Waving farewell to friends or casually swinging an arm out of an open vehicle window is not only unsafe, but also illegal in Australia, with harsh fines for violators.
In one word, yeah. And it includes leaving your elbow resting on an open window sill, which I believe most of us have done at some time.
Nowadays, of course, with every new vehicle equipped with some type of climate control, whether basic air conditioning or more contemporary temperature-controlled climate settings, the necessity to lower a car's windows is less common. After all, why allow all that hot outside air in when you can create a comfortable environment inside the car?
However, not everyone has air conditioning, and many who drive older vehicles must depend on the blast of fresh air from open windows. The urge to lay an arm on an open window's ledge is overwhelming. I know I did it. I am sure you have, too.
It is, however, banned in all Australian states and territories. And the penalty for an offense might be significant. And with good cause.
Hanging one arm out of your car's window may provide much-needed comfort in hot weather, but it is risky. Not only does it increase the chance of damage or limb loss, but your hanging arm might also knock a cyclist or motorcyclist off their bike, resulting in catastrophic injuries or worse.
That risk increases if you put your arm out the window to say hello or farewell to pals. And, sure, it is unlawful in all states and territories. Dangling a leg or foot out of an open window is another example.
The laws in Australia are uniform: "A person must not travel in or on a motor vehicle with any part of the person's body outside a window or door of the vehicle, unless the person is the driver of the vehicle and is giving a hand signal: (a) for changing direction to the right; and (b) for stopping or slowing" .
Hand signals may be used to indicate a damaged indication or brake light.
However, although the regulations are the identical in all Australian states and territories, the punishments for an offense differ significantly.
Here's a breakdown of the fines you may anticipate to face if the authorities pull you over for hanging any portion of your body out of an open window of a car.
What are the fines and punishments in NSW for waving your arm out a vehicle window?
In summary, the motorist will be fined $349 on the spot and get three penalty points. If the perpetrator is a passenger, the same $349 fine will apply. However, even if the passenger receives zero demerit points, the driver would be penalized three points. So make sure you keep your passengers under control since you are the one who will suffer severe fines and loss of points.
It gets worse if you choose to appeal the fine in court. If found guilty, the crime carries a maximum of 20 penalty points, which may result in a $2200 fine. Yikes.
What are the fines and punishments in Victoria for waving your arm out a vehicle window?
Victoria's sanctions for the violation of "Drive or travel with any part of body protruding from motor vehicle" are significantly more forgiving, with an on-the-spot fine of just $185.
If you take the case to court, you might face three penalty points and a fine of $555.
What are the fines and punishments in Queensland for waving your arm out a vehicle window?
Offenders in Queensland will get a $268 fine and three penalty points. Similarly, bringing the case to court and being found guilty might result in a $2875 fine plus a maximum of 20 penalty points.
What are the fines and punishments in South Africa for waving your arm out of a vehicle window?
South Australians who hang limbs out of vehicle windows risk a $205 fine and three demerit points. In addition, a $94 Victims of Crime levy increases the total penalties to $299.
What are the fines and punishments in Washington for waving your arm out a vehicle window?
Western Australia is more tolerant than its eastern neighbors when it comes to driving with any part of your body protruding from your car, which is fined by one penalty point and one demerit. In monetary terms, it translates to a $50 fine.
What are the fines and punishments in Tasmania for waving your arm out a vehicle window?
Tasmanians found with their arms, legs, or heads out of an open car window will be fined $135.75.
What are the fines and punishments under the ACT for waving your arm out a vehicle window?
Our nation's capital is tough on traffic violations, with a maximum penalty of 20 points for having any part of your body protruding from a vehicle's open window. With one penalty unit costing $160 or $810 for a business, the maximum punishment is $3200 (individual) or $16,200 for organizations. Ouch!
What are the NT's fines and punishments for waving your arm out a vehicle window?
The infraction comes under the 'General Penalties' sections of the Northern Territory's Traffic Regulations 2007 act, since there is no particular punishment in place. According to the Act, a general penalty carries a maximum of 20 points ($3240) and/or six months in jail. Keep your limbs in the vehicle, Territorians.
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