The little known Queensland traffic rules that could land you with $2669 fine

Did you know that playing a musical instrument in a car (even in the passenger seat) is a bigger fine than doing a burnout? See the list of Queensland’s weirdest traffic offences.

From interrupting funeral possessions to playing an instrument in a car, some of Queensland’s strangest driving offences have been revealed – and they come with a hefty price tag.

Here are the wacky Queensland driving laws you should know before your next trip:

Throwing an apple core out of the window: $575 and two demerit points

Despite it being biodegradable, throwing an apple or banana peel out of the window is still considered as dropping “injurious matter on a road.” This Queensland law sees litterers forking out the largest bill in comparison to other states.

Cutting through a service station: $349 and three demerit points

Thinking of skipping the huge line or traffic by cutting through a servo? Think again. This tempting short cut is illegal as it falls under the “drive on or over footpath” road rule.

Not giving way to a cyclist will cost you $431 and three demerit points.

Failing to leave room for a bike: $431 and three demerits

Failing to leave enough room when passing a bicycle will land you in hot water. Three demerits and a $431 fine, You’ll be wishing you rode your bike to work instead.

Using your horn inappropriately: Maximum fine of $2611

A friendly beep in traffic or waving goodbye to a mate could warrant a fine of anywhere between $161 to $2611. Legally, a horn is only allowed to be used to warn other drivers of your position on the road, warn animals or as part of an antitheft or interlock device.

Disrupting a funeral procession: Maximum fine of $2,660

Queensland enforces the harshest penalty out of the states for disrupting a funeral procession with the potential for some drivers to receive a $2,660 fine.

Leaving your car unlocked: maximum fine of $2669

It is illegal to leave your car unlocked or with the windows open if you move more than three meters away from it. Despite neighbouring states carrying much lighter fines for the same offence (Victoria $117 and NSW $114) you can be hit with a huge $2669 as a repeat offender.

Playing an instrument: $1,437

Planning on playing a recorder while driving or in the passenger seat? Maybe reconsider the choice unless you want to be at risk of a $1,437 fine.

Indicating at roundabouts: $86

Roundabouts are notorious for flawing even the most faultless of drivers. You can be fined for failing to indicate when entering a roundabout, when in the roundabout and when leaving it. Best bet is to leave your indicator on at all times if you want to avoid an $86 fine.

Not giving way to a horse is a $130 fine.

Not giving way to horses: $130

To ensure you stay well clear of a $130 fine, if a rider indicates to you their horse is flighty, steer the car as far to the left as possible, turn off the engine and wait until the horse is far enough away that you’re in no danger of startling it.

Wearing a seatbelt incorrectly: $1,078 and four demerit points

Gone are the days of buckling up your seat belt to stop the alarm being set off. If police catch you wearing your seat belt incorrectly you’ll be forking out a whooping $1,078 fine and four demerit points.

Speeding up while being overtaken: $86 fine and two demerit points

Someone riding your bumper on the M1? Make sure when they go whizzing past you do not speed up. Increasing your speed when being overtaken could mean an $86 fine and two demerit points.

It turns out doing a burnout will cost you less in fines than playing an instrument in the car. Picture: NewsLocal/Martin Ollman

Unnecessary noise and smoke: $431 and two demerit points

Rev-head enthusiasts beware! Wilfully starting or driving a vehicle in a way that makes unnecessary noise or smoke will land you a $431 fine and two demerit points.

Using your high beam headlights: Maximum fine of $2,875

You must not have your headlights on high beam if another vehicle is closer than 200m to you - this includes when you are following someone and when they are driving towards you.

You’re allowed to flash your headlights briefly before overtaking another vehicle, but make sure they don’t dazzle other road users.

You may be fined for incorrectly using your high beam lights.

Entering blocked intersections: Maximum fine of $2,875

If you enter an intersection and you can’t drive entirely through it because it is blocked (ie: due to a crash or congestion), you could face serious fines.