Separating summer driving fact or fiction
There’s nothing more Australian than spending a summer’s day down at the beach. You remember your hat, sunscreen and maybe even your cabana to be extra sun smart.
You jump in the car wearing your thongs and boardies and make a beeline for Brighton with the window down and one arm resting on the frame, your hand hanging out of the car. In that moment of summer excitement, have you broken the law?
To keep you safe on the road this summer, we separate some road-rule facts from fiction when driving during the hotter months.
1. Can I wear thongs when I’m driving?
You can wear thongs while you’re driving, because there aren’t any specific laws in South Australia saying what drivers should or shouldn’t wear while they’re driving.
However, RAA recommends that for safety reasons you shouldn’t wear thongs, slippers and high heels while driving.
Why? You’re more likely to slip off the pedals if you’re wearing the above footwear. Some thongs can even bend back away from your foot as you move from one pedal to another, impacting your ability to control the pedals. This could cause you to accidentally put your foot on the accelerator or even stop you from braking. At the worst, it could cause a crash.
2. Can I drive with my arm out the window?
Take a stroll down Jetty Road at Glenelg on a warm Saturday evening and you’ll probably notice countless drivers with their window down and arm hanging out.
These motorists might want to think again as they could risk receiving a fine. If you or your passengers have any part of your body out of the car, you risk a $221 fine, plus a $102 Victims of Crime levy and three demerit points.
So, it’s probably best not to rest your arm on the window frame and instead take hold of the steering wheel with two hands.
3. Is it illegal to drive without your top on?
The temptation to strip off while driving might seem like the fastest way to cool down as you make your way to the beach on a hot summer day, but are you risking a fine?
Much like wearing thongs while driving, there aren’t any specific rules against driving while topless, or even nude, in South Australia.
However, there are penalties for indecent behaviour which carries a maximum penalty of $1250 fine or three months imprisonment. So, maybe it’s best to wait until you get to the beach to strip down to your bathers.