As a driver, you’re likely aware of the major no-nos on the road: speeding, running a red light, or texting while driving. But there’s a lesser-known offence that could be costing unsuspecting Australians quite a bit, and it’s something you’ve probably seen countless times – a car parked with a ‘for sale’ sign in the window.
It may seem like a harmless way to attract potential buyers, but before you slap that sign on your windshield and park your car for all to see, you should know that this common act carries a fine in every Australian state and territory. Yes, you read that right – it’s not just frowned upon, it’s illegal to advertise your car for sale this way if it’s parked on a public road.
The reason? These homemade advertisements are considered a distraction for other drivers, and the penalties for this seemingly innocent act can be quite severe. Depending on where you are in Australia, fines can range from a mere $100 to a staggering $2,200.
Let’s break it down by state. In New South Wales, for instance, the fines for this offence can hit your wallet hard, with penalties ranging from $1,500 to $2,200. Over in Western Australia, the law prohibits advertising vehicles on public land altogether, with potential fines up to $1,000. Queensland’s Sunshine Coast council has been actively campaigning to raise awareness about this issue, warning of on-the-spot fines of $252.
South Australia and Victoria have taken a slightly different approach, with councils requiring a permit to display ‘for sale’ signs on vehicles. Without this permit, motorists in South Australia risk fines up to $100, and similar regulations apply in Victoria.
You might be wondering why this rule exists. According to Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh, the rationale is all about safety. ‘The prohibition of putting a ‘sale’ sign on a vehicle while parked on a public road is that it can distract drivers,’ Singh explains. ‘By having an approval process, councils can ascertain whether the advertising is likely to distract road users or provide an impediment.’
So, what’s the best course of action if you’re looking to sell your car? The most effective and legal way to advertise your vehicle for sale on a public road is by obtaining approval from your local council. With their permission, you can display your advertisement without the fear of being slapped with a hefty fine.
For those in New South Wales, it’s worth noting that Section 626 of the Local Government Act 1993 sets the maximum penalty for illegally advertising a vehicle for sale on a public road or space as 20 penalty units. With each penalty unit currently valued at $110, this act can potentially come with a $2,200 fine.
As we’ve seen, what seems like a simple act can quickly lead to costly consequences. It’s essential to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding car advertisements to avoid any unexpected fines.
Have you ever encountered a situation where you were caught off guard by a fine for something you thought was harmless? Or maybe you’ve had experiences with advertising your car for sale in a way that stayed within the rules? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to learn from your experiences!
Also read: Eyes on the road: Perth’s new cameras could cost drivers millions in fines
