Scarfing down a Macca’s cheeseburger on the highway. Chugging a takeaway coffee on the drive into the office. We’ve all done it, and never thought twice about it. But recently, online articles have been circulating, stating that from this month, it would be illegal to eat or drink non-alcoholic beverages while driving, and that doing so could lead to a $1500 fine. So, is it really true?

No. It is, as Donald Trump would say, fake news. At least two state transport authorities have come forward to clear things up, with Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads telling 7News.com.au that the “reports of new road rules relating to eating, drinking non-alcoholic beverages, and smoking while driving are fake”. Meanwhile, Transport NSW also confirmed that there had been no changes to the current road rules, and that the reports were “false”. 

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Credit: 6PR

This doesn’t mean you can plate up a whole roast dinner on the run, though. Police can still issue a fine if your eating or drinking of non-alcoholic beverages prevents you from having ‘proper control’ of your vehicle. In 2018, a P-plate driver in Perth was given a $300 fine and three demerit points after being caught eating a bowl of cereal with two hands while driving. Yes, breakfast is important, but surely no one can be in that much of a hurry. 

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