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Eagle-eyed motorists spot funny typo on "confusing" new interchange

The new interchange at Rozelle, in Sydney's inner west, has already copped backlash just days after its opening, because of the confusing signage and changed traffic conditions causing chaos among commuters. Now, motorists have spotted another awkward blunder at the bustling "spaghetti junction", intended to improve traffic. Just metres away from the main intersection along Victoria Road and Darling Street, some poor road worker made the same typo twice, in a left-hand turn lane. Instead of saying "buses excepted", they painted "buses expected", and now their mistake has gone viral on social media. "If I was a road, I'd expect buses too," one joked. "I get my bus near there and I'm constantly expecting buses that don't show, so seems accurate," another quipped. The interchange itself has been years in the making and opened up on Sunday. It was intended to connect drivers to the M4 and M8 tunnels, the City West Link, the Western Distributor and give access to the Anzac Bridge with a toll-free bypass of Victoria Road. While the aim of it was to improve traffic flow, just four days after its opening locals are still complaining about the chaotic strip, specifically it's poorly designed signage that has reportedly baffled drivers. One of the new signs suggested there was a toll from Iron Cove Bridge to Anzac Bridge, and while it is actually free, commuters are avoiding the tunnel and trying to switch across multiple roads to avoid presumed fee. Earlier this week, NSW Premier Chris Minns said: "Clearly it's confusing, that spaghetti junction is difficult to navigate and a lot of cars' GPS haven't caught up. "We'll change that sign and I understand the Minister for Roads is putting up those portable electronic signs to show people that you can use that road in particular and not pay the toll." Images: Twitter/ 9News

Travel Trouble

"Be alert": Australia Post's urgent plea to motorists

Australia Post has issued an urgent plea for motorists to look out for their local posties, after shocking new data revealed how many postal workers are injured on the job. The data has revealed that during the 2022-23 financial year, 65 posties were injured as a direct result of third-party traffic accidents, with injuries including everything from broken limbs to concussions. Many of these incidents resulted in hospital stays, extended periods of leave and lasting psychological trauma. Australia Post's General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing, Rod Maule, has said that even one vehicle-related accident is too many, and pleaded for motorists to drive safely at all times. "While we want our team to deliver for all Australians, we also want each of them to safely get home to their families at the end of the day," Mr Maule said. "Safety is our number-one priority, which is why we've invested millions of dollars into advanced technology and training to keep our team safe on the road. But it isn't just up to us," he added. "We are asking all drivers to be alert and keep an eye out for our posties, especially over the next few months as we ramp up deliveries in the lead-up to Christmas." The statement comes in the wake of shocking footage going viral of postal workers being hit by motorists. In an incident last month, a postie is seen riding across an intersection when, seemingly out of nowhere, he's struck by another motorist and knocked from his bike causing an injury to his leg. Image credits: Australia Post

Travel Trouble

Brisbane officer captured punching and tasering motorist

Footage of a brutal altercation between a police officer and a motorist has surfaced online following a catastrophic three-car crash. The Queensland Police officer is captured on video punching the motorist through the window of his car in Strathpine in Brisbane’s north. Police allege the “highly agitated” man was drinking from a wine bottle and was under the influence when the officer arrived on the scene. “After the officer attempted to take the bottle away several times, it was allegedly thrown towards him,” a Queensland Police spokesperson said. “After giving numerous directions for the man to remain in the car, it will be alleged he continued to attempt to leave the vehicle by kicking the door into the officer, who used physical force to contain the man in the vehicle.” The heated exchange occurred around 1:45pm on June 22 after a collision at the intersection of Gympie and Samsonvale roads. The officer is seen in the video approaching the passenger side of a white car where the motorist tries to leave the vehicle through the open window. The officer is then seen grabbing at an object the motorist is holding, which police allege was a wine bottle, before allegedly hitting him multiple times. The video shows the man retreat inside the car before making another attempt to exit through the window, where he is then struck again. The motorist falls back again before trying to exit for a third time, blocked once again by the officer. Police allege the man continued to try and leave the car and “after several verbal warnings, a taser was deployed”. “Additional officers arrived on scene and another officer was allegedly spat on by the man,” the spokesperson said. The man has since been taken to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital while in custody to treat minor wounds. The scene was not short of witnesses, with several firefighters seen approaching the officer. “He needs to stop,” the woman filming the clip is heard saying. “Stop hitting him!” Senior police have reviewed body cam footage of the altercation as investigations continue. Image credit: 9News

Legal

Mother left shaken after shocking cyclist attack

A single mother has been left shaken after being confronted by an out of control cyclist in Sydney. Monique was driving on Pittwater Road in Sydney’s northern beaches where she gave a cyclist plenty of room on the road and indicated when she was turning. “I looked back ... just to check that he (the cyclist) hadn’t caught up, I was pretty sure she hadn’t but I wanted to double-check and then I consciously indicated because again I wanted it to be very clear to the cyclist that I was going to be turning,” Monique told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/nsw/shocking-footage-of-a-cyclist-abusing-a-motorist-renews-calls-for-bike-registrations--c-7561212" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. As she continued driving, she heard a loud yell, prompting her to stop her car. “I just had this feeling that not everything was OK,” she said. Monique saw the infuriated cyclist approach her car, which is when she decided to pull her phone out and record the ordeal. The video shows the man repeatedly open her car door and try to hit her, while unleashing a tirade of profanity and abuse. “Are you f***ing blind,” he can be heard saying. In response, Monique can be heard asking the cyclist to stop hitting her. “I’m calling the police, you can’t hit me,” she says. “I was indicating, and I turned ... it was perfectly safe.” After the ordeal, Monique said she was left “shaking”. “I couldn’t drive. It wouldn’t have been safe to drive.” The video has since been turned over to police as they try to identify the man to press charges. Lawyer Sam Macedone told 7News the video showed there was “intimidation without any doubt” but said it will be hard for police to actually do anything about it. “There’s really nothing you can do because there’s no registration plate, there’s no identification, there’s nothing,” he said. Monique believes the incident should be a catalyst for debate on cyclists needing to be registered to ride on the road. A spokesperson from the Australian Cycle Alliance condemned the man's actions, but said registration is not the answer. They said bike registration is an "expensive exercise" which remains deeply unpopular within the cycling community. “It would cost just as much to register a bike as it does to register a car in order to make it financially viable,” the spokesperson said. “Do we start at four-year-olds on their balance bikes ... how do you manage when you have multiple bikes? <div> “The cost of the system would far outweigh the benefit of the system.” Monique on the other hand said she believes cyclists should be registered if both cars and bikes are going to be sharing the roads. “We need to share accountability for our actions,” she said. Image credits: 7News </div>

Legal

Motorists "gobsmacked" by confusing fines that are about to DOUBLE

Transport officials in Queensland have warned residents to be on high alert as the installation of new high tech cameras has seen tens of thousands of fines issued in just a few months. The infrared cameras, which detect both mobile phone and seatbelt offences, were launched in Queensland in July last year. For their first three months of use, the cameras generated warnings to motorists doing the wrong thing. Since November, the cameras have been issuing fines, catching more than 75,000 people in just six months. Annabelle Brett was shocked when she received a fine in the mail, thinking she had been caught for speeding. "But when I saw that it was a seatbelt fine I was pretty gobsmacked," Brett told A Current Affair. Annabelle claims she always wears her seatbelt and was confused by the $400 fine. "If you are driving over 60 kilometres an hour, in my car and most modern cars nowadays anyway, it (the seatbelt alarm) goes mental. Like it's beeping the whole time," she said. After posting about her fine online, the Queensland resident was inundated with messages from other drivers who had received similar fines. One of those people was Antony Tseng, who was also caught on the new seatbelt cameras. "I thought initially, that's impossible, because I always wear my seatbelt. I drive a Tesla which is quite savvy in terms of technology; it would have obviously let me know," Tseng said. Andrew Mahon from Transport and Main Roads Queensland said the cameras rarely get it wrong. "The technology is exceptional, the image quality is very high quality and we can always determine whether or not an offence has occurred," Mahon said. Of the 75,000 fines handed out in the past six months, 20,000 have been for seatbelt offences. Currently the fine for not wearing a seatbelt, or not wearing it correctly is $413, but it will go up to $1078 from July 1st. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Trouble

Motorists shocked by sneaky snake surprise

A carpet python startled motorists just trying to fuel their cars after it emerged from a bin at a petrol pump in a service station. A customer shared the photo to Reddit of the carpet python sneaking out of the bin after filling up at the bowser. It's currently unknown where in Australia the photo was taken, but it has since gone viral. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839118/petrol.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1cca21d5432845f6a18836761613fbb7" /> <div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Carpet pythons live almost everywhere in Australia except for Tasmania and sightings have become more frequent as the weather heats up. The pythons aren't venomous but can still cause damage if you're bitten by one, including deep puncture wounds. </div> </div> </div>

Travel Trouble

“Stupid” driver slammed after high speed takeover ends in brutal crash

A 4WD driver towing a large boat who lost control of his vehicle while attempting to overtake a car at dangerously high speed has been criticised by commenters online. Footage shows the 4WD speeding past two cars on a single lane highway at Braidwood in NSW, attempting to overtake them both, before the vehicle and the boat attached to it begin to dangerously spiral. It didn’t take long for the car to lose its bearings, as it rolled onto the road and came to a stop. The crash, which took place on Braidwood Road, was captured on dashcam and shared by popular group Dash Cam Owners Australia on YouTube yesterday. The controversial video was watched by thousands of people, most of them surprised at the motorist's reckless behaviour. One commenter said the driver was “crazy level stupid” while others said it was just “lucky he didn’t take another’s life, or his own”. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDashCamOwnersAustralia%2Fvideos%2F1004976733228474%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> “Laid waste to everything he owns showin’ off to his mate,” one user commented. "We have all done stupid things while driving at some point in our lives, but it's the level of stupid that is the topic of discussion here," one YouTube user commented. "Why would you overtake two cars at high speed with a boat on a trailer behind you? He should have just kicked back, turned the music up and enjoyed the scenery. "Would have gotten to his destination quickly enough and his car and boat would have been in one piece each, not scattered across the road in thousands of pieces." "Well at least he got in front, that should save him some time," one commenter said sarcastically. The video revealed that the driver was lucky enough to escape without a scratch.

Travel Trouble

Drivers bamboozled over three-way speed limit

A confusing Sydney road featuring three different signs enforcing the speed limit has baffled drivers. A reddit user posted an image of the road with multiple signs with the caption “Let’s play a game.” One sign told drivers to a red light speed camera, saying the speed limit is 50km/h. On the ground, leaning up against that sign post is another sign which says 40km/h due to road work. However, to add to the confusing sage, on the road, the big “60” indicates the speed limit is 60km/h. The road is O’Riordan Street approaching Gardeners Road in Alexandria, in Sydney’s inner city. “Legally, the speed limit is enforced if the numbers are surrounded by a red ring. So the numbers on the road virtually mean nothing, in the eyes of the road laws,” one user wrote. “It's 40. Road work signs supersede the posted limit,” another added. “I work for the traffic control company that is in that area, if it is Alexandria. They're meant to cover other signs if they put out a 40 sign, so someone was lazy,” one Reddit user wrote. The photo was then taken to Facebook page Dash Cam Owners Australia which managed to cause a stir. “The police have answered this question before when it's asked, they say the lowest speed limit is the one that applies,” one informative person replied. A few Facebook users joked all the speeds together should be added together so 40, 50 and 60, which would equal 150km/h. O’Riordan Street’s speed limit was reduced from 60km/h to 50km/h on October 13, 2019. The Road and Maritime Service website reads “Where a road work speed limit sign is displayed, the speed limit is enforceable and must be obeyed. “When approaching roadworks pay attention to all signs and obey reduced speed signs.”

Legal

"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.

News

The gobsmacking reason one motorist was fined $173 – and it could have been much worse

A Queensland motorist says he was given a $173 fine and one demerit point for a seemingly innocent reason - taking a sip of water behind the wheel. Brock Harris, told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-10/man-fined-for-drinking-water-at-the-wheel/11589030?sf221211951=1" target="_blank">ABC Radio Brisbane </a>he was driving home to Beaudesert about 70km from Brisbane after a long 12-hour work day, when he was pulled over by police. He told the radio station he’d taken a sip from his 600ml plastic bottle of water as he was turning onto his street, when an officer directed his lights at him. “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. The police officer reportedly told Mr Harris that he was being issued a $173 fine and one demerit point as a result of him “not paying due care and attention”. “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,” he said. “The policeman told me there was nothing I could do and he was doing his job — but I am going to challenge the fine.” A Queensland Police spokesperson told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/on-the-road/driver-says-he-was-fined-173-and-a-demerit-point-for-drinking-water/news-story/08fc919677de7e426f047fe003f82806" target="_blank">news.com.au </a>that fines are usually issued under such circumstances if the action causes the driver to not be in control of their vehicle. Queensland Police Superintendent David Johnson’ also reaffirmed the same sentiment, saying there are many drivers who consume drinks safely on the road. “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,” he said. “Driving without due care and attention was once put before court, but these days it’s a traffic infringement notice that is issued.” The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads website says driving without due care and attention carries a hefty $533 fine and three demerit points. A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson noted that the on-the-spot fine for a driver not having proper control of a vehicle is $311. “We all have a role to play in road safety,” they said. “Distracted drivers are a danger not only to themselves and their passengers, but to other road users as well. It only takes a split second to lose your concentration.”

Travel Trouble

Motorist's mistake that cost her $311

A police officer was faced with a shocking sight after a woman drove past him with two dogs roaming in her car, with one hanging out the window and the other sitting freely in her lap. Queensland Police have shared shocking footage of a 35-year-old Gold Coast woman driving down a motorway, with one of the dogs “walking around the car and dash at will”. “This driver has learnt that the car is no place for lapdogs,” they shared on Twitter. “Police would like to remind all motorists that driving with unrestrained people and animals can result in a fine. Keep you and your pets safe.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This driver has learnt that the car is no place for lap dogs. Police would like to remind all motorists that driving with unrestrained people and animals can result in a fine. Keep you and your pets safe. 🐾🚘 More information here: <a href="https://t.co/HN1drfBCME">https://t.co/HN1drfBCME</a> <a href="https://t.co/1ZTFinRZ63">pic.twitter.com/1ZTFinRZ63</a> — Queensland Police (@QldPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/QldPolice/status/1175994848827936768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2019</a></blockquote> The footage recorded the officer saying “That’s absolutely ridiculous. Look at this. Two dogs on her lap”. He then pulls the woman over and she knows exactly why. “You know why I’m talking to you today, don’t you?” he asks. “Because of my dogs,” she replies. “You can’t have two dogs on your lap,” he responds. “It’s a bit distracting. One of them was out the window, the other one was bouncing around the dash.” The officer gave the woman a fine of $311 for driving with a person or animal in her lap. “While they are distracting, it’s also important for all to put the safety of all road users and passengers first when getting behind the wheel,” police said. The RSPCA says more than 5000 animals are killed in crashes in Australia each year.

Domestic Travel

“Highway robbery”: This Aussie city charges motorists $31.41 an hour for off-street parking

In a move that’s been described as “highway robbery”, Brisbane CBD is charging motorists the highest short-term off-street parking rates in Australia at an average of $31.41 an hour and $18.30 for just 30 minutes. Queensland’s motoring group RACQ’s latest CBD Parking Prices Report revealed that the most expensive 30 minute and one-hour parking in Brisbane was at the Treasury Hotel, where motorists pay a massive $50. Care Park on Tank Street has the most expensive all-day parking at $97. In surprising news, Brisbane also has the cheapest on-street parking at just $5 an hour compared with Melbourne and Sydney at $7 an and $7.40 an hour. RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said that Brisbane drivers pay the highest rates and that it punishes businesses in the CBD. “It’s highway robbery for motorists and what we end up seeing is CBD shops and restaurants punished because people can’t justify the cost of a visit,” Ms Smith said in a statement to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/money/costs/highway-robbery-brisbane-cbd-named-australias-most-expensive-offstreet-parking-at-3141-an-hour/news-story/57eb61949c95a0d3725098e76425b3b8" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>. “Drivers will also be appalled to learn parking all day in Brisbane, at $76.77, is only on average $1 cheaper than in Sydney. The price jumped more than $4 in the past year. If we don’t see better parking rates in the city, more and more drivers will favour suburban shopping centres where parking is either free or much cheaper.” Smith said that it was encouraging to see the number of parking stations charging the maximum fee of $89 a day has dropped from seven to four in the last year. “Drivers still need to employ frugal tactics in order to avoid being stung at the exit station, including booking ahead online and taking advantage of early bird rates,” she said. The most expensive off-street places to park all-day in Brisbane <ol> <li>40 Tank Street – Care Park at $97</li> <li>Eagle Street Pier – Wilson at $89</li> <li>Waterfront Place 1 Eagle – Wilson at $89</li> <li>Central Plaza 2 – Wilson at $89</li> <li>363 Adelaide Street – Wilson at $89 </li> </ol>

News

Who should give way? Motorist vs cyclist quiz sparks furious debate

A road rules quiz that was meant to spark discussion on who should give way has instead left drivers frustrated and led to a furious debate. The RACQ posted to Facebook on Thursday a graphic depicting a yellow car travelling in a left lane and a cyclist not too far behind. The car wants to turn left while the cyclist wants to keep going straight. “The cyclist is catching up to the yellow vehicle in slow traffic, who gives way, the driver or cyclist?” the RACQ wrote. While the answer was the cyclist needs to give way to the car, many took to the comments to complain about bike riders. “A cyclist must not ride past or overtake to the left of a vehicle that is indicating and turning left,” the RACQ wrote. “If the vehicle was behind the cyclist near the intersection, the driver should slow down and turn behind the bicycle rider.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fracqofficial%2Fphotos%2Fa.185021091535422%2F2334039766633533%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="696" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> One user commented beneath the post to write: “I won't give way to a cyclist ever I don't care what the rules are I pay rego and insurance they don’t.” Another added: “Nanny law protects cyclists." “They can ride wherever they like and expect motorists to get out of their way.” “most cyclist would think they have the right of way anyway, and just power through and sue the driver for not giving way,” another person wrote. However, cyclists did not take the lashings lying down. “Nice to know as a cyclist I can stop paying income tax and council rates then,” one man wrote. Another comment read: “I pay rego, and I ride a bike, which incidentally, doesn't cause wear and tear on the road like your car does.”

Legal

Controversial new road rule leaves motorists outraged

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads has sent users into a state of confusion as they try to figure out whether they know the road rules or not. It started out with a simple question posted on Facebook and a graphic with three cars parked at a T intersection. The Department of Transport post asked: “You know your road rules and now’s your chance to prove it. “The red, blue and orange cars are parked along the side of the continuing road at this T-intersection. Are all three cars legally parked?” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTMRQld%2Fphotos%2Fa.295748123801411%2F2381855518523984%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="639" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> However, the question left fellow road users baffled. “Well I always thought it was illegal to park opposite an intersection so I would say all three were parked illegally,” one person wrote. “Yes, no signage or line marking to say otherwise,” another countered. One Facebook commenter was quick to say that the blue car will have a bit of trouble getting out. “They could have given the blue car more room to get out,” they said. The Department of Transport finally answered the question and revealed the correct answer. “Yes, all cars are legally parked. A driver is allowed to stop along the continuous side of the continuing road at a T-intersection, provided they comply with any other parking restrictions,” the department wrote. They also explained that while you can be fined for parking within 10 metres of an intersection, the rule is different if it is along the continuous side of the continuing road. But people were not happy with the answer. “The law is poorly designed, does not improve road safety … in fact it compromises road safety,” one person replied. There are similar rules in place across almost all Australian states. In NSW, ACT and Western Australia, drivers are allowed to park along the continuous side of the road at a T-intersection without traffic lights. In Victoria and South Australia, parking on the side of the road across from a T-intersection is also allowed. Tasmania is where it’s different. Motorists are still allowed to park along a T-intersection, but they must leave a three-metre clearance beside their vehicle to allow room for traffic.

Legal

Who was in the wrong? Cyclist slams driver for causing car crash

A driver has been slammed by cyclists for “brake checking” and causing a group of bike riders to collide into each other. The video, from Victoria shows a Toyota Landcruiser ute driving behind six cyclists travelling down a two-lane road. After overtaking the riders, the motorist appears to stop suddenly and turn into a driveway, causing two cyclists to crash and fall from their bikes. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" width="698" height="573" scrolling="no" id="molvideoplayer" title="MailOnline Embed Player" src="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/embed/video/1933750.html"></iframe> While one cyclist shouted to warn the others, it didn’t make a difference as they still collided with one another and crashed to the ground. The riders were riding in pairs. Some Facebook users took to the comments to shame the driver, one writing: “Dangerous driving by the d*** in the ute.” “Driver was being malicious! That's what the actions suggest,” another added. One user wrote the 4WD driver could have been less impatient and “waited five seconds to turn behind the riders instead of overtaking braking and then turning.” However, while there was a flurry of support for the cyclists, others took aim at the riders. “Funny how the first two folks on bikes don't come undone but the second pair do? Yes, the driver was impatient, but no-one contacted the vehicle,” one user wrote. Another added: “Perhaps single file cycling could have been a way of avoiding the impatient car driver. You cyclists bring this type of driving on yourselves.”

Legal

“Is this real?” Fury over motorist’s “ridiculous” driving fine

A NSW man has been left confused over what he claims is a “ridiculous” fine. Mr Bulis was driving along the Pacific Highway at Heatherbrae, in NSW's Hunter Region on April 22 just before 10 pm when he was pulled over by a police officer. Taking to Facebook, he wrote, “The passenger next to the driver was playing with laptop and I get a fine for distracting? “Is this real? I cannot believe it.” Bulis attached a screenshot of a fine amounting to $337 and three demerit points. The post amassed over 145 comments of mixed thoughts. “Must have been a quiet day,” one comment read. “Unless the passenger was flicking the screen around to you saying, ‘look at this’ or it was visible to you then I’d be taking it to court.” Another asked if the fine was “real or a joke". However, many users pointed out that although the fine was bizarre, it was legitimate. Under NSW Road and Maritime Services’ general driving offences, it is under the same category as using a mobile phone while driving called “Drive vehicle with TV/VDU image visible to driver”. While having a phone or screen visible to a driver carries a hefty penalty, the rule does not apply to GPS Systems, ticket issuing machines, dispatch systems, rear-view screens or navigational equipment.

Legal

Drivers left stumped over tricky road rules quiz: Who has the right of way?

<div> <div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> A new road rules quiz has left Facebook users stumped as they try to answer who has the right of way at an intersection. New South Wales Road Safety posted the quiz to its social media page on Monday, showing two cars, a cyclist and a pedestrian. “In the intersection below, in what order from A to D is each person permitted to go?” they asked motorists. The question comes in the form of an image featuring two cars on opposite sides indicating to the same lane and direction a cyclist is riding. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnswroadsafety%2Fposts%2F2127206120660945&width=500" width="500" height="639" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> On the same corner, a pedestrian is waiting to cross the road. Each commuter is labelled A, B, C and D. “D B A and finally C has to go. Is that correct please can someone please confirm to me best of luck,” one user guessed incorrectly. “BCAD there are no traffic lights person must wait,” said another user, who was also incorrect. On the other end, some didn’t even attempt to guess, instead, they waited for the answer. “So what’s the right answer?” a user asked. The post was up for an entire day before NSW Road Safety revealed the correct answer. They said that the correct sequence was B, D, C and A. “Bicycle B is going straight through the intersection (without a stop sign or give way sign applying to them) so isn’t required to give way to any vehicle or pedestrian,” read the post. “When crossing at an intersection, Pedestrian D must give way to oncoming vehicles going straight ahead. Car C is turning after stopping at a stop sign so must give way to any pedestrian crossing the road it’s turning into (Pedestrian D) and all vehicles in, entering or approaching the intersection (Bicycle B), except drivers turning right (Car A). “Car A is turning after stopping at a stop sign so must give way to vehicles in, entering or approaching the intersection.” One user found the witty side of the road rules quiz, saying that in real life, a different set of rules apply. “D steps out without even looking because they are watching a cat video on their phone, C runs over D because they didn't look left; B collides with C and ends up going to hospital with a broken clavicle,” they wrote. “A crosses into oncoming lanes, drives around the lot and continues on their way; B somehow gets blamed for the whole thing because they're on a bicycle.” Did you answer this tricky road rules quiz correctly? Let us know in the comments below. </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Legal

The little-known driving rule catching out thousands of motorists – and could cost you $1422

It may seem obvious to some, but believe it or not, there are many drivers who are unaware of the consequences of not following this little-known law. Everyone knows the importance of seatbelts and also the implications if caught driving without one, but did you know that you can be fined a hefty amount if the passengers are caught without one and if they have their seat reclined while the car is in motion? Drivers in NSW could be hit with a fine of $337 and three demerit points if they’re spotted not wearing a seatbelt. Two or more people without a seatbelt could see drivers having to pay up to $1422 in fines and a loss of six demerit points. If you ride a motorbike and are caught taking your pet for a ride it could cost you $448 and three demerit points. Motorists who have a passenger or animal on their lap while behind the wheel will face the same penalty. Drivers who are caught with a passenger in the boot or sitting in a trailer will cop three demerit points and a fine of $337.

Legal

The simple driving rule catching out thousands of motorists

How well do you know the merging road rule while driving? Many may be surprised to learn that they may be breaking the law when changing lanes. The rule is that the car in front of you has right of way when merging. Motorists should build up their speed to match that of traffic around them, and to be sure as they cross into a lane that they’re checking for safety, reports the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6314275/The-driving-rule-no-one-know-catching-thousands-motorists.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>. In a story featured on Today Tonight Perth, Steve Kolb, a driving instructor of 20 years, said that the seemingly straightforward lane change is confusing motorists, or that they’re simply complacent. “I think people just get lazy,” reports <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.perthnow.com.au/travel/driving/lazy-perth-drivers-cant-follow-simple-road-rules-ng-b881000246z" target="_blank">Perth Now</a>. “You know they don't focus on what they're doing, they forget the road rules, they don't keep up with road rules.” <img style="width: 445.874px; height: 500px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821628/driving-instructor-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a389862921d941ee8e72502246bd193f" /> Kolb lays some of the blame on parents for passing on bad driving habits to their children. His job he said, is to correct learner drivers armed with the incorrect advice from parents. The driving instructor believes what causes the most confusion on our roads is merging lanes in traffic, braking distances and <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/the-costly-road-rule-that-drivers-dont-know" target="_blank">negotiating roundabouts</a>. Kolb says that it’s not enough to just understand and follow road rules to be a good driver, you have to have the right attitude. "You can know all the rules and everything but if you've got the wrong attitude, like a hoon for argument's sake, you're never going to be good,” he said. Police Superintendent, State Traffic, of Western Australia Police Dom Wood warns that while police are concentrating on targeting more serious offences like speeding, drink driving and mobile use that can result in fatalities on our roads, drivers shouldn’t get complacent about obeying road rules. "Even though we don't focus on the lower end offences, our officers are out there 24/7 and there is no reason to say they won't stop you, they won't intervene,” he said. If you are caught by police breaking the merging rule, it could cost you dearly according to figures published by the Daily Mail. In ascending order by state, you’ll be hit with a $100 fine in Western Australia, $122 in Tasmania, $238 in Victoria, $332 in South Australia, $337 in NSW, and a whopping $391 in Queensland. But there’s a novel way that you can track how well you’re driving, as Perth mum Lisa Godfrey has discovered. She uses a mobile app called UbiCar to improve her driving skills, which records and rates her behaviour while driving. The app was designed, according to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://ubicar.com.au/" target="_blank">UbiCar</a> site to “help young drivers and parents become smarter drivers". "It has the five stars so you've got your speeding, phone distraction, acceleration, braking and cornering," Godfrey told Today Tonight Perth "If everyone was driving to get five stars the benefits would be huge.” Did you know the merging road rule? Let us know in the comments below.

Legal

New road rule slammed as motorists claim it makes roads more dangerous

A new road rule that requires drivers to slow down to 40km/h when passing emergency service vehicles has been slammed by lobby groups. Under the new law, which <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/new-road-rule-coming-in-to-effect-on-september-1">came into effect in New South Wales on September 1</a>, drivers must slow to 40km/h when passing stationary emergency vehicles displaying red and blue flashing lights, regardless of speed limit. The rule, which is in a 12-month trial period, applies to drivers travelling in either direction unless the lanes are divided by a median strip. Motorists also need to give way to any person on foot near a parked emergency vehicle flashing its lights, according to the rule. Failure to comply with the rule will cost you $448 and three demerit points. However, lobby groups are concerned about the wider implications of the road rule, particularly on freeways where speed limits are much higher than a 40km/h. Steve Pearce, Chairman of the Motorcycle Council of NSW, told <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/no-magic-in-40km-lobby-groups-say-new-road-rule-could-prove-deadly-20180901-p50152.html?crpt=article">Sydney Morning Herald</a>: “By suddenly reducing the speed limit on a major carriageway to 40km/h we are effectively swapping the safety of emergency workers for the safety of ordinary motorists.” He warned that this could lead to rear end collisions. "Anyone who has driven on a high speed road knows the effect of braking suddenly from 110km/h to 40km/h. "The resulting snaking of traffic can produce a trail of rear end collisions, and more often than not this is what happens." Richard Calver, Adviser on Compliance for the National Road Transport Association, told <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/no-magic-in-40km-lobby-groups-say-new-road-rule-could-prove-deadly-20180901-p50152.html?crpt=article">Sydney Morning Herald</a> that the organisation were concerned for trucks drivers, who have a harder time slowing down. "We're saying if you're coming around a corner and you only see the emergency vehicle at that point in time, then it might not be practicable for a heavy vehicle to decelerate to 40km/h as it passes," said Mr Calver. "But as long as they're decelerating, then they've done the right thing." Mr Calver said the organisation supports the trial of the rule, but hopes the rule is modified before it becomes a permanent law. "We absolutely support a trial. As to whether or not this increases safety generally on the roads, you've got quite a few phenomenon here [to consider]," he said. "There's no magic in 40km/h. [For the same road rule] it's 25km/h in South Australia, for example." South Australia has a similar law introduced in 2014, but drivers need to slow to 25km/h. Victoria introduced the law in July 2017, but the penalties include a lesser fine and there is no loss of demerit points.

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The little-known driving rule catching out thousands of motorists – and could cost you $1422

The simple driving rule catching out thousands of motorists

New road rule slammed as motorists claim it makes roads more dangerous

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Eagle-eyed motorists spot funny typo on "confusing" new interchange

"Be alert": Australia Post's urgent plea to motorists

Brisbane officer captured punching and tasering motorist

Mother left shaken after shocking cyclist attack

Motorists "gobsmacked" by confusing fines that are about to DOUBLE

Motorists shocked by sneaky snake surprise

“Stupid” driver slammed after high speed takeover ends in brutal crash

Drivers bamboozled over three-way speed limit

"He made it up": Police hit back at motorist fined for drinking water while driving

The gobsmacking reason one motorist was fined $173 – and it could have been much worse

Motorist's mistake that cost her $311

“Highway robbery”: This Aussie city charges motorists $31.41 an hour for off-street parking

Who should give way? Motorist vs cyclist quiz sparks furious debate

Controversial new road rule leaves motorists outraged

Who was in the wrong? Cyclist slams driver for causing car crash

“Is this real?” Fury over motorist’s “ridiculous” driving fine

Drivers left stumped over tricky road rules quiz: Who has the right of way?

The little-known driving rule catching out thousands of motorists – and could cost you $1422

The simple driving rule catching out thousands of motorists

New road rule slammed as motorists claim it makes roads more dangerous

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