Aussies warned about little-known road rule that could cost you a $2000 fine
Aussie drivers are being warned to check their parked cars, as a common habit could lead to hefty fines worth thousands of dollars.
Leaving your car unlocked or its windows slightly open can result in serious penalties - depending on the state you're in.
And while there are some exceptions, they apply to a very limited group of drivers.
In several states, a 'three-metre rule' is in place, allowing drivers to keep their car unlocked only if they remain within three metres of the vehicle.
Step any further away, and you could be slapped with a fine.
Although the rule might seem excessive to some, Astor Legal principal lawyer Avinash Singh said there is a clear rationale behind it.
'The reasoning behind the law is to prevent cars from being stolen and then used in more serious crimes,' Singh said.
'The use of allegedly stolen vehicles makes it difficult for police to track down the offenders.'
The exact penalties vary from state to state, and one state reportedly doesn't have the law at all.
But in jurisdictions where it does apply, the consequences can be severe, highlighting the importance of knowing local regulations when it comes to parking your car.
New South Wales
Under Regulation 213 of the Road Rules 2014, if you're more than 3 metres away from your unattended vehicle, it must be locked, and windows secured.
A window is considered secure if it's open by no more than 2 centimetres.
The On-the-spot fine is $114, but the maximum court-imposed penalty is 20 penalty units, amounting to a fine of $2,200.
Queensland
Drivers must ensure their vehicles are locked and windows secured if they are more than three metres away, windows must not be open more than five centimetres.
Failing to comply can lead to hefty penalties, with fines reaching up to $3,096. If the car is left unlocked with the keys still inside, the driver can be hit with a $2,669 fine.
Victoria
Drivers must secure their vehicles when parked and unattended. Windows are deemed secure if opened by less than 2 centimetres.
An on-the-spot fine of $117, which can go up to $600 if it goes to court.
Western Australia
Drivers must switch off the car, remove the key, lock the doors, and secure the windows when leaving the vehicle unattended.
The fine is $50, but there are some exemptions.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, drivers must switch off the engine, remove the key, lock the doors, and secure windows (no more than 2cm open) when leaving a car unattended. I
It is also illegal to leave minors under 16 inside. Fines can reach nearly $200.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, you must lock your car and close the windows when leaving it unattended.
Breaking this rule can cost you up to $3,200.
Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory, it's an offence to leave a car unlocked and unattended when the driver is more than three metres away, and no one is inside.
Fines may vary.
South Australia
South Australia is the only state where drivers are not legally required to lock their cars when unattended.
Under Regulation 23, there's no penalty for leaving your vehicle unlocked, possibly because stolen cars are less commonly linked to serious crimes there.
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