Prominent Australian lawyer sounds alarm over unknown road base Many drivers “don’t realize” this. It could cost them a lot if they get caught red-handed.Fines for violating this law on our roads can cost people anywhere from $50 to $3,700.
Sydney Lawyer Avinash Singh said he had noticed that “many Australians do not realise the costly consequences they may face for using their car horns incorrectly” – even if it was unintentional.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, he said drivers need to ensure they only They used their car horns. When warning other drivers, alerting animals about their approach or the location of their vehicle.
A stark warning from the lawyer to Australian motorists
“Whether it’s to greet friends or family or out of frustration with other people’s driving, honking your horn inappropriately is a crime,” he told Yahoo.
“No matter what condition you are driving in, a car horn can only be used to warn other drivers or alert animals about the approach or location of their vehicle.
“The only exception to this is if the horn is being used as part of a theft-deterrent device or alcohol lock. Drivers caught using the horn in situations outside of these circumstances could face jail time and fines of more than $3,000, depending on the state in which they reside.”
The legal use of car horns on Australian roads has long been a controversial and debated topic, and while it is mandatory to have a horn fitted to your vehicle, improper use can result in significant penalties.
In Australia, drivers are only allowed to use their horns to alert other drivers or animals to the presence or location of their vehicle. Additionally, it is legal to use horns as part of a theft deterrent system or alcohol deterrent device.
Government penalties for improper use of car horns
New South Wales – The maximum penalty is 20 penalty units, which is currently equivalent to $2,200.
Victoria – 1 penalty unit, currently $197.59.
Queensland – The maximum penalty is 20 penalty units, which is currently $3,226.
Western Australia – 1 penalty unit, currently $50.
South Australia – $323 fine.
Northern Territory – Maximum penalty is 20 penalty units ($3,700), or 6 months imprisonment.
Tasmania – Fixed fine of $146.25.
Australian Capital Territory – Offence penalty $264, maximum penalty 20 penalty units ($3,200).
Authorities crack down on floating road rules in Australia
Across the country, road and transport officials have been cracking down on drivers caught breaking the law while driving.
Australia’s road network this year recorded the most dangerous six months in the first half of 2024 — Over 13 years. The latest Australian Automobile Association report on the National Road Safety Strategy reveals a 7.3 per cent increase in fatalities on Australian roads from 2022 to 2023, with 1,266 people losing their lives on our roads last year.
The second half of 2023 has proven to be the deadliest consecutive quarter on Australian roads since the first six months of 2010, with 677 road fatalities recorded. The sharp rise in the national road death toll in 2023 was driven by high fatalities in three Australian states.
New South Wales recorded an increase of almost 30 per cent on 2022, with 351 people losing their lives last year, Victoria’s road death toll increased by 22.5 per cent, with 294 deaths in 2023 and South Australia’s road death toll was 117, an increase of almost 65 per cent on 2022.
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