In Australia, roads and drivers are controlled by a set of regulations and laws, but some drivers continue to ignore some of the more obscure and un publicized laws, and the infractions associated with those laws. As the highways continue to get more and more congested, combined with increases in traffic enforcement technology, the knowledge of these sighted laws will not only help with the enforcement of safety, but will help drivers with the avoidance of the heavy fines and punishments.
One such example of a law that would be surprising is the “Lock it or lose it” law. This law requires the driver to lock the car, and in case the driver needs to go away from the car for some time, the driver has to get the keys out of the car. This law, one that most people don’t pay attention to, is in place in a majority of the Australian states because of car theft and unauthorized use of a vehicle. The primary concern here is the usage of… keys and some drivers disregard this law and safety approach and window.
Not Driving in the proper speed is the next most common offense, and one that seems to be the most to be ignored. Like excessive speeding, which is a focus, driving with a significant lower speed, the the speed limit zone, is… problematic and purposefully causes traffic. Australian road rule 125 states that “driving obstructively” is defined and punishable by law, and is an offense of driving a vehicle without a legal justification for doing so.
The legalities surrounding the use of headlights for non-standard signalling like warning other drivers of speed traps is also legally dubious. In Australia, the practice of flashing headlights to warn of police is also frowned upon as it confuses, and potentially dazzles, other road users which could impede Police operations. There are fines and other penalties for such violations.
The act of overtaking on highways has its own rules which are put in place to facilitate safety, and to reduce the likelihood of road rage. Drivers are told that it is not just about avoiding overtaking in the first lane recklessly; they are also expected to permit others to pass when it is safe to do so. There are informal, but legal, expectations that are not respected which has the potential of leading to dangerous conflict and legal issues.
In addition, the wellbeing of vehicles’ occupants which includes children and pets is also protected severely. In Australia, it is illegal to not ensure that children have protective restraints and pets must also be put in restraining harnesses or secure carriers. Letting children and pets, especially dogs, unrestricted on the driver’s thigh, is in itself a violation of safety standards, thereby compromising the safety of all.
Hidden Highway Laws in Australia: What Most Drivers Don’t Follow
The Advancement of artificial intelligence technology on traffic enforcement cameras means a swift shift on road vigilance and their enforcement, pertaining to mobile, seat belt and speed violations, especially on the freeways. Drivers need to keep abreast of the law changes to escape hefty fines and demerit points. In Australia, the obligation to understand and abide the unspoken road rules always rests on the head of the driver.