Double faults NSW, ACT: Kind gesture on the street that could result in a $362 fine

Australian motorists are being warned of a little-known highway code that could result in a hefty fine and three penalty points.

Reaching through the window to wave to friends, feeling the rain on your hands, or even resting your elbow on the windowsill while driving can be considered a limb protruding from the vehicle.

Motorists can face a $362 fine and three penalty points on-site for violating the rule.

Visit 7Travel for more travel news and videos >>

It falls under Highway Code 268(3): “A person shall not move in or on a motor vehicle if any part of his body is outside a window or door of the vehicle.”

Limitations of the rule apply when the driver of the car gives a hand signal to change direction to the right under rule 50 or to stop or slow down under rule 55.

Another kind gesture that can result in a hefty fine is pagers or excessive pagers in general.

According to Highway Code 291, a person must not start or drive a vehicle in a way that causes unnecessary noise.

Drivers violating the rule can face a $362 fine and three penalty points.

Double minuses

Meanwhile, in NSW and the ACT double penalties apply for the King’s long weekend.

They come into effect at 00:00 on the first day of the bank holiday weekend and end at midnight on the last day of the bank holiday weekend.

Both states have double penalties for speeding, illegal cell phone use, not wearing a seat belt and riding without a motorcycle helmet.