‘Is it illegal?’: Huge question over Kmart’s new $5 car solution

A new item “selling fast” in Kmart stores across the country has left some Aussies confused, with some worrying the product could be illegal.

Road trips are the perfect excuse for a cheeky Macca’s stop, but as many Aussies have discovered, eating in a car can be a tricky skill to master – especially if you’re a dip fan.

But if you’ve ever been victimised by a pot of Sweet ‘n’ Sour (don’t act like you’ve not spilt your favourite condiment all over your console) then you may be interested to know that Kmart has just released a $5 item designed to help drivers and passengers alike from sauce mishaps.

The Car Chip and Dip Holder is a nifty new product that cleverly holds your hot chips, and more importantly, has a little compartment for your dip too, so you can concentrate on shoving fries in your mouth and not fretting about making a mess.

It only recently hit shelves, but already shoppers are raving about the “genius” road trip solution, with Kmart stating it was “selling very fast”.

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“At Kmart, we aim to offer practical and affordable solutions that enhance our customers’ daily experiences,” a spokesperson told news.com.au.

“The product was developed to address the common challenge of enjoying snacks on the go without the mess.

“By fitting seamlessly into standard car cup holders, this $5 accessory offers a convenient way to hold chips and dip during road trips.”

But while response from shoppers has been “overwhelmingly positive”, with Kmart boasting it was due to the Car Chip and Dip Holder’s “functionality and affordability”, some had raised concerns over the product.

“It would be good if it wasn’t illegal to eat and drive,” one wrote on TikTok.

“Good idea if you want to cop a fine,” another agreed.

As one asked: “It’s a good idea but so confused on how it’s allowed to be sold considering it’s illegal to eat and drive.”

Some have asked whether Kmart’s new $5 Car Chip and Dip Holder is illegal. Picture: TikTok/@rachjordan

Road rules differ from state to state, but the act of eating while driving generally isn’t banned, however anything that interferes with drivers attention or control of the vehicle will ‘likely get you into trouble’. Picture: news.com.au

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Kmart said the product, which slips into a standard cup holder, should only be used when not interfering with the driver’s attention or control of the vehicle.

While road rules differ from state to state, both New South Wales and Victorian road safety legislation clearly stipulate that a driver must not drive a vehicle unless that driver has proper control of the vehicle. Failure to do so will result in penalty units.

Technically though, eating isn’t illegal, however tucking into food is often deemed to be a distraction that impairs drivers from having full control of a vehicle so it’s “just as likely to get you in trouble”, according to the NRMA.

Others however said that the black car accessory was “genius”, as some called for a KFC version for chips and gravy.

“If I buy this I know I have a problem,” one joked.

“What an invention,” declared another, while one remarked, “game changer”.

However one posed a serious question some hadn’t considered: “But where will the drinks go now?”

Originally published as ‘Is it illegal?’: Huge question over Kmart’s new $5 car solution