Recent online claims have caused a stir, suggesting that eating, smoking, or even drinking non-alcoholic beverages while driving could soon lead to fines up to $561. But are these rumors true?
The Truth Behind the Claims
First things first: There are no new laws that ban eating, drinking, or smoking while driving in Australia. Despite what some online articles may claim, authorities in key states, including Queensland and New South Wales, have stepped in to clarify the situation. According to Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads, “reports of new road rules relating to eating, drinking non-alcoholic beverages, and smoking while driving are fake.”
So, what does this actually mean? Well, in Queensland, it’s perfectly legal to eat or drink (including non-alcoholic beverages) behind the wheel—as long as you’re maintaining full control of the vehicle and not letting your attention wander. But there’s a catch: it’s always best to minimize distractions to avoid penalties for careless driving. If you’re not careful and your actions are deemed negligent, you could still face fines and demerit points for “careless driving,” which is an offense in many states across Australia.
Smoking in Cars with Children: A Different Story
Now, there is one exception to this—and it’s an important one. In Queensland, as well as several other states, smoking in a car is illegal if there are children under the age of 16 present. This rule is in place to protect kids from the dangers of secondhand smoke, explains 7News So, if you’ve been lighting up while driving with little ones in the car, that’s a no-go.
NSW and Other States: The Bigger Picture
Moving on to New South Wales, Transport NSW confirmed that no new road rules have been introduced. However, the state does have existing laws around negligent driving, which could cover a range of actions, from using a phone to failing to pay attention to the road. So while eating your lunch in the car isn’t technically illegal, if it distracts you enough to cause an accident or violate another driving rule, you could be penalized under negligent driving laws.
This offense in NSW can result in a fine of $481 and three demerit points. In other states and territories, similar “careless driving” laws exist, and drivers can be penalized if their actions endanger themselves or others. For example, in Perth, a 19-year-old P-plater was fined for eating cereal while driving. While this may sound extreme, it serves as a reminder that any action that diverts attention from the road could have serious consequences.
Stay Focused, Stay Safe
While there’s no need to worry about new laws banning snacks or drinks while driving, it’s important to remember the bigger picture: stay focused behind the wheel. Whether you’re sipping a coffee or munching on a sandwich, maintaining full control and attention is key to keeping yourself and others safe on the road. Authorities urge drivers to avoid unnecessary distractions, and as a general rule, if you’re doing anything that takes your focus away from driving, it could come back to bite you.
