Aussie drivers warned over commonly ignored road rule
Aussie drivers are being reminded to follow simple road rules and etiquette when driving on a highway, with one often ignored rule costing drivers hundreds.
Police are fining drivers caught driving in the right lane on a highway without overtaking anyone.
A Victorian man was fined $198 and two demerit points over the weekend "after travelling 3km in the right-hand lane and passing no one,” Senior Sergeant Aaron Riches told the Geelong Advertiser.
Penalties also apply in other states and territories, including NSW where the penalty can be as much as $410.
Victoria Police told Yahoo News Australia that this wasn't part of a crackdown, as they are always monitoring roads to ensure drivers are following the road rules.
"Police are out and about every day, making sure people are following the road rules. Road safety is a priority for police, and we will continue to focus our efforts on ensuring those using the roads are safe," a spokesperson said.
According to VicRoads, when travelling on a multi-lane road with a speed limit of over 80km/h, drivers must keep out of the right lane unless they are overtaking, turning right or if all lanes are congested.
In NSW a P-plater was caught "disobeying" this rule and copped a $410 fine.
Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh of Astor Legal said some drivers get of easy, with penalties actually reaching $2,200.
"On a road where there is a speed limit of more than 80km/h, you must not drive in the right lane, unless you're overtaking," he said.
Although unlikely, "you can incur a fine of up to $2,200 for disobeying this rule," he added.
NSW Police also reminded drivers in August against ignoring "keep left signs unless overtaking" as travelling in the right lane has resulted in "an increase in collisions involving drivers overtaking other vehicles".
Images: NSW Police Highway Patrol