Little-known road rule that could cost you $3700
An Australian solicitor has brought attention to a little-known road rule that many drivers are unaware of and could cost them between $50 and $3,700 if caught breaking this law.
Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh said he's noticed "many Australians are unaware of the expensive consequences they could face for using their car horn incorrectly" — even if it's unintentional.
He said that drivers need to ensure they only use their car horns when necessary, including when warning other drivers or alerting animals that their car is approaching.
"Whether it’s beeping to greet friends or family members or out of frustration of others’ driving, honking your horn inappropriately is an offence," he told Yahoo News.
"No matter what state you’re driving in, a vehicle's horn can only be used to warn other drivers or alert animals to the presence or location of their vehicle.
"The only exception to this is if the horn is being used as part of an anti-theft device or an alcohol interlock. Drivers caught using their horn in situations outside of these could face possible imprisonment and fines of over $3,000, depending on which state they reside."
In New South Wales drivers can cop a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units, which is currently $2,200.
The number of penalty units for Queensland is the same as NSW, but the cost is higher at $3226.
In the Northern Territory it's a maximum penalty of 20 units ($3,700) or imprisonment for 6 months.
South Australia and Tasmania have a set fine of $323 and $146.25 respectively.
For Victoria and Western Australia, drivers can cop 1 penalty unit which cost $197.59 and $50 respectively.
In the ACT drivers caught in this act will receive an infringement penalty of $264, maximum penalty of 20 penalty units ($3,200).
Image: Revenue NSW