$450 Fine Shock for Australian Drivers Who Misjudge Dividing Line in Traffic Stricter Road Penalties for Dividing Line Offences Australian drivers are encouraged to pay attention to the road and keep track of their position relative to the dividing lines, as authorities will now administer a $450 penalty for crossing the dividing lines. Cutting down on lane drifting and preventing potentially fatal head-on collisions are some of the reasons why state authorities are enforcing road safety measures. Whether a driver distractively crosses a solid center line or shifts into the next lane without signaling, the rules will apply strictly. A driver will lose a lot of money for a moment of distraction.
Why the Rule Matters for Road Safety
The dividing line is key to controlling traffic and avoiding head-on and side-swipe collisions. Whether a line is single, double, solid, or broken, it is meant to guide the driver as to when it is safe to change lanes or overtake. Misjudging a line or crossing it puts the driver, oncoming traffic, and cyclists at risk. Safety officials have highlighted that the goal of the fine is to discourage reckless driving, and not to make money as some may think.
Legal Consequences and Points of Demerit
While fines are a primary means of punishment, drivers who breach dividing line laws are also awarded two to three demerit points, depending on the state, and most legislation regards these points as ‘fleeting’. New South Wales and Victoria, as most states, regard these as breaches of lane discipline and demerit points are accumulated on the driver’s record and at some point may lead to record suspension if left uncorrected. In these states, Road Traffic Regulations allow the issuance of on-the-spot penalties without proof of intent, meaning awareness and caution are the primary responsibility of the driver.
| Traffic Offence | Penalty | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing solid dividing line | $450 | 3 |
| Overtaking across double lines | $344–$500 | 3 |
| Wandering across lane line | $200–$350 | 2 |
Typical Instances of Traffic Offences
Drivers most commonly and without intent breach these laws and step over the dividing lines when completing a turn, when overtaking, or when making an involuntary lane change to avoid a pothole. In some situations, poor visibility and/or heavy rain may result in confusion over solid and broken lines. Lane wandering, a significant contributor to ‘minor’ accidents, is frequently attributed to texting or driving. Primarily, road safety experts and authorities emphasize the importance of concentration and suggest that driving speeds should be moderated in line with prevailing conditions. In the case of a ‘finer’ point, it is best to remain in the lane rather than risk a fine or an accident.
Steps to Avoid the $450 Mistake
There are simple habits to avoid fines: Keep both hands on the steering wheel, focus on road markings, and do not pass other vehicles when there are solid lines. Alignment checks help to not drift, and new cars with lane departure warning systems help avoid lane drift. These habits can save lives and help save money
A Message from Road Authorities
Transport Australia would like to remind the public that road markings are there for the safety of drivers. $450 fines discourage negligent driving. More enforcement and automated driving systems are introduced. Drivers must consider lane discipline as mandatory. Overall, simple rule adherence improves traffic flow and significantly lowers the risk of death from road accidents.
FAQs
1. Is it illegal to cross a single broken line in Australia?
Yes, it is illegal to cross a broken line, but it is illegal to cross solid lines.
2. Are the penalties for crossing solid lines the same in all states?
Not all states impose the same penalties. Crossing solid lines in most states will cost around $450.
3. Will my insurance premium increase as a result of this?
There is a possibility of an increase in the insurance premium in the future because repeated traffic violations tend to increase the insurance premium.
