DID you know that even an irritated honk of your car horn in slow traffic could result in fine?
This is just one rule that lawyer Jillian Barrett is reminding drivers about, particularly during the busy holiday season.
“Horns can’t be sounded unless necessary to warn another road user or an animal of your approach or whereabouts of your car,” Ms Barrett said.
The principal at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers said many people were unaware of how extensive roads rules were in Queensland.
“Most people know to keep to the speed limit, wear their seat belt, indicate when turning, not drink-drive and not use their mobile phones.
“There are many lesser-known road rules that could result in a fine of thousands of dollars.
“Next time you get behind the wheel it pays to think twice – not just to make sure you keep yourself and other safe – but also to think about your actions in line with broader road rules, or the consequences can be costly.”
Ms Barrett said any littering – including throwing an unwanted apple core out a car window – could attract a fine up to $3657.
Ms Barrett also warned motorists of rules such as speeding up, even within the speed limit, to avoid being overtaken and having an animal on your lap.
She reminded drivers to look behind them when opening a car door.
“Opening your car door, causing a pedestrian or cyclist to hit it will be your fault, not theirs.”
Ms Barrett said not using headlights when driving in fog or other hazardous weather conditions, causing reduced visibility was illegal.
Leaving fog lights on when there is no fog or other hazardous weather causing reduced visibility is also illegal.
Ms Barrett also warned motorists of rules such as speeding up, even within the speed limit, to avoid being overtaken and having an animal on your lap.
“It’s best to secure your fluffy friend with a special harness,” she said.
Fines can also be issued for failing to secure a vehicle if you are more than three metres away, which includes not putting your handbrake on or leaving your window open five centimetres or more.
Ms Barrett said it was also against the rules to stop within three metres of a post box unless dropping off, or picking up, passengers or mail; stopping within one metre of a fire hydrant and not parking within the lines of a car park, unless your vehicle was too wide or too long.
Parking for the maximum designated time in a parking bay and then moving to another bay on the same length of road, or the same parking area to avoid a fine, is also against the rules.
Queensland road rules are available online here.
