Driving your car during wet weather could ultimately cost you thousands of dollars in two states, a lawyer has revealed.
Astor Legal principal lawyer Avinash Singh has urged drivers to be cautious when out in the rain – and not just for driver safety reasons.
Wet weather can be a principal factor in leaving a car muddy and dirty, which in Queensland and New South Wales can constitute an offence.
It’s not an optics issue though – it’s because both states require drivers to have unobscured licence plates.
“There are widespread examples of people adding dirt to their number plates to obscure them and avoid detection by cameras, tolls and police,” Singh said.
“Because of this, police are quick to charge people with obscuring number plates, even if they may have an innocent explanation.”
Queensland drivers with obscured number plates risk a fine of $341, which can increase to a maximum of $6452 if the driver chooses to challenge it in court.
In New South Wales, the initial penalty is $464 and three demerit points, which can rise to $2200 with a failed court challenge.
In both states, Singh said, the number plates must be visible from up to 20 metres away.
Having this sign on your car could land you a $2200 fine
Both states also have laws on the books against driving with an obstructed view, such as a muddy rear-view window.
In Queensland, the immediate fine is $274 and the potential maximum is $3226, compared to $116 and $2200 respectively in NSW.
Singh recommended drivers use a number plate cover to ensure their plates stayed visible.
“They can also stop at service stations to check the visibility of their plates and clean them if required,” he said.
However, if a car is merely dirty but the plates and views are unobstructed, drivers cannot be charged with any offence relating to that.
