Truck driving requires tremendous skills including having the confidence in your ability to deliver, obtain the knowledge of the vehicle you are driving to operate in a safe manner to you and other road users, you must be physically and mentally fit and of course comply with federal and any state regulations.
A lot of effort must be exerted to becoming a professional truck driver however, there are times you could be left scratching your head as some road rules seem a bit more complicated than face value. While most make sense, there are others which if not known could leave a heavy burden on your finances.
Let’s look into some of these in further detail:
Only beep when necessary (all states)
So, truck drivers are sometimes known to be heavy users of the horn. And rightfully so, there are some pretty questionable drivers out there on the road. If this is the case where you are (reasonably) warning another vehicle, then use your horn by all means necessary. However, if you’re found to not be using your horn in the right context, you can face fines of $50 in WA, $66 in QLD, $161.19 in VIC or, in NSW it currently attracts a fine of $337 and if you elect to take the matter to court, a fine of up to $2,200. Think before you beep New South Welshman!
Perhaps, it’s best to only keep the horn for special occasions.
Keep it in your truck (several states)
In most states, it is illegal to have any body parts outside your vehicle. This includes waving goodbye to a friend or even leaning your elbow out the window on a hot day.
And this goes for passengers as well.
Trust us, you probably want to abide by this one as fines can be up to $141 in VIC and $298 in QLD. If it makes it any better though, there are no demerit points for this one.
Just keep it locked and windows up (QLD and VIC)
Sometimes you’re in a rush and you forget to lock your vehicle. Besides the fact that someone can break into it, that’s totally fine right?
Not the case in QLD and VIC. In these states, it is illegal to have your vehicle unlocked if you are more than 3m away. On top of this, you must have your windows up with a gap of no more than 5cm.
Locking your truck will help maintain your bank balance from any theft and fines coming your way. These fines are $40 in QLD and $117 in VIC.
Never splash and dash (NSW)
Driving your truck in NSW and (we hope) accidently splashing mud on a pedestrian whilst they are waiting for a bus? You could be fined $165.
Just let these people wait for their bus in peace. Trust us, it’s best for both parties and your Hino will stay shiny and clean.
Last odd rule: Always have a spare pair of glasses
We wanted to share a great international funny road rule - If you need glasses to drive in Spain, it is required for you to have an extra pair in your vehicle at all times just in case one breaks. Ole!
Failure to do so will unfortunately mean breaking the law and a big fine.
For further information in your state, we’ve outlined some handy links for you:
VIC: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/demerit-points-and-offences
NSW: https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/safety-rules/demerits-general.pdf
QLD: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/fines/demerit/points
NT: https://nt.gov.au/driving/driving-offences-and-penalties/traffic-offences-and-penalties
WA: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/driver-rules-penalties-infringements.asp
ACT: https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/2934/~/demerit-points0
SA: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/offences/driving-laws-offences-and-penalties
TAS: https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing/demerits_and_offences/find_a_traffic_offence/lister_full