LegalPage 7

Learn about road laws, driver rights and legal updates that affect car owners.

Keep your hands on the wheel and off your passenger, warns lawyer

Keep your hands on the wheel and off your passenger, warns lawyer

If you're having fun with a partner in your car, be careful that members of the public – or the police – can't see you. And make sure you're not driving!

Is it illegal to use my phone to pay in the drive-thru or for parking?

Matt Campbell

Is it illegal to use my phone to pay in the drive-thru or for parking?

You may have wondered when you’ve pulled up to pay for your late night fast food run, “am I allowed to pay using my phone?” It's complicated...

3 Years Ago

Is it illegal to leave my keys in the car?

Matt Campbell

Is it illegal to leave my keys in the car?

You may not realise it, but those that leave their keys in the car are breaking a particular law by doing so.

3 Years Ago

Is it legal to have a knife or weapon in your car?

Matt Campbell

Is it legal to have a knife or weapon in your car?

If you were to be pulled over by a police officer and you happened to have a knife with you, that would – in theory – be fine, so long as you are carrying that ‘weapon’ for a lawful purpose.

3 Years Ago

Is it illegal to swear at a police officer?

Matt Campbell

Is it illegal to swear at a police officer?

Sorry officer, it was just a slip of the tongue... Are you allowed to swear at law enforcement?

3 Years Ago

Is it legal for passengers to drink alcohol in a car?

Matt Campbell

Is it legal for passengers to drink alcohol in a car?

Is it illegal for passengers to be in your car while drinking alcohol? Can you get in trouble for it? It depends on where you live and where you are in the car.

3 Years Ago

Is vaping legal or banned while driving?

Scott Collie

Is vaping legal or banned while driving?

New laws about vapes are coming into force soon. Is it legal to smoke or vape while you're driving a car in Australia?

3 Years Ago

What is the highest speed limit in Australia?

Matt Campbell

What is the highest speed limit in Australia?

110km/h? 130km/h? Unlimited? What is the fastest you can legally drive in Australia and where? We take a look at the different state rules.

3 Years Ago

Is it illegal to use a mobile phone while driving?

Matt Campbell

Is it illegal to use a mobile phone while driving?

Using your phone is illegal while driving unless certain criteria are met. Rules are even stricter for Learner and Provisional drivers

3 Years Ago

Is it legal to drive naked?

Matt Campbell

Is it legal to drive naked?

If you are found to expose yourself to anyone who doesn’t want to see what you’ve got to show them, you could be charged with obscene exposure, but is it legal to drive naked?

3 Years Ago

Is it illegal to ride in the back of a ute? Boot of a car?

Matt Campbell

Is it illegal to ride in the back of a ute? Boot of a car?

It’s stupid and dangerous to ride in any part of the car that isn’t designed for the purpose of holding a passenger, but is it illegal?

3 Years Ago

Is it legal to drive with a broken windscreen/windshield?

Matt Campbell

Is it legal to drive with a broken windscreen/windshield?

If you’re pulled over with a crack or chip you might be slapped with a defect sticker and you’ll need to get the problem in a set time.

3 Years Ago

Is it legal to drive with the tailgate down?

Matt Campbell

Is it legal to drive with the tailgate down?

Driving with the tailgate down is legal in certain circumstances, but you can't obscure some of the key identifiers for the car.

3 Years Ago

Is it legal to drive with squeaky brakes?

Matt Campbell

Is it legal to drive with squeaky brakes?

Here's what you need to know about getting around with squeaky brakes. Turns out, sometimes they're more than just annoying.

3 Years Ago

Is it legal to leave your car windows open?

Matt Campbell

Is it legal to leave your car windows open?

Thieves aren't the only people who can cash in if you park your car with the windows open.

3 Years Ago

Is it legal to drive with headphones?

Matt Campbell

Is it legal to drive with headphones?

Listen up folks. This is when and where you're allowed to use headphones on public roads.

3 Years Ago

Is it legal to drive with one hand?

Matt Campbell

Is it legal to drive with one hand?

Australia-wide, the rules are basically the same. You should have both hands on the wheel at all times.

3 Years Ago