We nearly copped a $1.6k fine for this little-known caravanning rule

After neighbours dobbed them in, this couple received a knock on their door...

A family of five living on the road in their caravan narrowly dodged a massive fine when a neighbour reported them for breaching a rule they weren't even aware existed.

The family is among the many who have embraced the open road, excited to explore Australia while keeping in touch with family and friends.

They recently road-tripped to the Gold Coast, where they parked their RAM 4WD and caravan on a friend's property.

However, their stay came to an abrupt end when someone knocked on their door...

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Image: TikTok

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Neighbours dobbed them in

They were paid a visit from members of the Gold Coast council, who informed them that they were parking their caravan illegally. 

Taking to TikTok, dad Tom explained: "We're staying at a friend's place and we are just on their front grass strip."

"Someone's put a complaint in, and it turns out that on the Gold Coast, if you're a heavy vehicle or over 7.5 metres long, you can't park in residential or commercial built-up areas for more than an hour."

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"So it's a fine of $800 per person," he says, before saying that the council workers were "good blokes" and just left the couple with a warning "thank God."

"We will clear out of here today. Stay safe out there. Be careful," he concludes the clip. 

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"It's everywhere"

The council told Yahoo News that people found illegally camping or sleeping in their vehicles on the road will be instructed to move on and ushered towards local tourist parks.

Repeat offenders can be issued a fine of $806 per adult.

In the comments, fellow Aussies pointed out that the couple should have known this rule if they are doing life on the road.

"That rule has been around forever," said one.

"I think you'll find that in most states you can't park for more than an hour," quipped a second.

Yet another person reiterated: "It's everywhere."

Tom replied: "It was definitely news to us. The more research we have done, the more we are finding this to be true."

Others hit out at the 'money-grabbing' rule.

"Council wants revenue.. infuriating," exclaimed one.

"Jeez, some people just love rules," said someone else.

Another replied: "Why?! Let us be! People are so jealous of people that travel."

Originally published as We nearly copped a $1.6k fine for this little-known caravanning rule