You may remember a family member driving down the street, leaving the keys in the ignition and rolling down the windows, getting out of the car and into the store, then turning around to find their car still sitting in the driveway. there, there was no slight cry. from underneath one of the windshield wipers.
Where are those days now?
- It may be illegal to leave a car window open if you are not near it
- Penalties vary depending on the crime
- Leaving your car unlocked can also get you into trouble
Today, in most parts of Australia, it is illegal to leave your car unlocked or with the windows down. And don’t even think about leaving the key in the ignition.
It’s all clearly aimed at reducing car theft rates. Making car theft more difficult means there will probably be less paperwork required for stolen cars, while fining drivers with their windows down is seen as a measure. “safe” method.
To be clear, you are allowed to leave your windows down a bit. In some jurisdictions it is two centimeters, while others allow a distance of up to 5 centimeters.
Below is a list of rules across Australia:
New South Wales
In NSW, you can lower your car windows 2cm, but you cannot leave the car running, or leave the windows down, or leave the car unlocked, or leave anyone aged 16 or under in the car, or let key in the ignition, if you plan to stand more than three meters away from the vehicle.
If windows can be “secured” then they should be. The same goes for doors, if they can be locked, they must be locked.
There can be a fine for not keeping your vehicle safe ($129).
Queensland
Regulations are similar to NSW, but the allowable window distance is 5cm. Fine of up to 20 penalty units – or a staggering maximum fine of $3096. It would take a cranky cop to try that level of punishment.
Victoria
While there have been stories of people being fined for rolling down their car windows in Vic, the wording in the Road Safety Penalties document does not specify anything of the sort that warrants a fine.
“Leaving a motor vehicle without the key with the ignition on, the engine running, the brakes unsecured, or the doors unlocked” – does not mention windows – however, fines for that violation can result in you have to pay 192.31 USD.
Reports suggest Victoria was allowed to lower her windows by 5cm.
South Australia
If you don’t want to have to lock your car or roll up your windows, SA is the place for you.
Under the state Road Traffic (Road Rules—Ancillary and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2014, it is stated that “Drivers in South Australia are exempt from compliance with rule 213 (Ensuring safety). (all for motor vehicles).
Tasmania
Just like some other states, it is a law to turn off the vehicle, take the keys out of the ignition, and make sure you do not leave any minors (16 years old or younger) in the vehicle if you are traveling. more than three meters away from the vehicle.
Also stated in the rules: you must ensure doors are locked and windows are securely secured (the window is ‘secure’ even if it opens a maximum of 2cm). Fine: $97.50.
western Australia
Again, the rules in WA are very similar: three meters from your car, you need to keep doors and windows tightly closed. The fine is 50 USD.
But there’s a rule that, if you’re going to pay for parking, you don’t have to lock your car and roll up the windows.
ACT
Make sure you secure your vehicle when arriving in the ACT. It follows the same rules as the rest of the states – if you’re more than three years old then the windows must be up and the doors must be locked. But it carries the potential for huge fines for those who don’t do it – 20 penalty units, or $3200.
NT
There don’t appear to be any specific laws about vehicle security in the Northern Territory, but Neighborhood Watch NT suggests that drivers always lock their doors and roll up their windows, and never leave their keys in the ignition electricity.
Not intended as legal advice. Check with the relevant roads authority in your state or territory.
