Six unusual Aussie driving laws every traveler should be aware of before getting behind the wheel

One of the best ways to explore Australia is by renting a car and hitting the open road. However, before you start your journey, it's essential to understand that Australia has some rather peculiar road regulations (not to mention unique airport security, as well), which can vary from one state to another.

Peter Khoury, a representative of Australia's National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA), emphasizes the importance of familiarizing yourself with the road laws, as Australian regulations might differ significantly from what you're accustomed to back home.

"Some traffic laws might seem perplexing, while others appear downright bizarre," Khoury points out.

Although the National Transport Commission works to standardize road rules nationwide, certain states enforce their own specific regulations. Additionally, even some of the universal laws may surprise you.

Here are the key rules to keep in mind during your Aussie road trip.

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Using your horn can lead to penalties

After a wonderful time with friends, you give a friendly beep as you drive away. It may seem harmless, but if a police officer who strictly enforces the rules hears you, it could spell trouble.

According to national laws, it's illegal to use your horn unless you're alerting another vehicle or an animal of your approach. Fines differ by state, but in New South Wales (NSW), the penalty for 'improper use of a warning device' is a hefty $298 AU ($204 USD).

Be cautious when waving goodbye as well. According to NSW Road Rule 268, no one in a motor vehicle is allowed to extend any part of their body outside the window or door, except for drivers signaling with their hands. So, no waving to someone or letting your elbow hang out of an open window on a sunny day.

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Splashing mud on pedestrians is prohibited

In NSW, drivers are not allowed to 'splash mud on any person waiting at any bus stop,' or they could incur a $165 AU fine ($113 USD).

This may seem fair until you realize that other pedestrians not at bus stops are free targets. And why specifically mud? There’s no mention of not soaking bus stop patrons with a puddle of water, making it all quite peculiar.

But here's a thought: Let's make an effort to avoid splashing anyone on the sidewalk with mud or water, as we certainly don’t want to leave them startled and drenched.

It's against the law to leave your car unlocked

Earlier this year, a man in Sydney received a $112 AU ($77 USD) fine for leaving his car unlocked while he popped into a service station. It was such an unusual incident that it made the news, prompting many to realize they had been unknowingly breaking the law themselves.

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Khoury refers to this odd road regulation as the three-meter rule.

"If you will be more than three meters away from your vehicle, it must be secured by turning off the engine, closing all windows, and locking all doors."

In Victoria and Queensland, if you're more than three meters (10 ft.) from your car, your windows must be fully closed with a gap no larger than 5 cm (2 in.), while in NSW, the maximum gap allowed is just 2 cm (1 in.).

Disrupting a funeral procession is prohibited

Not only is it rude, but in NSW, it's also illegal to interrupt or interfere with a funeral procession, carrying a maximum penalty of $2,200 AU ($1,505 USD).

The recent National Transport Commission (NTC) Australian Road Rules 13^th Amendment Package has mandated that this rule be implemented across all Australian states, with each state and territory expected to adopt it in a timely manner.

So make sure to do the right thing across Australia—and everywhere else for that matter, fine or no fine.

'Restive horses' have the priority on the road

In Queensland, failing to yield to a 'restive horse' is a violation. To clarify, a restive horse is one that refuses to move or is moving backward or sideways.

If you encounter one while driving, or if the rider signals you by raising their hand and pointing at the horse, you should pull over to the left side of the road, turn off your engine, and remain silent until the situation is under control and you're certain your vehicle won't startle the horse again.

Overindulging in potatoes could lead to hefty fines

While it's an unlikely situation during a typical road trip, we should caution you that in Western Australia, it's against the law to transport over 50 kg (110 lbs.) of potatoes in your vehicle unless you're affiliated with the Potato Corporation or an authorized agent.

If you break this law, expect a fine ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 AUD ($1,368 to $3,420 USD) for repeat offenses. That’s no small matter.

So, when you're planning your Aussie road trip, make sure to check all the road regulations, keeping in mind both the obvious and the quirky ones, and enjoy the journey.