Australian Drivers Warned of Fines for Unsecured Vehicles

Drivers in Australia are being reminded of a rule that could lead to fines if they leave their vehicles unsecured when unattended. The law, which varies by state, can require motorists to switch off the engine, remove the ignition key, secure windows, and lock doors when they are more than three meters from their car.

Jahan Kalantar, managing partner at Executive Law Group, highlighted the rule in a TikTok video, noting that it is sometimes applied in situations like paying for gas. He explained that the rule is intended to prevent easier vehicle break-ins and mitigate rising insurance premiums. "The reason we have this rule is because if not, it's hypothetically much easier to break into your car," Kalantar stated.

Penalties for breaching this rule differ across states. In New South Wales, the maximum court penalty is AUD $2,200, while Queensland's maximum is AUD $3,454, and Victoria's is AUD $627.30. Western Australia imposes a $50 infringement notice for failing to secure a vehicle. Ordinary infringement amounts are typically lower than the maximum court penalties.

The rule also addresses how far vehicle windows can be left open. In New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia, windows are considered secure if they are open by no more than two centimeters. Queensland allows a slightly wider gap of up to five centimeters. Leaving a window open beyond these limits is treated the same as leaving doors unlocked and carries similar penalties.

Many drivers expressed surprise at the existence of the law, with one user commenting, "I had no idea this was illegal." Kalantar acknowledged that it may be unreasonable to expect all drivers to be aware of every road rule, stating, "It's completely unreasonable to expect everyday drivers, who don't study the rules… to know them all."