Little-known rule could set drivers back thousands in fines

If you drive regionally, or go caravanning, there's an even greater chance of it impacting you.

When you’re driving around in the mud and dust, you wouldn’t be blamed for letting your car get a little dirty.

But, did you know that it could cost you?

An Aussie lawyer has revealed a little-known rule which could set you back thousands in finds - and you better find that car wash.

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Reminder: clean your car!

Aussie lawyer Avinash Singh is warning drivers of a little-known rule which could cost you thousands in fines.

The rule relates to driving a dirty car.

Yes, you read that right.

According to Avinash, the rule isn’t necessarily meant to punish the average driver for going a little too long between washes, but is rather in response to others doing the wrong thing.

“There are widespread examples of people adding dirt to their number plates to obscure them and avoid detection by cameras, tolls and police,” he said.

“Because of this, police are quick to charge people with obscuring number plates, even if they may have an innocent explanation.”

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What’ll it cost me?

If your number plate isn’t visible from up to 20 metres away, it could cost you up to $2200 in New South Wales, or $6452 in Queensland.

“[In Queensland], driving with obscured number plates results in a fine of $341. If the driver chooses to elect the matter to court, the maximum penalty is $6,452,” Avinash said.

And, the same goes in NSW, where drivers would receive a fine of $464 and lose three demerit points if their licence plates are obscured. If the driver elects the fine to court, the maximum penalty is $2,200.

“The rule unfairly targets those drivers”

For those who travel rurally often, or are big caravanners, this rule has been considered unjust, given how frequently you travel on dirt or muddy roads.

“It is particularly common for those who drive off-road or reside in regional areas where they are required to use dirt roads regularly. In practice, the rule unfairly targets those drivers,” Avinash told Kidspot.

It’s for this reason that he warns drivers to be aware, so they’re not caught out unknowingly.

“As this is an absolute liability offence, police do not need to prove that a driver intended to obscure their number plate or that they were even aware their number plate was obscured,” Avinash said.

“When most drivers are made aware of the rule, there is a real sense of anger that they can be fined for something that, in many cases, they have no control over.”

Originally published as Little-known rule could set drivers back thousands in fines