A number of road signs applying to different animals, including native and farm animals, mean a driver must slow down or stop to avoid crashing with them. Fines apply if you do not obey these signs.
In NSW, a driver, motorcycle rider, bicycle rider or passenger must not lead an animal, including by a tether from the moving vehicle.
And, while this rule is not surprising, in the ACT animals are not permitted to be carried on a motor bike between the rider and the handlebars, or in any other position that would interfere with the rider’s ability to control the motor bike.
Phones and GPS
Handling your phone while using it as a navigation device is also an offence, because it’s not properly docked and, technically, it is still a phone.
But did you know that includes holding it away from your face on loud speaker – even while stationary in traffic?
Technically, even pressing a button to answer the phone or check a text is illegal if it’s not in a fixed bracket.
But here’s one aspect of mobile phone tickets many drivers don’t know: in NSW (a $298 fine) and Victoria (a $282 fine) each ticket also attracts three demerit points – a quarter of your licence.
But did you know, in NSW, if you get caught using a hand held mobile phone in a school zone the fine is $397 and four demerit points? Is that phone call or text message that important now?
If your car is parked legally and safely off the road (ie: not waiting at the lights or in slow-moving traffic) but the engine is running, you’re OK to use the phone in NSW.
But in Victoria, if you’re parked legally and safely off the road and the engine is still running – and you’re in the driver’s seat – that’s still a ticket. In Victoria the engine must be off otherwise you are “in charge of a motor vehicle”.
In the ACT all visual display units which are being used as a driver’s aid function, such as GPS devices, may only be used in a fixed mounting. The mounting must be commercially designed and manufactured for this purpose. The unit must be positioned in the vehicle so that it does not obscure the driver’s view.
Crossing roads
You may want to be careful when out of the car, too. In NSW, pedestrians who don’t cross the road quickly enough – or who cross on a red signal – risk a $66 ticket. It’s the same fine for crossing a road “within 20 metres of a marked pedestrian crossing”.
Sources:
http://brazelmoorelawyers.com.au/blogs/your-legal-rights-nsw-blog/item/unusual-or-unknown-nsw-road-rules
http://www.news.com.au/technology/design/the-ten-road-rules-you-never-knew-you-were-breaking/story-fnjwucvh-1226796995159
http://www.caradvice.com.au/58779/road-rules-its-time-take-some-lessons-australia/
http://www.raa.com.au/membership/read-samotor/2014/Autumn/10-road-rules-you-might-not-know