Given the crackdown on using – and even touching – a mobile phone while driving, a member asked if we are still permitted to eat and drink while driving.
It’s something we should all know, especially given a study by the Griffin Health Institute found that eating while driving is just as dangerous as sending text messages.
It’s illegal to drink alcohol while driving, no matter whether you’re under the legal limit or not, but there are no specific laws against eating or drinking non-alcoholic beverages while driving.
However … if you’re distracted while driving, or found to be guilty of careless driving because you were eating, you could face a fine and loss of points.
In NSW, if you’re found to have lost control of your vehicle due to eating or drinking, you could be fined $469 and three demerit points.
In Victoria, a careless driving charge due to eating could cost you $444 and three demerit points.
In Queensland, you could be fined up to $575 plus three points and in Tassie $173 and three points.
In the NT, careless driving could cost $150, in SA $201, in the ACT $301 and in WA $600, but no loss of points.
Have you seen some seriously dangerous incidences of distracted driving?
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