Is it legal to leave your car parked with the sunroof open?
10/28/2024 03:00 PM
Need to duck into the shops but want to keep the air flowing in your car? Before you leave your sunroof open while your car is parked, there’s one road rule you need to know about.
Opening your car’s sunroof is one of the great joys of summer driving – allowing you to feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face.
If you’re out and about running errands in the warm weather, chances are you’ve considered leaving your car’s sunroof cracked to keep the air flowing and prevent your car’s cabin from overheating.
However, did you know that doing so is actually against Australian road rules?
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All Australian states and territories have a road rule relating to “securing your vehicle after stopping”.
This means if you’re leaving your car parked and unattended and moving more than three metres away from it, you must close and lock the doors and secure the windows… including your sunroof.
“Drivers must secure their vehicle before leaving it unattended. This means applying the park brake, removing the key, closing all windows, and locking the doors,” a Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson told Drive.
“A sunroof is considered a window and so must be closed if the driver is leaving the vehicle unattended. This ensures the vehicle is safe and reduces the chances of the vehicle or contents being damaged or stolen. Not securing a vehicle can cost a driver a $64 fine.”
The definition of ‘closed’ varies by state. For example, in both New South Wales and Victoria, a car’s window – including a sunroof – is considered ‘secure’ as long as it isn’t open by more than 2cm.
If you leave your vehicle unattended with the sunroof open by more than 2cm, you could be fined $198 in Victoria or $136 in New South Wales.
Interestingly, while you’re legally required to close your car’s sunroof, the same rules don’t apply when it comes to the roof on a convertible.
While leaving a convertible’s roof down arguably presents a greater risk than an open sunroof in terms of theft or damage, it’s actually legal around Australia.
“There is no specific requirement relating to convertible rooftops. However, it is recommended drivers close this before leaving their vehicle to prevent damage or theft,” a Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson told Drive.
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The post Is it legal to leave your car parked with the sunroof open? appeared first on Drive.
