Aussie drivers warned as police hand out fines for ignoring simple road rule
A male driver was intercepted by police on the weekend before bing issued a $198 fine for driving in the wrong lane for 3km.
Drivers are being reminded to follow simple rules and etiquette when travelling on Aussie roads, with one move in particular often ignored by motorists getting attention from police.
A 42-year-old Victorian man is the latest to be caught driving in the right lane on a highway without overtaking, resulting in a $198 fine and two demerit points as part of an apparent crackdown on the habit that can easily frustrate other drivers. In other states and territories, including NSW, the penalty can be as much as $410.
The male driver, from Armstrong Creek, was spotted by police travelling along Geelong Ring Road on Saturday. He was intercepted by police "after travelling 3km in the right-hand lane and passing no one,” Senior Sergeant Aaron Riches told the Geelong Advertiser in a warning to motorists.
While it was reported to be part of a current crackdown, Victoria Police told Yahoo News Australia this wasn't necessarily the case and that police are always monitoring our roads to ensure drivers are complying with expectations.
"Police are out and about every day, making sure people are following the road rules. Road safety is a priority for police, and we will continue to focus our efforts on ensuring those using the roads are safe," a spokesperson said.
Right-hand lane road rule applies across the country
According to VicRoads, when travelling on a multi-lane road with a speed limit of more than 80km/h, drivers must keep out of the right lane unless they are overtaking, turning right or if all lanes are congested. The same rule applies across the country.
In NSW, a provisional driver was recently busted for "disobeying" this rule and copped a $410 fine. Speaking to Yahoo, prominent Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh of Astor Legal said said some drivers get off easy compared with the penalties they could face.
"On a road where there is a speed limit of more than 80km/h, you must not drive in the right lane, unless you're overtaking," he said. Although unlikely, "tou can incur a fine of up to $2,200 for disobeying this rule," he added.
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In August, NSW Police released a statement urging motorists against ignoring "keep left signs unless overtaking".
They said there are often misconceptions around overtaking, and travelling in the right lane has resulted in "an increase in collisions involving drivers overtaking other vehicles".
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