You’re peacefully asleep, tucked up in bed, until a mosquito-thin whine grows into a swarming, full-throttle roar as a souped-up car tears past, rattling the windowpanes and jolting you unceremoniously awake.

Now you’re wide awake, grumbling about some hooligan’s desperate bid for attention.

The catch? SA Police can pull over a vehicle they suspect to be above legal noise limits and test it, but only while the car is stationary or under controlled conditions.

There are rules for how loud a car can be sitting still. But for actual on-road, drive-by noise, SA Police – like the rest of Australia – currently have to go with their instincts to pull over a vehicle and test if it exceeds the stationary noise limits.

However, all that may be about to change. With the help of new technology, some Australian states, including South Australia, are starting to target local hoon drivers in action, and the unreasonably loud noise that tends to accompany them.

Hoon: Australian and New Zealand slang for a person who drives a vehicle recklessly, aggressively or at dangerously high speeds. As a verb, the act of hooning describes such actions as performing burnouts, street racing and speeding.

Trialling noise detection technology

Earlier this year, the Victorian Government announced plans to trial seven new roadside acoustic cameras that record both images and sound. This follows a completed 12-month New South Wales trial. Meanwhile, Adelaide City Council announced in August it was considering installing the technology on city streets, including on O’Connell Street and Hutt Street.

The cameras are mounted roadside or on transportable poles and are triggered when a passing vehicle exceeds mandated noise limits. Why cameras and not just microphones? Once triggered, these cameras capture images of the offending car’s registration plates for easy identification.

NSW ran the first version of this from December 2024 to late 2025. As the trial was purely about gathering data, no automatic fines were issued. Surprisingly, motorcycles accounted for roughly 55 per cent of the noise events despite being only about four per cent of registered vehicles.

Knowledge of the camera locations and supposed lack of enforcement also added fuel to the fire, as a small, repeat-offending cohort of hoons targeting the area were behind a disproportionate share of the noise. Despite no fines, the data gathered allowed police to coordinate on-road blitzes, resulting in defect notices for modified vehicles.

Victoria won’t wait until the end of the two-year trial to fine noisy motorists. Once the cameras are in place later in 2026, the owners of offending vehicles will be sent a compliance testing notice.

South Australia has no camera trial of its own (yet). SA, like the other states, already has some rules: if your vehicle is found to ‘make unnecessary noise or smoke’, you face a $264 fine plus $108 Victims of Crime Levy.

But how loud is too loud?

SA’s stationary noise limits, with a few exceptions, are:

• 90 decibels for cars built after 1982 (96 decibels for older vehicles)
• 94 decibels for motorcycles and motor trikes built after February 1985 (100 decibels for older vehicles).

For context, sustained exposure to volumes 85 decibels or more starts to risk hearing damage, and every three-decibel increase roughly doubles the sound intensity.

Ninety decibels is about the same volume experienced when pushing a lawnmower.

One hundred decibels, the maximum for an older motorcycle, is about the same as using a chainsaw without ear protection, making it about 10 times more intense than a modern car at its limit.

The problem is, these are the limits for a parked, stationary car, and not one tearing past your window at midnight. There are no rules putting a decibel figure on how loud is too loud while a car or motorcycle is moving.

But this is the gap the noise cameras are aiming to fill and reduce the disturbance caused by passing traffic.

The post Are SA’s roads too noisy? appeared first on samove.com.au.

You peer through the curtain and see Barry’s vehicle parked out the front of your house. You need the kerbside clear for when you’re mowing the nature strip later that day.

If you remember our recent story about whether you can park in front of your neighbour’s house, you’d know it’s totally fine for Barry to be parked here.

In fact, most of you are polite parkers with close to four in five respondents in a recent sa move poll saying they’d only park in front of their neighbour’s house if there was no other choice.

So, when someone does park in front of your house, is it ever okay to ask them to move their vehicle?

What the law says

You can politely ask, but don’t expect the driver of the vehicle to follow your request as it’s not legally required. Why? If it’s a public street, anyone can park in front of your house provided there are no signposted restrictions (i.e. parking limits, clearways and no-standing zones), and the vehicle isn’t blocking your driveway.

Obstructing access to and from a driveway is an offence, and you can be fined $100 and receive a $108 Victims of Crime Levy.

If someone who shouldn’t be there has parked on your property, that’s a different story. In this case, you can ask the driver of the vehicle to move.

What you can do

In the words of Gandhi: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”

According to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, there’s nothing wrong with asking someone to consider moving their vehicle if you have a genuine reason, but you should avoid confrontation wherever possible.

“It’s not uncommon for parking disputes of this nature to unnecessarily escalate,” Charles says.

“If you urgently need a vehicle moved from the front of your house, and you know the vehicle’s owner, ask respectfully.

“But remember, they’re not legally required to move, even if you say please.”

The post Is it okay to ask someone to move their car? appeared first on samove.com.au.

Your mate is sitting alongside you in the passenger seat of your car. They reach out their hand to change the song. Has your passenger committed an offence? By law, no; it’s perfectly acceptable for them to switch to another radio station, right? Not in your car.

From no eating to no smoking, some drivers have their own rules when it comes to passengers riding in their cars. Now we want to know your non-negotiables.

Cast your vote below. Select your number one, most important car rule only.

The post POLL: What are your car rules? appeared first on samove.com.au.

Maybe you’re frustrated by inconsiderate parkers and take matters into your own hands, installing your own ‘no parking’ sign.

Perhaps putting up a sign is a noble gesture to warn drivers to slow down by your house when children are present.

Despite your good intentions, putting up your own signs sends mixed signals.

As road users, we’re trained to recognise, comprehend and trust road signs, and make split second decisions based on colour, shape, icon, digit or word.

We expect these signs to be in predictable places like intersections and roundabouts. But a stop sign, speed limit or no-parking warning popping up somewhere unexpected causes confusion and distraction.

 As Ace of Base sang, “I saw the sign, And it opened up my eyes, I saw the sign…but where do you belong?”.

So, is DIY signage a ‘Proceed with caution’ or ‘Wrong way go back’?

‘Stop’ in the name of the Australian Road Rules

Putting up a road sign on your own property isn’t banned. However, signs that could be mistaken for an official traffic control device aren’t allowed near to and visible from a road. If you want to buy a ‘Stop’ sign from Bunnings and hang it out of public sight as a feature in your backyard then go for it.

But a genuine-looking ‘Stop’ sign or reflective ‘No Parking’ sign attached to a street-facing fence, gate or driveway visible from the road isn’t allowed. The sign sits too close to real traffic and has the potential to confuse drivers.

This is where distance makes a difference. If signs are placed along a long rural driveway to manage traffic on private property, for instance, away from and out of sight of the public road, then that’s generally acceptable. Attach them to a public-road-facing gate though or within eyeshot of the road, and the ‘false traffic control device’ rules may apply.

Can you ‘Give way’ to your own designs?

Crafty people might consider designing or drawing a sign for their fence. If your sign uses different colours, shapes and wording, and is clearly not trying to mimic an official Australian road sign, then it’s less likely that you’ll be found to be breaking the law. However, your council may not be so pleased to see your artwork.

There’s another layer to this: South Australian planning laws state that any sign visible from a street, road, public place or by passengers on public transport can be seen as an ‘advertisement’ and would need council approval. Many councils have their own rules around the size and shape of advertising and signage. Distance matters here, too. For those with long, rural driveways, go your hardest. As long as it’s invisible from a public road, you can help visitors navigate your property using any materials you like. Just make sure it’s for your visitors’ eyes only.

‘Keep clear’ of trouble with unauthorised signs

What happens if you put up your own signs and get found out? First, it depends on whether the sign is on your fence (private property) or if you’ve placed it on the road or footpath itself, like an A-frame out the front.

Let’s start with public spaces. If the offending sign is on the footpath, verge or road, your local road authority (be it the Commissioner of Highways or the relevant council) has the power to ‘remove and dispose of the sign Typically, that’s the end of it – no fines or warnings.

In some situations, you could be fined for ‘using a public road without a permit’ or ‘obstructing a public road’. You could even get in trouble for endangering drivers if the sign becomes a physical hazard. For example, if a motorist swerves to avoid the sign or it obscures a give-way sign.

Turning to private property. Yes, your fence isn’t the road, but it’s still not a billboard. You’ll receive a notice from the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), requesting you remove, modify or screen the sign by a certain date. If you do as you’re asked, nothing further happens and you’re free to get on with your life. Perhaps put those signs up in your backyard, away from prying eyes.

If you don’t comply, DIT can remove the sign for you and recover the cost from you as a debt. You could even receive a fine of up to $2500.

On top of that, your local council can get shirty under its own advertising rules if your sign is considered to harm the visual character of the area.

Of course, this all pertains to residential, suburban locales, as businesses have their own set of rules.

In short, only DIT, councils and their authorised officers and contractors can install traffic and parking signs in public. Contact your local council, DIT or RAA’s Report a Road service if you spot an unauthorised sign in the wild.

Consider this your sign to skip the warnings and notices on your fence and let the real ones stand tall on the roadside where they belong.

The post Can you put up your own road signs? appeared first on samove.com.au.

‘Wash me’: if you’ve ever used your finger to innocently write these words on a dirty car, you might want to stick with pen and paper.

Writing or drawing on a dirty or dusty vehicle can be damaging. Here’s why.

Why you shouldn’t do it

Put your finger down. According to RAA Manager of Approved Repairers Simon Halford, running your finger innocently along a car covered in dust can scrape the vehicle’s paint work. How? On a microscopic scale, dust can be sharp and abrasive.

“When dirt sits on paint, anything that moves across it can scrape the surface underneath, causing small scratches and clear-coat damage,” Simon explains.

“So, drawing a smiley face or writing ‘wash me’ can sometimes cause damage to the finish.

“Remember, dirt washes off, but scratches are in the clear coat and could still be visible.”

Press hard enough and you can leave what’s known as ‘ghost’ writing, which is when the writing or drawing is visible even after the car has been washed.

Can’t resist the urge?

The dust that’s collected on your mate’s car is too tempting not to squiggle on. You quickly write whatever comes to your mind: ‘[insert your name] was here’.

When it comes time to wash off a vehicle’s dusty artwork, don’t scrub too hard. Instead, Simon recommends rinsing the loose dust off with water first, then wash with soapy water and a microfibre cloth to prevent deeper abrasion.

Use the two-bucket method here (one bucket for soapy water and the other for rinsing the mitt) so grit isn’t reintroduced. Follow up with a wax to protect the paint. If the scratches are still visible, a light polish can help.

“Don’t overdo it, as polishing can remove a thin layer of clear coat,” Simon says.

Can I be fined for writing/drawing on a car?

The writing isn’t always on the wall – sometimes it ends up on the car.

In South Australia, there’s no law that specifically prohibits someone from writing offensive words in the dirt or dust on your car. However, if the message is genuinely obscene or likely to cause offence to people who see it, police could issue a fine on that basis. Try to keep dusty artwork PG and make sure it’s not offensive.

The post Why you shouldn’t write ‘wash me’ on cars appeared first on samove.com.au.

We need to know when to give way to drivers, pedestrians and other road users.

It isn’t always straightforward though, with many intersections – such as modified T-junctions and double-lane roundabouts – coming with their own specific rules.

So, do you know who goes first in these scenarios from across Adelaide?

1. The hilltop shuffle

On Main South Road at O’Halloran Hill, you’ll find this tricky intersection that can baffle even the best drivers. Take a few moments to look at the diagram of the intersection below then answer the question: which order do these cars go?

A. Yellow, red, green, blue

B. Green, blue, yellow, red

C. Red, blue, yellow, green

D. Blue, red, yellow, green

2. The T-junction twist

You’ve probably encountered thousands of these T-junctions while driving, but this scenario might be unfamiliar. What’s the safest order for these road users to go?

A. Red, green, blue, pedestrian

B. Pedestrian, red, green, blue

C. Pedestrian, green, red, blue

D. Blue, pedestrian, red, green

3. The Port Road puzzler

Port Road – with its giant median strip that was originally supposed to be a canal – can cause some confusion. In what order do the cars go in this scenario at Beverley?

A. Blue, yellow, red

B. Blue, red, yellow

C. Red, blue, yellow

Submit

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Hyundai’s new Palisade is a tour de force of technology, bold design, luxury feel, and refined drive at a price that should have some of the premium brands sweating.

Price

Initially, the Palisade was launched in the top spec Calligraphy, but now there’s a base model available that costs $18,000 less than the high-end option. The cheaper option is also available as an eight-seat or seven-seat configuration, with a choice of eight exterior colours and four interior trims.

We tested the Calligraphy, and it’s a strong contender for a very specific buyer. If you’re one of the rare parents who needs a genuinely large family SUV for growing teenagers and extra luggage – and have the budget for a $100,000 vehicle – then the Palisade is a solid choice.

The first impression is that the Palisade combines luxury and modern design with plush finishes. The twist-action gear selector is mounted on the steering column which also houses the engine start button, freeing up centre console space. Drivers can start the car with the key, via a biometric fingerprint recognition button in the console or from their phone.

There aren’t too many SUVs under $100,000 that are genuinely big enough to accommodate adults in the third row, but passenger space is where the Palisade excels.

Inside

The Palisade is an eight-seater in standard trim, but for a premium of $1000, you lose one of the middle-row seats for a pair of luxurious captain’s chairs.

Even with all rows occupied, there’s plenty of space in the luggage bay because the full-size spare tyre has been slung underneath the vehicle. There are also two 100W USB-C outlets for each row, and tri-zone climate control ensures all occupants remain comfortable. You’ll also find a 240-volt (max 3.6kW) power outlet in the cargo area to charge devices and power household-type appliances.

On the road

The Palisade’s 2.5-litre turbo engine has a small capacity. However, when integrated into the hybrid system’s six-speed transmission – which houses two electric motors and a larger 54kW motor for driving and regenerative braking – it delivers EV-like acceleration and power.

The Aussie Hyundai design team has again done a great job of getting the ride and handling package right for Australian conditions. The quietness in the cabin is achieved using tyres with internal sound deadening, thicker interior carpeting, added soundproofing of the engine bay and acoustic laminated glass.

A combination of hybrid regeneration and a traditional braking system means the brake pedal has a slightly different feel that you need to get used to. And, although the Palisade has all-wheel drive capability with a 187mm ground clearance, it’s really a mud, snow, and sand car only.

Who does it suit?

The Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is a genuine premium large SUV, and given the tech, features, and refinement, anyone in the market for a seven- or eight-seat SUV needs the Calligraphy on their shopping list.

The post Car review: Hyundai Palisade appeared first on samove.com.au.

They say distance makes the heart grow fonder.

It also makes slamming on the brakes less necessary, saves you from receiving some hefty fines and keeps everyone on the road just that little bit safer.

Take our quiz, then press ‘submit’ to find out if you’re playing it safe or playing with fate.

Quiz: Are you keeping your distance?

1. You’re driving at 60km/h when you glance down for two seconds to change the radio station. What distance have you travelled in the time you looked away?

A. Three metres

B. 13 metres

C. 23 metres

D. 33 metres

2. You’re driving along the Northern Connector at 100km/h. The sun has come out, but it’s been raining heavily and the road is wet. When braking suddenly, the stopping distance in the dry is about 90 metres, but what’s your stopping distance in the wet?

A. There’s no difference, so 90 metres

B. 102 metres

C. 127 metres

D. 178 metres

3. What's the 'three-second rule'?

A. When driving, count three seconds between you and the car ahead to maintain a safe distance

B. The length of time dropped food can stay on the floor before being eaten

C. How long you should signal before pulling away from the kerb

4. You’re driving along Marion Road at 60km/h and approach a 40km/h roadworks ahead sign. When does your speed need to be at or below 40km/h?

A. Within 20 metres of passing the sign

B. As soon as you reach the sign

C. It depends on whether there’s a lot of traffic

D. The distance you travel as your car slows naturally without braking

5. You’ve found street parking on a narrow street divided by a solid white centre line and you can’t see any parking signs. How far must the driver’s side of your car be from the centre line to park legally?

A. It doesn’t matter

B. One metre

C. Two metres

D. Three metres

6. You must reduce your speed from 40km/h to 25km/h when driving on a beach when you’re within how many metres of a person?

A. 20 metres

B. 50 metres

C. 100 metres

D. You don’t need to slow down

7. When riding two abreast when there isn’t a designated bike lane, what’s the maximum distance cyclists are permitted to ride apart?

A. 0.5 metres

B. One metre

C. 1.5 metres

D. Cyclists aren’t allowed to ride two abreast

8. When you’re walking and see a junction or intersection with a pedestrian crossing nearby (with or without traffic lights), within what distance are you required to use the crossing rather than crossing somewhere else?

A. 10 metres at all times

B. 20 metres at all times

C. 25 metres but only during peak traffic times

D. 50 metres but only during peak traffic times

9. You’re driving late at night on a rural highway with your headlights on high beam. What’s the minimum distance there needs to be between your car and the vehicle in front?

A. 50 metres

B. 100 metres

C. 150 metres

D. 200 metres

10. You’re heading north-east along North Terrace and want to turn left onto Hackney Road. A dedicated 24/7 bus lane stretches for 250 metres. What’s the maximum distance you can drive in the bus lane before turning?

A. 50 metres

B. 100 metres

C. 200 metres

D. You aren’t allowed to drive in the bus lane at any time

11. How close can you park before – and after – a pedestrian crossing?

A. 10 metres before, 10 metres after

B. 10 metres before, 20 metres after

C. 20 metres before, 10 metres after

D. 20 metres before, 20 metres after

12. When parking behind another car on the side of the road, how much space must you leave between your bumper and the car in front?

A. It doesn’t matter, as long as you aren’t over the yellow street parking lines

B. Enough that the other car can get out

C. 0.5 metres

D. One metre

13. When overtaking a cyclist on a road with a speed limit of 60km/h or less, what’s the minimum legal passing distance?

A. 0.5 metres

B. One metre

C. 1.5 metres

D. No specific distance, as long as you pass them safely

Submit

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