Latest news with #AvinashSingh
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Little-known road rule landing Aussies $2k fines
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.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Warning over Australia's 'most obscure' road rule attracting $2,000 fines
Australian drivers are expected to know the road rules in their jurisdiction, but every now and then, a lesser-known law catches people off guard. Almost everyone's been guilty of leaving their car unlocked for a quick dash into a shop or to grab a coffee — sometimes without even thinking about it. But in most parts of the country, leaving your car unsecured is actually a fineable offence. Speaking to Yahoo News, Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh branded the rule possibly the country's least known of all. "This is perhaps the most obscure road rule," he said. "Most drivers are completely unaware of it and are usually shocked when the police confront them and explain that they can be fined for leaving their windows and or doors unlocked." While being lesser known, this rule exists to reduce the risk of car theft and break-ins. Leaving a car secured means doors and windows are both properly locked, to ensure it's not an easy target for opportunistic thieves. It also helps protect public safety, as stolen vehicles are often used in further crimes or dangerous driving. In some cases, if an unlocked car is stolen and causes damage, the owner could be partially liable. Overall, the law encourages drivers to take basic precautions and reinforces personal responsibility for securing their property. There is an exception to the rule, Singh, Principal Lawyer at Astor Legal, said. Drivers are allowed, in most cases, to leave a window open by up to two centimetres, which can offer minimal ventilation if, for example, a dog is inside. "The legislation provides a defence if you have a window rolled down less than two centimetres," he said. "If the window is rolled down any more than that, then you will be liable to be fined." He said he's personally heard of these cases being prosecuted in court. "We have seen instances of police issuing fines for this offence. Reasonable police officers will sometimes issue a warning first, however, we have had people elect to go to court to challenge the fines," Singh said. "The most common argument we see drivers making if they have been fined for leaving their windows or doors unlocked, is that the law is illogical and oppressive." In New South Wales, drivers must lock their vehicle and secure the windows if they will be more than three metres away from an unoccupied car. The fine is $114, but if the case goes to court, penalties can reach up to $2,200. Queensland law makes it illegal to leave your car unlocked if you are more than three metres away. The maximum penalty is $3,096, with a $2,669 fine if the car is unlocked with the keys inside. Victoria requires drivers to lock their vehicle and secure the windows when leaving it and moving more than three metres away. The on-the-spot fine is $117, with court penalties approaching $600. 🚘 New camera trial to target drivers breaching road rule in 'real-time' 🔋 Big shift on Aussie roads as electric car market hits 'major milestone' 🚦 Little-known traffic light hack to hit coveted 'green wave' In Western Australia, it's an offence to leave a vehicle unlocked unless someone aged 16 or over remains inside. The maximum penalty is $50. Tasmania requires drivers to lock their car and secure windows when leaving it and moving more than three metres away, with a maximum penalty of just under $200. In the Australian Capital Territory, drivers must lock and secure their vehicle if they will be more than three metres away, unless a person aged 16 or older remains inside. South Australia explicitly exempts drivers from the requirement to lock their doors when leaving the vehicle. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
City bizman who suffered paralysis during swimming recovers after surgery at AIIMS
New Delhi: A 31-year-old businessman from Najafgarh, Avinash Singh, made an extraordinary recovery after suffering quadriplegia following a swimming accident. Struck by an object in a pond, Singh lost all sensory and motor functions below his neck. After receiving care at AIIMS Trauma Centre , he regained sensation and no longer requires ventilator support—a remarkable outcome given the severity of his injury. Traditionally, complete cervical spinal cord injuries have recovery rates below 1%. However, Singh's case defied these odds thanks to an innovative surgical procedure known as expansile duraplasty, performed alongside standard decompression and fixation techniques. Expansile duraplasty goes beyond conventional laminectomy, extending surgical decompression into the intrathecal space around the spinal cord. This approach aims to improve spinal cord perfusion and enhance motor recovery following such traumatic injuries. Over the past few years, at least 10 patients with similar high cervical spinal cord injuries at AIIMS Trauma Centre have benefited from this procedure, showing significant improvement and being discharged successfully. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Dr Deepak Agrawal, the neurosurgeon leading Singh's treatment, explained that spinal cord injuries often resulted in severe complications, with complete cord injuries affecting up to one-third of the patients. "Spinal cord edema, a common secondary injury mechanism, exacerbates damage. Cervical expansile duraplasty helps mitigate this by reducing the effects of edema," he noted. Statistics reveal that 80% of the patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries remain paralysed and 40% require lifelong ventilator support. Against these stark figures, Singh's progress stands out. Recounting their ordeal, Singh's wife, Deepika, a govt teacher, said, "The incident occurred on April 26. We first sought help at a local health centre, then at Deen Dayal Hospital, and were referred to Safdarjung Hospital. However, we chose AIIMS Trauma Centre on April 27." The couple has been married for three years. "Despite being a regular swimmer, that particular day proved unfortunate as he sustained an injury that affected the entire family. Following a successful surgery, there is now hope as he has begun regaining sensation. His recovery is progressing well," she added. Following admission and stabilisation at AIIMS Trauma Centre, Singh underwent an MRI scan and had surgery on April 30 while requiring ventilator support. He began regaining sensation soon after, and by May 12, he was breathing independently without mechanical support. Singh is currently undergoing physiotherapy, with doctors optimistic about further motor function improvements.
News.com.au
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Aussies warned of new ‘revenue-raising' speed cameras
Motorists in one Australian state are being warned about a potential speed camera overhaul, as average speed cameras begin targeting light vehicles for the first time. Drivers in New South Wales are being advised of two average speed cameras, which are now in warning mode for light vehicle speeding offences. The move marks a significant expansion of the system, which has previously only been used to monitor heavy vehicles in the state. Cameras on a 15km stretch of the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes (near Port Macquarie) and a 6km section of the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai began calculating the average speed of all passing vehicles as of May 1. Avinash Singh, Principal Lawyer at Astor Legal, has revealed there are plans to expand this trial so that all average speed cameras across the state will target all vehicles. 'It should also be noted that both areas are regional, so the cameras will disportionately target drivers in these locations,' Singh said. 'However, the plan is to eventually expand this trial so that all average speed cameras target all vehicles.' From July 1, the average speed cameras switch to full enforcement. According to the NSW Government, the decision to start trials at the two locations has been made due to their extensive crash history. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said her office was determined to bring down the road toll in regional NSW. 'Regional NSW is home to a third of the population but is where two-thirds of all road deaths happen,' she said. 'With the majority of road trauma occurring in our regions, we have chosen two regional locations to test the impact these cameras could have on road safety for all road users. 'I know this trial will be a change, particularly for regional people who travel through the areas where these two camera lengths are in place, which is why we are committed to ensuring that the community is aware of what we are doing.' However, Avinash Singh has slammed the expanded use of average speed cameras, calling it a 'transparent revenue-raising ploy' rather than a genuine road safety initiative. 'There has not been a spate of accidents in the average speed camera areas that would warrant them being expanded to target regular drivers,' Avinash said. 'It is difficult to see this as anything other than another transparent revenue-raising ploy to target drivers.' There were a combined total of six fatalities and 33 serious injuries between 2018 and 2022 at the two locations, according to the NSW government. NSW is currently the only jurisdiction that uses average-speed cameras to exclusively target heavy vehicles. The trial brings the state in line with Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia, where the system has been successfully targeting all motorists on specific lengths of road. Tasmania and the Northern Territory do not currently use point-to-point speed cameras.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Warning over Aussie driver's licence trend attracting $2,200 fine
A quick glance at the ID card pictured above, and it's easy to assume there's nothing untoward going on. However on a closer look, the card — which resembles a driver's licence — has several minuscule details which point to the fact that it's a fake, and using one can land its owners in serious trouble. While it has all of the signature markings of a NSW driver's licence, including personal information and the signature waratah plant in the centre, the top reads 'student identification'. No such official document exists, with the closest being a NSW photo card, which is traditionally teal, not yellow. An underground trend of possessing such cards has prompted a warning about the serious consequences of using a fake driver's licence, with fines as high as $2,200 and 10 years in jail for those proven to be using them fraudulently. It comes as analysis by leading lawyers reveals Aussies across all states are consistently searching the term "fake ID" every year, with the fake items being openly sold online, according to Astor Legal's Avinash Singh. What's more, there's little the police can do to stop websites like Fakies selling the $79 "novelty ID's". Singh described the sale and purchase of fake licences as "a bit of a grey area" in Australia, with legislation largely geared towards how they are used, rather than the fact that they are sold in the first place. "There is a real range in terms of how they are being used and what police do," he told Yahoo News. The first, he explained, are young people under 18 who "use them to get entry into licensed premises". The second category of people use them in connection with fraud and criminal enterprises, with one common use, Singh sees being disqualified drivers. "A disqualified driver will get a fake ID to continue driving and hope that if they are stopped by police they can get away with having a fake ID where police don't detect them on their system." Disqualified drivers and those using them to break the law, he said are "certainly criminal offences". "If it's being used in connection with anything fraudulent, the maximum penalty is 10 years' imprisonment," he said. Singh says drivers caught using fake licences can be fined $2,200 and charged with perverting the course of justice, which can also carry jail time. "Some of them are very convincing, and some even have the hologram, one of the main security features, detecting whether an ID is fake or not," he explained. Young people caught with fake ID's will generally have them confiscated, but won't be charged with an offence. "There's no real criminality in having one," Singh explained. Singh explained that seeing offences pass through the legal system is relatively common, with "over 300" cases involving fake ID's in recent years, with 100 people sentenced to imprisonment. 🪪 Demerit points tactic used by foreign drivers sees Border Force called in 🚔 Woman has driver's licence stripped after wild road rage act caught on dashcam 🏖️ Bali travel warning as driver's licence problem targeted in major tourist crackdown Ciara Devlin, a PhD candidate with the University of Technology Sydney's forensic science department, told Yahoo that what's more important than who is using the documents, is who is making them. Visual profiling of over 100 licences confiscated by authorities leads Devlin to suspect that methods and techniques are being repeated. "My research is promising in that it indicates to us that there may be more organisation to the marketplace than previously anticipated," she explained. "The thing that needs to be examined more closely is where that document has come from, who is the producer and who else are they supplying?" she said, adding "we know document fraud is occurring in Australia, no idea of the extent of it". Her research revealed that Australia's driver's licences are the second most sold fake document in the world on the dark web, behind only the United States. Driver's licences, she explained, are easier to counterfeit than passports, with Australian passports one of the most difficult documents to fake due to their advanced security features. However, because of Australia's identification verification system, driver's licences "provide access to a lot of things", she explained. The "100 points of ID" threshold is a system in Australia to identify a person's identity. A compelling fake driver's licence, alongside several other ID documents, can "provide access" to more complex documents like passports. But it's difficult to know how prevalent "high-quality" fraudulent documents are, because the licences seized by authorities are obviously fake. "The ones seized are the really low quality ones," she explained, adding that they are "easily identified" as fraudulent. "We don't really know how prevalent higher-quality documents are." "While document fraud is a really serious problem, the most serious aspect of it is a level above the everyday users trying to gain access to restricted services," she said. "But the one thing to keep in mind is that the seriousness of the criminal act. Most law enforcement focus on the individual holding the individual document." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
