Obscure laws can sting drivers who don't realize they're facing fines up to $2200

            Source: The Courier-Mail

QUEENSLANDERS can drive in bare feet or thongs without penalty, but let a dog or your arm hang out of the car window and you face a fine up to $2200.Many drivers are clueless about the more obscure road rules and are often shocked when hit with hefty fines, say the state's road safety advocates.

Joel Tucker, senior road safety adviser at the RACQ, warns Queenslanders to brush up on all sections of the law to stay safe on the road.

"The Queensland Road Rules feature over 300 sections, many of which have penalty provisions but there are a number of lesser-known road rules that have fines associated," he said.

"Regardless of whether people think it's a big deal or not, road rules, even the more obscure ones, were created to help keep all road users safe."

·      Examples included rules against driving with animals on laps or opening vehicle doors to create hazards.

·      If a driver lets a dog's head hang out of their car window - or their arm - and they could be up for a steep fine under Queensland's obscure road laws.

·      A ticket could be issued if a dog is enjoying a breeze out the window of the vehicle.

·      Under the "insecure or overhanging load" section of the road rules the Queensland Police Service confirms there could be a maximum penalty of 20 units, i.e., $2200 or an instant $256 ticket fine.

Russell White, road safety advocate and co-founder of the CARMA Road Safety Initiative, says motorists are often surprised when they are pulled over and issued with large fines for these kinds of offences.

·      Failure to show consideration to other drivers is another area where fines can be issued.

·      Motorists who drive in a way that makes unnecessary noise or smoke could be slapped with a $352 fine and lose two demerit points.

·      Unnecessary use of the car horn could land a $66 fine or a maximum penalty of $2200.