Little-known road rule landing Aussies $2k fines

News.com.au

04-06-2025

Aussie motorists have been warned of one seemingly minor driving habit that could cost them thousands of dollars in fines.
Significant penalties apply to those who flout the lesser-known road rule of leaving your car unlocked or your windows down after parking.
However, there is one group of motorists exempt from the rules concerning unlocked doors and window security.
In most states, there's a '3-metre rule' that dictates how far you can stray from your parked car without locking it. Essentially, if you move more than 3m away, you must lock your vehicle and secure the windows. Failure to do so could result in a fine.
And let's be honest; almost everyone's been guilty of leaving their car unsecured while going for that quick coffee run or dash into a shop, often without a second thought.
While leaving your car unlocked may seem a harmless oversight, there's a very good reason for the 3m rule.
Improving vehicle security helps prevent car theft and dishonest insurance claims, such as when a vehicle is left unlocked intentionally and a claim is made for an alleged theft.
Astor Legal's principal lawyer Avinash Singh explains: 'The reasoning behind the law is to prevent cars from being stolen and then used in more serious crimes,' he said.
'The use of allegedly stolen vehicles making it difficult for police to track down the offenders.'
Here is everything you need to know about this often-overlooked rule.
New South Wales
In NSW, it is illegal to leave a running car unlocked or with a minor inside while unattended. Additionally, drivers must not leave their vehicle unattended with the windows down unless the gap is two centimetres or less.
The fine is $114, but if the case goes to court, penalties can reach up to $2200.
Queensland
In QLD, it's illegal to leave your car unlocked when unattended. Similarly to NSW, you can't leave your vehicle unattended with the windows down unless there is a gap of five centimetres or less.
The maximum penalty is $3096, with a fine of $2669 if the car is unlocked with the keys inside.
Victoria
In Victoria, it is an offence to leave your vehicle unattended without properly securing it, which includes ensuring all windows are fully closed and the car is locked.
The on-the-spot fine is $117, with court penalties approaching $600.
Western Australia
WA follows similar rules to other states regarding vehicle security: you must ensure the doors and windows are secured when leaving your car unattended. The fine for failing to do so is $50.
However, there's a stipulation that if you're going to pay for parking, you don't need to lock the car and put the windows up.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, it's the law to switch off the car, remove the key from the ignition, and ensure that no minors (under 16) are left in the vehicle when unattended.
The rules also specify that the doors must be locked and the windows secured (defined as closed or open by up to 2 centimetres). The maximum penalty for leaving your car unlocked is just under $200.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, you must secure your car when leaving it unattended, ensuring the windows are closed and the doors are locked. Failure to comply can result in a significant fine: 20 penalty units or $3200.
Where is South Australia?
South Australia is the only state that does not have this law. Regulation 23 of the Road Traffic (Road Rules — Ancillary and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2014 explicitly exempts drivers in South Australia from needing to lock their doors if away from their vehicle.