Common car act could cost touchy drivers a hefty fine
A worried driver has shared his concerns over being slapped with a potential fine after being caught holding his girlfriend's hand while driving.
The man questioned whether the hand holding warranted a fine, after the couple passed a road safety camera in the "compromising" position.
“Me and my girlfriend were holding hands and there was a camera on the left side, will they fine me?” the poster anonymously posted in a Facebook group for discussions about mobile phone detection camera locations in Australia.
Online responses were varied from commenters, as many thought he driver could attract a fine as the act could be misconstrued as a more serious offence.
One person wrote, “Was there a (mobile phone) between your hand and your girlfriends?" while another cheekily added “As long as she was just holding your hand.”
But while some people mocked the question, others were closer to the mark, writing, “Holding her hand is no problem other than you may not have had effective control of the vehicle.”
“Both hands on the steering wheel is my take on it,” another said.
While police and transport authorities confirmed to 7News that no specific rule exists for holding hands, if the hand-holding is deemed to constitute a failure to maintain proper control of a motor vehicle, that would be an offence under Australian Road Rule 297 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
The rule is observed nationally, but not all states fine offending motorists equally.
Those who are caught red-handed could be fined between $215 and $514 depending on where they are.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said that drivers should use their best judgement, saying, “Drivers must also drive with care and attention, as there are significant penalties for more serious offending.”
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