p> <p>Passing a school bus going more than 40km/h can result in a driver losing 12 demerit points and a fine of up to $3691.</p> <p>Drivers speeding over 10km/h will receive a penalty of $353 and eight demerit points lost.</p> <p>Western Australia is not left out of the stiff penalties during the Easter period and can receive a loss of four demerit points and a fine of $5000 if they are caught going 9km/h over the speed limit.</p> <p><strong>Double demerit points and fines for offences on Australian roads</strong></p> <p><strong>Illegal use of mobile phones</strong></p> <p>New South Wales: 10 demerit points and $337 fine</p> <p>Australian Capital Territory: 6 demerit points</p> <p>Western Australia: 6 demerit points and $400 fine</p> <p><strong>Not wearing a helmet</strong></p> <p>New South Wales: 6 demerit points and $337 fine</p> <p>Australian Capital Territory: 6 demerit points</p> <p>Western Australia: 0 demerit points and $550 fine</p> <p><strong>Not wearing a seatbelt</strong></p> <p>New South Wales: 6 demerit points and $330 fine</p> <p>Australian Capital Territory: 6 demerit points</p> <p>Western Australia: 8 demerit points and $550 fine</p> <p><strong>Speeding over 10km/h</strong></p> <p>New South Wales (exceed speed over 10 km/h): 6 demerit points and $472 fine</p> <p>Australian Capital Territory (exceeding the speed limit by less than 15 km/h): 2 demerit points</p> <p>Western Australia (between 9km/h and 19km/h): 4 demerit points and $200 fine</p> <p><strong>Speeding over 40km/h</strong></p> <p>New South Wales: 14 demerit points and $3821 fine</p> <p>Australian Capital Territory (Exceeding the speed limit by 30 km/h but less than 45 km/h): 8 demerit points</p> <p>Western Australia : 14 demerit points and a fine of $1500</p> <p class="css-vz0241"><strong>Queensland</strong> does not enforce double demerits during the holidays however, repeat offenders will lose double the points (all year round) if a subsequent offence occurs within 12 months of the first.</p> <p class="css-vz0241"><span>Double demerits do not apply in South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria or the Northern Territory.</span></p>

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The 14 road rules no-one knows – are you breaking them?

<p>It seems like you can get a fine for everything nowadays, but if you feel like things have become a bit stricter when it comes to being on the road, you’re not entirely wrong.</p> <p>Teletrac Navman has realised that this is a problem for most drivers and has clearly outlined the road rules that not too many people know about in Australia.</p> <p><strong>1. Sleeping in your car while drunk, even with the ignition off</strong></p> <p>If you’ve had a few while out with friends and family, and you want to sleep it off in your car, that might not be the best idea. Even more so if you happen to be in the driver’s seat of a vehicle and the keys aren’t in the ignition.</p> <p>In Queensland, you’ll be hit with a fine of up to $1,400 and a 10-month driving suspension.</p> <p><strong>2. Being a hog in the middle lane</strong></p> <p>If you enjoy cruising along in the middle lane while it’s clear on the left, you might want to just merge into the left lane as there’s a fine that comes with it. In NSW, fines go as high as $108 and two demerit points and QLD will charge you $66 and two demerit points as well.</p> <p><span><strong>3. Eating, drinking, doing your makeup and changing music whilst driving</strong></span></p> <p>If you want to eat your food whilst on the road, it might be a good idea to pull over before attempting to drive and eat at the same time. Fines vary depending on the state –</p> <p>NSW &amp; ACT: $448 and three demerit points</p> <p>WA: $600</p> <p>SA: $184</p> <p>NT: $500</p> <p>QLD: Court ordered fine and three demerit points</p> <p>TAS: $163</p> <p><strong>4. Playing music that’s too loud</strong></p> <p>Although you might love singing along to your favourite songs in the car with the windows down, police officers call that noise pollution. If you ignore a verbal warning to turn down the tunes, you’ll be fined varying amounts that depend on your state. In Queensland, the fine is $175 and in NSW, the fine is $200.</p> <p><strong>5. The 10 per cent speed limit myth</strong></p> <p>It’s been a myth in Australia for a while that if you’re caught speeding, you have a leeway of 10 per cent over the speed limit. However, exceeding the speed limit by a few kilometres carries fines of up to $201 and demerit points. You might have a bit of flexibility with local police officers, but speed cameras are nowhere near as forgiving.</p> <p>NSW: $119, one demerit point</p> <p>VIC:  $201, one demerit point</p> <p>SA: $174</p> <p>QLD: $174</p> <p>WA: $100</p> <p><strong>6. Beeping your horn for the wrong reasons</strong></p> <p>Alerting drivers to your intentions? Fine. Beeping goodbye to friends and family? Not so fine. Fines can be issued, with NSW fining $298 and VIC fining $282 for honking.</p> <p><strong>7. Driving too slowly</strong></p> <p>Finally. Some justice for those who don’t follow speed limits. If you’re obstructing the path of another car, you can be fined depending on your state. In NSW, you’ll be fined $253 and four demerit points, in QLD, you’ll be given a court imposed fine and VIC will fine you about $289 for obstructing the flow of traffic.</p> <p><strong>8. Flashing your lights to warn other drivers of speed cameras or police</strong></p> <p>People flash their lights all the time to warn people of speed cameras or police up ahead. However, flashing your lights in NSW, WA and QLD can attract fines as it can be misconstrued as ‘dazzling’ other road users. Fines in NSW are $110, fines in WA are $100 and fines in QLD are $50 and one demerit point.</p> <p><strong>9. Parking on a footpath</strong></p> <p>In narrow streets, you might consider this an option, but it can come with expensive consequences. Parking on the footpath can carry fines of up to $126. In NSW, fines are $99, Victoria will cost you $85 in fines, whereas QLD is the highest with $126.</p> <p><strong>10. Driving through a puddle to splash mud on commuters</strong></p> <p>Although you might enjoy driving through puddles in the rain, avoid the big ones near bus stops if you live in NSW. Driving and splashing fellow commuters on their way to work will set you back $177 and three demerit points.</p> <p><strong>11. Handling your phone while using Google Maps</strong></p> <p>If you like to hold your phone and see where you’re going whilst using Google Maps, it might be high time to invest in a stand that holds your phone. If you get caught handling your phone whilst on the road, you can score a fine and loss of demerit points. In NSW, you’ll be fined and lose five demerit points, in WA, you’ll be fined $400 and SA will set you back about $308.</p> <p><strong>12. Letting your passenger hold their baby while you’re driving</strong></p> <p>It’s on the responsibility of the driver to ensure everyone is safe in the car, which includes your passenger who insists on holding their baby. If you don’t have a baby seat, you’re better off not driving as they’re a requirement for all children under the age of four. Across Australia, this will set you back up to $500 and three demerit points. In Queensland, if you get fined twice for the same crime, you’ll suffer from double demerits.</p> <p><strong>13. Not turning your lights on in the dark</strong></p> <p>This one just baffles the mind. It’s hard enough to see in the dark on well illuminated roads, but some people insist on driving on rural roads without their lights on. Driving in darkness or night without lights can set you back $211 in fines. In NSW, you’ll have to pay $112 and two demerit points. Victoria is a little laxer, with a $211 fine but a loss of only one demerit point. QLD will set you back $130 and one demerit point.</p> <p><strong>14. Having dirt on your number plate  </strong></p> <p>If your number plate is unreadable due to the amount of dirt on it, you’ll be set back $415 and three demerit points. Your number plate must be readable at all times. In NSW, you’ll pay $415 and lose three demerit points. QLD will cost you about $341 and VIC is three demerit points and $161.</p> <p>Which one of these road rules did you already know about? Have you been caught out by these rules before? Let us know in the comments.</p>

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The surprising road rule that could cost you $300 and two demerit points

<p>Cyclists are demanding for authorities to better enforce a little-known road rule that comes with a $330 fine and two demerit point punishment.</p> <p>In March 2016, safe-passing road rules were introduced which protects cyclists from motorists who fail to keep a safe distance when sharing the road.</p> <p>Newly released data shows that the worst offenders of this rule were found in NSW with Frenchs Forest, Sydney CBD and Kensington having the highest rate of incidents.</p> <p>Since the law has been introduced, only a small number of people have been fined – 65 to be exact, and out of those 65, 43 of those have come from Sydney, with residents from the area being the least compliant.</p> <p>According to Dulwich Hill cycle club member, David Maywald, seven fines were from the North Coast, six in the Hunter Region, four on the South Coast, three in regional New South Wales and two on the Central Coast.</p> <p>In 2017 alone, 1967 cyclists were reported to have been critically injured according to the<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/where-sydney-drivers-get-busted-for-not-giving-cyclists-space-20180902-p50199.html" target="_blank">Sydney Morning Herald</a></em>.</p> <p>“The burden of evidence and prosecution has fallen onto the victims of dangerous close passes,” said Mr Maywald.</p> <p>Lodging a petition, Mr Maywald is asking the New South Wales police to enforce the law, so cyclists are not faced with the burden of providing evidence of the offence.</p> <p>The petition has currently accumulated over 3000 signatures.</p> <p>“Every day the lives of decent hard-working cyclists are being threatened by a small minority of reckless drivers,” he wrote on change.org.</p> <p>A spokesperson for New South Wales police said that whoever believes an offence has been committed should report it to the police.</p>

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