Latest news with #AstorLegal
The Australian
an hour ago
- The Australian
Viral parking trick could land Aussies in jail, lawyer warns
Australians are being warned against a viral parking trick that can lead to serious consequences. A law expert is warning motorists of the significant penalties that come with a growing trend that sees people wiping away chalk-marked tyres from parked vehicles. Council parking rangers often use chalk to determine if a driver has overstayed in a timed parking space. However, this deceptive tactic is becoming increasingly common for avoiding parking fines. Criminal lawyer Avinash Singh from Astor Legal is warning of potential fines and even imprisonment after a TikTok video with over a million views showed footage of someone dousing water on chalk-marked car tyres. A viral TikTok shows someone dousing water on chalk-marked tyres. Picture: wxirua/TikTok MORE: 'Like Tinder': Huge problem with Aussie cars While some online users praised the act, Avinash Singh says anyone caught in the act opens themselves up to fines worth over $750 or a penalty of up to 25 years imprisonment. 'Removing chalk off a tyre could be seen as attempting to pervert the course of justice. This is because the removal of chalk would hinder a parking ranger from carrying out their duties and prevent them from issuing a fine,' Avinash said. A city ranger giving parking infringement notices to street parked cars. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley Although there isn't a national law against removing chalk, each state and territory has specific regulations concerning the interference with official enforcement tools. In South Australia, the practice of removing chalk has become so widespread that the state has applied a specific law addressing the removal of chalk. 'In South Australia, a specific law had to be introduced due to how common removing chalk became,' Avinash said. Under Section 174AB of the Road Traffic Act 1961, it states it's an offence to remove a parking inspector's chalk from a vehicle. The maximum fine for this is $750. In New South Wales, the act could fall under Section 319 of the Crimes Act 1900, which addresses attempts to pervert the course of justice, carrying a penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment. MORE: 'Truly impressive': Australia's Westworld unveiled A viral TikTok shows someone dousing water on chalk-marked tyres. Picture: wxirua/TikTok A viral TikTok shows someone dousing water on chalk-marked tyres. Picture: wxirua/TikTok Similarly, in Queensland and Western Australia, attempting to obstruct justice under their respective Criminal Codes can result in up to 7 years imprisonment. While in Victoria, the common law offence of attempting to pervert the course of justice can lead to a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment. While law experts and council officers aren't amused, there are legal defences motorists can use if they are caught removing chalk marks. Avinash explains further that the most common legal defence if an offender is caught is proving that they were not the person who removed the chalk. A city ranger is seen putting a parking fine on a car. Picture: NewsWire / Jenny Evans MORE: 'Words are f***': China's Aus turf war explodes 'A parking ranger would need to witness you removing the chalk or have some sort of video or CCTV footage showing you removing the chalk. 'Without this, they could not prove that another person had removed the chalk, and the charge would be dismissed.' Avinash also explains that if a driver has been issued a parking fine, they can contest it and request evidence that they were timed correctly. 'This is usually in the form of timestamped photos that a parking ranger has taken,' Avinash said. James Chung Digital Content Creator James is a Digital Content Creator at and is part of the News Corp Australia's digital real estate team. His previous experience includes working for Sky News Australia.
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Viral parking trick could land Aussies in jail
Australians are being warned against a viral parking trick that can lead to serious consequences. A law expert is warning motorists of the significant penalties that come with a growing trend that sees people wiping away chalk-marked tyres from parked vehicles. Council parking rangers often use chalk to determine if a driver has overstayed in a timed parking space. However, this deceptive tactic is becoming increasingly common for avoiding parking fines. Criminal lawyer Avinash Singh from Astor Legal is warning of potential fines and even imprisonment after a TikTok video with over a million views showed footage of someone dousing water on chalk-marked car tyres. While some online users praised the act, Avinash Singh says anyone caught in the act opens themselves up to fines worth over $750 or a penalty of up to 25 years imprisonment. 'Removing chalk off a tyre could be seen as attempting to pervert the course of justice. This is because the removal of chalk would hinder a parking ranger from carrying out their duties and prevent them from issuing a fine,' Avinash said. Although there isn't a national law against removing chalk, each state and territory has specific regulations concerning the interference with official enforcement tools. In South Australia, the practice of removing chalk has become so widespread that the state has applied a specific law addressing the removal of chalk. 'In South Australia, a specific law had to be introduced due to how common removing chalk became,' Avinash said. Under Section 174AB of the Road Traffic Act 1961, it states it's an offence to remove a parking inspector's chalk from a vehicle. The maximum fine for this is $750. In New South Wales, the act could fall under Section 319 of the Crimes Act 1900, which addresses attempts to pervert the course of justice, carrying a penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment. Similarly, in Queensland and Western Australia, attempting to obstruct justice under their respective Criminal Codes can result in up to 7 years imprisonment. While in Victoria, the common law offence of attempting to pervert the course of justice can lead to a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment. While law experts and council officers aren't amused, there are legal defences motorists can use if they are caught removing chalk marks. Avinash explains further that the most common legal defence if an offender is caught is proving that they were not the person who removed the chalk. 'A parking ranger would need to witness you removing the chalk or have some sort of video or CCTV footage showing you removing the chalk. 'Without this, they could not prove that another person had removed the chalk, and the charge would be dismissed.' Avinash also explains that if a driver has been issued a parking fine, they can contest it and request evidence that they were timed correctly. 'This is usually in the form of timestamped photos that a parking ranger has taken,' Avinash said.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Aussie's cheeky stunt with parked cars prompts $750 fine warning
Aussies are being warned that a tactic to avoid parking fines can land culprits with fines as high as $750 and even jail time, after a cheeky video went viral online. The reminder comes after a NSW resident shared footage of water being poured over the tyres of chalk-marked cars to remove the substance. Ticket inspectors, who operate as authorised officers, use chalk to mark tyres as a method of tracking how long a vehicle has been parked in a specific spot. Some have branded the move "heroic", while others called for it to be "normalised". But Astor Legal's leading criminal lawyer Avinash Singh told Yahoo News it could be seen as an offence in the eyes of the law. This is because removing chalk could hinder a parking ranger from carrying out their duties and prevent them from issuing fines, he explained. "It depends on what state you're in," Singh told Yahoo. "In South Australia, it is definitely illegal, as there is a specific act that deals with it. In other states, there is no specific act, but there are some general pieces of legislation referred to as perverting the course of justice, or attempting to pervert the course of justice." Singh warned that anyone could be "opening themselves up to significant penalties" if caught in the act. Footage of the moment has been viewed over a million times, with many praising the tactic to help fellow Aussies avoid parking fines. Singh believes it's captured the public's attention because many would be wondering if it is really allowed. "The first thing you would think is 'is this even legal, and that's where the curiosity has come from," he said. So, what does the law say? South Australia is the only state that has a specific law that addresses this issue. Section 174AB of the Road Traffic Act 1961 makes it an offence to remove a parking inspector's chalk from a vehicle. The maximum fine for this is $750 if taken to court. According to Singh, the law was implemented because the practice of removing chalk became widespread among residents. In NSW, Section 319 Crimes Act 1900 makes it an offence to do any act, or make any omission, intending in any way to pervert the course of justice. The maximum penalty is imprisonment for 14 years if caught. In Queensland, Section 140 of the Criminal Code 1899 makes it an offence for a person to attempt to obstruct, prevent, pervert, or defeat the course of justice. The maximum penalty is seven years' jail. In Western Australia, Section 143 of the Criminal Code 1899 makes it an offence for a person to attempt to obstruct, prevent, pervert, or defeat the course of justice. The maximum penalty is seven years' jail. In Victoria, there is a common law offence of attempting to pervert the course of justice which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment. Despite the laws, Singh explained it would be hard to prove an offence had taken place. "Unless [the parking inspector] directly saw you or had some sort of footage, it would be almost impossible to prove beyond a reasonable doubt," he explained. He adds that chalking isn't the best way for inspectors to catch out drivers who have overstayed their welcome, and drivers can contest fines by asking for evidence they were correctly timed. "Chalking itself isn't the best method to use because there are some holes to exploit to get out of fines. What is better evidence these days is a time-stamped photograph," he said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
New laws with up to $80,000 fine that many don't know is illegal: 'Happening weekly'
A leading Aussie lawyer is urging the public to take note of a fast-growing trend he now sees on a "weekly" basis — warning it could cost you thousands in fines or even land you behind bars, with penalties climbing as high as $80,000 in some regions. Avinash Singh has seen firsthand how the growing trend is taking hold, particularly among young people and those involved in the drug trade. "Most of those carrying knives either wrongly believe they are allowed to for self-defence. Or, they know they cannot carry knives for self-defence but do so anyway, because the consequences of not carrying a knife are more severe than being caught with one," Singh told Yahoo News Australia. He said that while some young people claim they carry knives to feel safe, especially in certain areas, self-defence is not considered a reasonable excuse under the law. "People who carry knives should be aware that the new laws are intended to significantly increase the penalties for these offences, including jail time," Singh, Principal Lawyer at Astor Legal, warned. The warning comes after police arrested a 15-year-old boy in NSW this week, after an alleged knife incident at Macquarie Park on June 9. He stands accused of chasing three people with a machete near a shopping centre bus stop. On Wednesday, police shot a teen girl after she allegedly wielded a knife and made threats outside a Townsville pub in Queensland. Every Australian jurisdiction has laws prohibiting the carrying of knives without a lawful reason, and penalties have become significantly tougher in 2025. In New South Wales, carrying a knife without a lawful excuse carries a maximum penalty of four years' imprisonment and a fine of $4,400. From September, the penalties in Victoria will increase, with offenders facing up to two years behind bars and fines of $30,700. In Queensland, knife possession can land you a year in prison and a fine of up to $6,452. The state has also made it illegal to sell knives to anyone under 18, with the change coming into effect on September 1, 2024. Western Australia has some of the most severe monetary penalties, with individuals facing up to three years' imprisonment and fines reaching $36,000. In South Australia, knife carrying can lead to six months' imprisonment and a $2,500 fine, while Tasmania is moving to increase penalties to three years' imprisonment and fines of up to $20,100, up from the current $10,050. Meanwhile, in the Northern Territory, the maximum penalty is one year in prison or a $37,000 fine. But the Australian Capital Territory imposes the toughest sanctions of all. Those caught with a knife can be sentenced to five years' imprisonment and slapped with a fine of up to $80,000. Singh said the laws have tightened considerably in 2025, with most states now empowering police to conduct warrantless searches and use metal detectors "wanting" where they reasonably suspect someone may be carrying a knife. "Enhanced education, particularly for young people, would be a positive step. Schools should consider adding a course so that young people are aware of the consequences of carrying knives and that self-defence is not a legal defence," he said. Singh explained that under the law, the only reasonable excuses for carrying a knife include things like: needing it for work or training; using it for food preparation (such as camping or hunting); for religious purposes; for a lawful sport or recreational activity; for lawful exhibitions or collections; or as part of wearing an official uniform. "We have represented a number of minors accused of carrying knives — generally from lower socio-economic areas — carrying knives for self-defence. Unfortunately, a lot of these young people have been assaulted and/or threatened themselves," Singh said. "They feel that reporting the matter to police after the fact will do them little good, particularly if they are seriously injured or even killed. As such, they often feel that they have to carry a knife to protect themselves." But Singh says the legal system doesn't allow for this kind of reasoning. In the eyes of the law, a fear of harm — even if justified — is not a defence for possession. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Aussies warned about little-known road rule that could cost you a $2000 fine
Aussie drivers are being warned to check their parked cars, as a common habit could lead to hefty fines worth thousands of dollars. Leaving your car unlocked or its windows slightly open can result in serious penalties - depending on the state you're in. And while there are some exceptions, they apply to a very limited group of drivers. In several states, a 'three-metre rule' is in place, allowing drivers to keep their car unlocked only if they remain within three metres of the vehicle. Step any further away, and you could be slapped with a fine. Although the rule might seem excessive to some, Astor Legal principal lawyer Avinash Singh said there is a clear rationale behind it. 'The reasoning behind the law is to prevent cars from being stolen and then used in more serious crimes,' Singh said. 'The use of allegedly stolen vehicles makes it difficult for police to track down the offenders.' The exact penalties vary from state to state, and one state reportedly doesn't have the law at all. But in jurisdictions where it does apply, the consequences can be severe, highlighting the importance of knowing local regulations when it comes to parking your car. New South Wales Under Regulation 213 of the Road Rules 2014, if you're more than 3 metres away from your unattended vehicle, it must be locked, and windows secured. A window is considered secure if it's open by no more than 2 centimetres. The On-the-spot fine is $114, but the maximum court-imposed penalty is 20 penalty units, amounting to a fine of $2,200. Queensland Drivers must ensure their vehicles are locked and windows secured if they are more than three metres away, windows must not be open more than five centimetres. Failing to comply can lead to hefty penalties, with fines reaching up to $3,096. If the car is left unlocked with the keys still inside, the driver can be hit with a $2,669 fine. Victoria Drivers must secure their vehicles when parked and unattended. Windows are deemed secure if opened by less than 2 centimetres. An on-the-spot fine of $117, which can go up to $600 if it goes to court. Western Australia Drivers must switch off the car, remove the key, lock the doors, and secure the windows when leaving the vehicle unattended. The fine is $50, but there are some exemptions. Tasmania In Tasmania, drivers must switch off the engine, remove the key, lock the doors, and secure windows (no more than 2cm open) when leaving a car unattended. I It is also illegal to leave minors under 16 inside. Fines can reach nearly $200. Australian Capital Territory In the ACT, you must lock your car and close the windows when leaving it unattended. Breaking this rule can cost you up to $3,200. Northern Territory In the Northern Territory, it's an offence to leave a car unlocked and unattended when the driver is more than three metres away, and no one is inside. Fines may vary. South Australia South Australia is the only state where drivers are not legally required to lock their cars when unattended. Under Regulation 23, there's no penalty for leaving your vehicle unlocked, possibly because stolen cars are less commonly linked to serious crimes there.
