‘Is it illegal?’: Huge question over Kmart’s new $10 flashing light

A new item in Kmart stores has left some Aussies confused, prompting NSW Police to issue a statement clearing things up.

Kmart shoppers are warning Aussies to take caution when using a new product over fears it “could be illegal”.

The Anko Novelty Warning Light appears innocent at first glance, but use it incorrectly, it may land you in trouble with the police.

The $10 product, which is billed as being a “fun yet functional accessory ideal for home, garage or an event”, has raised alarm bells after a concerned Kmart shopper posted on Reddit.

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“I noticed this new product in Kmart and I just can’t believe it will sell there,” the post read.

“This is definitely something people would use wrongly. Maybe I’m just overreacting. What are all your thoughts?”

NSW Police have cleared up the matter, confirming that things could go awry if you use the lights on a car or motor vehicle.

“There is no offence in possessing red/blue flashing lights. An offence may be committed if the lights are used for an unlawful purpose,” a spokesperson told Kidspot.

Shoppers have expressed fears over a new $10 item in Kmart. Picture: Supplied

Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh confirmed that falsely leading others to believe that you’re a police officer or emergency services responder could land you years in prison.

“While these lights may seem like a fun idea, if a person uses them on a vehicle, they could be charged with the offence of impersonating a police officer under Section 546D of the Crimes Act 1900. This carries a maximum penalty of 2 years jail and/or a fine of 100 penalty units,” he shared.

“Significantly, in order to prove this offence police do not need to prove that the person had any intent to deceive or that they were attempting to exercise a police power.

“There is a more serious offence under this section of aggravated impersonation of a police officer. This offence carries a maximum jail term of 7 years. The offence is aggravated where there is any deception by the person and they were attempting to exercise a police power.”

Similar rules are in place in other states across the country, with the offence of fitting a blue flashing light to a private vehicle having a maximum court-imposed fine of $2200, though additional fines and demerits can also be imposed.

It is illegal to fit blue flashing lights to you car as it impersonates police and emergency services. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Thankfully, it seems most Aussies are clued on, with many commenters sharing the same concerns as the original poster.

“It is illegal to put flashing lights on your car. People are definitely going to put these flashing lights on their cars,” said one person.

“It’s completely reasonable and not stupid for someone to pull over if they see these lights flashing on the dash of an unmarked car behind them. Especially at night time,” another agreed.

“‘Idiots are definitely going to put them on their cars,” a third said.

Most Aussies appeared to understand that fitting a blue flashing light to a vehicle is illegal. Picture: Supplied

But others wrongly claimed the fears were ill placed, adding those who were worried were just being dramatic.

“Why would they be illegal? Yes you can’t put it on your car but you can’t trampoline on your car either. You can’t wave a steak knife in public. Should we ban every device that could be used illegally? It doesn’t say it’s for a vehicle at all. Could simply be for a home use such as a security system or when someone is testing something,” one person raged.

“So many of you here are totally out of touch with the modern world and reality! You can go online and buy LED red and blue lights, that dash mount and plug into your lighter socket. Those with ill intent aren’t going to buy these battery operated dinosaurs from Kmart,” said another.

Kmart declined to comment when contacted by news.com.au