Opening car door in traffic could see drivers slapped with demerit points and $349 fine

A driving habit most motorists wouldn’t give a second thought could see them forking out hundreds of dollars in fines if they’re caught out.

One seemingly minor driving oversight could see motorists forced to fork out hundreds in fines and handed over annoying demerit points.

Tough penalties apply for flouters of the lesser-known road rule, which states that drivers should not “cause a hazard” by opening their door or leaving it open in traffic.

The offence is listed under part three of rule 269 in the Australian Road Rules, meaning it is enforceable in every state and territory.

Drivers that cause a hazard to other road users with their car door could be fined. Picture: Getty

Drivers in Victoria may want to be most wary of the rule, given it carries the most costly penalty compared to other parts of the country.

Motorists found to have left their door open to an extent that it has caused a traffic hazard could be slapped with a $454 fine if they are caught in Victoria.

The penalty in NSW is slightly less, but still enough to cause a sting at $349, while in Tasmania the offence carries a fine of $173.

Drivers in the ACT could be hit with a hefty $205 fine, with those in Western Australia getting off comparatively light with one penalty unit with $50.

Hefty penalties apply in all parts of the country for breaking the lesser-known rule. Picture: Getty

Queensland’s penalty also carries a fine of one penalty unit, but the value is significantly higher at $137.50.

In the Northern Territory, drivers could also be hit with one penalty unit, currently worth $157.

Authorities in South Australia take arguably the hardest line against drivers who cause a hazard with their door, handing out three demerit points and a $292 fine.

Originally published as Opening car door in traffic could see drivers slapped with demerit points and $349 fine