A prominent Australian lawyer is sounding the alarm about a little-known road rule many drivers are “unaware” of that could cost them dearly if caught in the act. Fines for those caught breaking this law on our roads can cost people anywhere from $50 to $3,700.
Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh said he has noticed “many Australians are unaware of the expensive consequences they can face for using their car horn incorrectly” – even if it is unintentional.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, he said drivers should ensure they only use their car horns when warning other drivers, alerting animals to the approach or position of their vehicle.
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“Whether honking to greet friends or family members or out of frustration at others’ driving, honking inappropriately is an offense,” he told Yahoo.
“Regardless of what state you are driving in, a vehicle’s horn may only be used to warn other drivers or to alert animals to the approach or position of their vehicle.
“The only exception to this is if the horn is used as part of an anti-theft device or an alcohol blocker. Drivers caught using their horn in situations outside of these can face jail time and fines of up to $3,000, depending on the state. they dwell”.
The legal use of car horns on Australian roads has long been a divisive topic of debate, and while it is mandatory to have a horn installed in your vehicle, improper use can result in significant fines.
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 the horn as part of an anti-theft system or an alcohol interlock device.
State Penalties for Improper Use of Car Horn
New South Wales – Maximum penalty of 20 penalty units, which is currently $2,200.
Victoria – 1 penalty unit, currently $197.59.
Queensland – Maximum penalty of 20 penalty units, which is currently $3226.
Western Australia – 1 penalty unit, currently $50.
South Australia – Impose $323 fine.
Northern Territory – Maximum penalty of 20 penalty units ($3700), or imprisonment for 6 months.
Tasmania – Impose fine of $146.25.
Australian Capital Territory – Offense penalty of $264, maximum penalty of 20 penalty units ($3,200).
Authorities are cracking down on Australian waterways rules
Across the country, roads and transport officials have cracked down on motorists caught breaking the law behind the wheel.
Australia’s road network this year recorded its deadliest six months in the first half of 2024 – in more than 13 years. The Australian Automobile Association’s latest National Road Safety Benchmarking Strategy report reveals a 7.3 per cent increase in deaths on Australian roads from 2022 to 2023, with 1266 people losing their lives on our roads last year.
The second half of 2023 was the deadliest consecutive quarter on Australian roads since the first six months of 2010, with 677 road deaths recorded. The significant increase in the number of national roads in 2023 was caused by an increase in the number of deaths in three Australian states.
NSW recorded an increase of almost 30 per cent from 2022, with 351 individuals losing their lives last year, the number of road deaths in Victoria increased by 22.5 per cent, with 294 deaths in 2023 and the number of road deaths in South Australia reached 117 , a nearly 65 percent increase from 2022.
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