road rules

Drivers Beware: $1,000 Fine and Car Seizure Possible on Private Roads Under New Law

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Fine and Car Seizure Possible on Private Roads Under New Law

Australian motorists are facing increasingly strict enforcement of lesser-known road rules, with new and existing fines catching out even experienced drivers. Recent crackdowns and legislative updates have made it essential for all drivers—locals and tourists alike—to stay informed about the latest regulations, especially those governing private and public roads.

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Understanding the New Fines for Road Rule Violations

Lesser-Known Offences That Can Cost You

Many drivers are surprised to learn that acts as simple as sticking an arm out of a car window or parking with a “for sale” sign on a public road can result in hefty fines. These rules are in place nationwide, but the penalties and enforcement can vary significantly by state and territory.

Arms Out the Window: A Costly Mistake

  • It is illegal in every Australian state and territory for any part of your body to protrude from a vehicle window or door, except when signaling a turn, stop, or slow down.

  • Fines for this offence range from $185 (Victoria) to $349 (New South Wales), with additional demerit points often applied.

  • Tourists are particularly at risk due to unfamiliarity with these local laws.

Advertising Cars for Sale on Public Roads

  • Placing a “for sale” sign on a car parked on a public road is considered a distraction to other drivers and is illegal in many areas without council permission.

  • Fines vary from $100 (South Australia, with no permit) to as much as $2,200 (New South Wales).

  • To avoid penalties, always seek approval from the local council before advertising a vehicle for sale on public property.

No Stopping Zones: The Yellow Line Rule

  • Unbroken yellow edge lines on roads signify strict “no stopping” zones, replacing traditional red “No Stopping” signs in many areas.

  • Parking in these zones can lead to fines ranging from $192 (Victoria) to $387 (New South Wales school zones), with possible demerit points.

  • Many drivers remain unaware of this rule, leading to widespread confusion and frustration.

Why Are These Laws Being Enforced So Strictly?

Authorities cite public safety and traffic flow as the main reasons for these regulations. Distractions caused by roadside advertisements or unsafe behavior, such as having limbs outside a vehicle, have the potential to cause accidents. Councils and police are now more vigilant in enforcing these rules, often as part of broader campaigns to reduce road accidents and fatalities.

Penalties at a Glance

Offence State/Territory Fine Amount Demerit Points
Arm/body protruding from vehicle NSW $349 3
Victoria $185–$555 3
Queensland $268 3
Advertising vehicle for sale on public road NSW $1,500–$2,200 N/A
Queensland $252 N/A
Western Australia Up to $1,000 N/A
South Australia Up to $100 N/A
Parking in yellow line/no stopping zone NSW $275–$387 2 (school zone)
Victoria $192 N/A
Queensland $309 N/A
South Australia $210 N/A
Western Australia $200 N/A
Tasmania $975 N/A

How to Avoid Unexpected Fines

Stay Informed and Vigilant

  • Always check for local signage and road markings, especially in unfamiliar areas.

  • Before advertising a vehicle for sale, contact your local council to determine if a permit is required.

  • Keep all body parts inside the vehicle unless performing a legal hand signal.

  • Be aware that rules and fines can change; consult official state transport websites for the latest updates.

Educational Campaigns and Council Initiatives

Many councils are running awareness campaigns to educate drivers about these lesser-known rules, particularly the use of yellow lines for no stopping zones. Despite these efforts, confusion persists, with some residents calling for clearer signage.

The Importance of Road Rule Awareness for Tourists

With hundreds of thousands of international visitors arriving each month, unfamiliarity with local road regulations is a common pitfall. Tourists are strongly advised to review the road rules of each state or territory they plan to visit to avoid unexpected fines and ensure road safety.

FAQs

Q1: Can I legally advertise my car for sale on a public road in Australia?
No, unless you have explicit permission from the local council. Fines for unauthorized advertising can be substantial, especially in NSW and Queensland.

Q2: What does a yellow line on the edge of the road mean?
An unbroken yellow edge line indicates a no stopping zone. Parking here can result in significant fines and, in school zones, demerit points.

Q3: Are tourists fined for the same offences as locals?
Yes, the same rules and penalties apply to all drivers, regardless of residency status. Tourists are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with local laws to avoid costly mistakes.

Read More :- Australia’s New Driving Laws July 2025 – Are You Ready?

Drivers Alerted: Major Road Rule Change Incoming with $961 Fines – Act Fast!

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Australia’s New Driving Rules

Victoria is on the cusp of a major shift in road safety regulations that will affect millions of drivers across the state. Starting July 1, 2025, all motorists must slow down to 40 km/h when passing stationary or slow-moving incident response vehicles with flashing lights—including tow trucks, roadside assistance vans, and mechanics. This expanded rule, known as Road Rule 79A, aims to protect roadside workers and ensure everyone gets home safely. The change follows years of advocacy by industry groups and reflects a growing recognition that roadside workers face significant dangers every day1

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Why the Change Matters Victoria’s New Road Safety Rule: What You Need to Know Before July 1

Roadside workers are often the first responders to accidents and breakdowns, yet they have historically lacked the same legal protections as police, fire, and ambulance crews. According to a recent survey by the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), a staggering 83% of roadside workers experience near misses with passing vehicles at least once a week16. These close calls are not just statistics—they are real-life experiences that put lives at risk.

Patroller Johnny Dipietro, who works on some of Victoria’s busiest roads, shared his experience: “I had a vehicle almost hit me, and I can tell you, it was truly frightening.” His sentiment is echoed by incident responder Steven Bevens, who notes that close calls are a daily occurrence for staff stationed on the shoulders of congested roads and highways.

The expanded Road Rule 79A is designed to address this gap in protection, ensuring that all roadside responders—regardless of their employer—receive the same level of safety as other emergency personnel. Makarla Cole, General Manager of RACV, emphasizes that this regulation is about fairness and safety: “It ensures emergency roadside and tow drivers, regardless of their employer, receive the same level of protection as other emergency personnel.

What the New Rule Covers

From July 1, 2025, Road Rule 79A will apply to:

  • Emergency vehicles: Police, ambulance, fire services, State Emergency Services (SES)

  • Enforcement vehicles: Victoria Police and other enforcement agencies

  • Accident towing and breakdown towing vehicles

  • Roadside assistance vehicles

  • Incident response service vehicles

  • Escort vehicles

You are required to slow down to 40 km/h when passing any of these vehicles if they are stationary or moving slower than 10 km/h and have flashing lights (red, blue, magenta, or yellow) or an alarm sounding.

How to Comply with the New Rule

To stay safe and avoid hefty fines, follow these steps when you see flashing lights on the roadside:

  • Check your rear-view mirror: Especially on high-speed roads, ensure you can slow down safely without causing a hazard.

  • Reduce speed to 40 km/h: Slow down to this speed as you approach the scene.

  • Pass the scene at 40 km/h: Maintain this speed until you are a safe distance past all workers and vehicles.

  • Return to the legal speed limit: Only increase your speed once you are clear of the incident zone.

The rule applies on all roads, including freeways, and in both directions—even if the vehicle is in the service lane or on a dividing strip. However, you do not need to slow down if you are on the opposite side of a road separated by a median strip (such as grass, a wire rope, concrete barrier, or painted island)

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to slow down to 40 km/h when required can result in significant fines:

  • Standard fine: $346

  • Maximum fine: $961

Notably, there are no demerit points associated with this offense, but the financial penalty is designed to encourage compliance and protect vulnerable workers16.

National Comparison: How Victoria Stacks Up

Victoria’s new rule brings the state in line with other Australian jurisdictions, most of which already require drivers to slow down for roadside workers. Here’s how the rules compare:

State/Territory Speed Limit When Passing Vehicles Covered Notes
Victoria 40 km/h All incident response, roadside assistance, and emergency vehicles Applies in zones up to 110 km/h
NSW, QLD, WA, TAS, ACT 40 km/h All roadside and emergency vehicles ACT/NSW: up to 90 km/h zones only
South Australia 25 km/h All roadside and emergency vehicles —

This harmonization ensures that roadside workers across Australia are protected by similar safety standards.

The Human Impact: Stories from the Roadside

Roadside workers are not just service providers—they are first responders who often arrive before emergency services. Peter Jones, CEO of VACC, highlights the importance of the new rule: “With only weeks remaining before the expanded Road Rule 79A is implemented on July 1, we’re glad to see the Victorian Government’s dedication to roadside worker safety becoming a reality.” He adds, “When you notice those flashing lights—whether from police, ambulances or now towing and assistance vehicles—reduce your speed to 40 km/h. It’s a straightforward action that could save lives.

Jones also emphasizes that the rule is not just about compliance, but about fostering a culture of respect on the roads. “This rule change finally grants them the protection they rightfully deserve,” he says, noting that roadside assistance workers are often the first on the scene, working in extremely dangerous conditions

FAQs

What should I do if I see flashing lights on the roadside?
Slow down to 40 km/h and pass the scene carefully.

Does the rule apply to all roads?
Yes, it applies to all roads, including freeways, unless you are on the opposite side of a median strip.

Will I lose demerit points if I break this rule?
No, there are no demerit points, but fines can be up to $961.

Specifications Table

Feature Details
Rule Name Road Rule 79A (Expanded)
Effective Date July 1, 2025
Required Speed 40 km/h
Vehicles Covered Police, ambulance, fire, SES, tow trucks, roadside assistance, incident response, escort vehicles
Fines for Non-Compliance Standard: $346; Maximum: $961
Demerit Points None
Applies To All roads (including freeways), both directions unless separated by median strip
Trigger Stationary or slow-moving (<10 km/h) vehicle with flashing lights

 Simple Step to Save Lives

Victoria’s expanded Road Rule 79A is a significant step forward for road safety, bringing the state in line with the rest of Australia and providing much-needed protection for roadside workers. By slowing down to 40 km/h when passing incident response vehicles, you are not just following the law—you are helping to save lives and foster a safer, more respectful driving culture.

As the July 1 deadline approaches, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the new rules and share this information with friends and family. Together, we can make Victoria’s roads safer for everyone.

Also Read: – Australia’s New Driving Laws July 2025 – Are You Ready?