Huge debate erupts as police remind Aussies about little known wet weather road rules – with a $228 fine for those who break them
- Hills Police Area Command in north-west Sydney posted windscreen reminder
- Warned drivers they must have water in their windshield washers at all times
- Failure to do so can see vehicle owners fined under the Road Transport Act
- Police update after heavy recent rain was largely met with cynicism online
A police announcement regarding windscreen wiper rules in NSW has baffled dozens of drivers on social media.
Earlier this week, The Hills Police Area Command in north-west Sydney posted a reminder on their Facebook page that drivers must have water in their windshield washers at all times.
‘Given the amount of rain recently – drivers are reminded they can be penalised under the Road Transport Act for failing to have water in the windshield washer and defective windscreen wipers – it’s dangerous,’ the post read.
The Hills Police Area Command in north-west Sydney this week posted a reminder that all drivers must have water in their windshield washers at all times (stock image)
The community update from the Hills Police Area Command in Sydney (pictured) was met with cynicism online by bemused vehicle owners
‘The penalty is $114 and no points for each defect.’
If drivers are pulled over by police and don’t have water in their car windscreens as well as defective windscreen wipers, a fine of $228 could follow.
Each penalty will cost motorists $114.
A link was also provided to a NSW government website about roadworthiness information.
The announcement was largely met with cynicism, with some accusing NSW Police and the state government of blatant revenue raising.
‘God the Police really enjoy bleeding us dry, don’t they,’ one man wrote, with another stating, ‘Oh wow, we are getting down to the nitty gritty now with road rules.’
A third spoke for many when he said ‘imagine getting fined for dodgy wipers hahaha we are officially the nanny state.’
According to Instant Windscreens and Tinting, it is recommended vehicle owners replace their windscreen wipers every 12 months.
Failure to do so poses a risk to the driver and other road users – especially when behind the wheel when it is raining.
Damaged wipers can also result in the windscreen becoming damaged, with the end result a vehicle not deemed roadworthy.
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