You might be breaking this confusing Australian rule—and risking a $600 fine?

If you’ve ever circled the block in search of a parking spot, only to find yourself squinting at a jumble of lines, signs, and mysterious road markings, you’re not alone. 

For many Australians, deciphering the rules of the road can feel like a high-stakes game of ‘spot the difference’—with your wallet on the line if you get it wrong.

This week, a Mount Waverley local in Melbourne’s southeast sparked a lively online debate after stumbling upon a classic conundrum: a fire hydrant sitting right next to a painted parking bay. 

The scene was complete with a triangle pointing towards the hydrant and a crisp white parking line just a few metres away. The question: Is it legal to park there, or are you risking a hefty fine? 

The confusion is understandable. In Victoria, the road rules are clear—on paper, at least. Drivers must leave at least a one-metre gap between their vehicle and a fire hydrant, unless there’s signage that says otherwise. 

But what happens when there’s no sign, just a painted parking bay that seems to invite you in?

One local summed up the collective head-scratching: ‘There isn’t a signpost, and what’s the point of the painted parking line on the left?’ 

The lack of clear signage, combined with the presence of a marked bay, left many drivers unsure whether they were in the clear or about to cop a fine.

The online debate quickly heated up. Some argued that the marked bay was a green light to park. ‘Yes, it’s ok to park there,’ one person commented. 

‘Council won’t fine you for parking in a marked bay unless you don’t comply with parking signage—and there’s no signage here.’ 

Another chimed in with a personal anecdote: ‘We had a fire hydrant in front of our house and parked there without a problem for over 20 years.’

But not everyone was convinced. Others pointed out that fire safety rules trump all, regardless of what the painted lines suggest. 

‘The hydrant rule definitely supersedes painted car parks,’ one commenter warned. ‘A parking inspector or firefighter isn’t going to care if they come to give you a ticket or have to push your car out of the way with their truck to get a hose connected.’

So, what’s the official word? According to VicRoads, the authority on all things transport in Victoria, the rule is simple: you cannot stop, park, or leave your vehicle within one metre of a fire hydrant, fire hydrant indicator, or fire plug indicator—unless you’re driving a public bus, taxi, or minibus. 

Can you park here?
by u/Electronic_Hour_1711 in melbourne

And here’s the kicker: that one-metre rule refers to the horizontal distance between your car and the hydrant on the road, not how far the hydrant sits back from the kerb. That’s why you might see a white line painted to the left—it’s there to help you visualise the no-go zone.

If you’re thinking, ‘I drive a tiny car, surely I can squeeze in,’ think again. Unless you’re behind the wheel of a micro-machine, it’s safest to steer clear. 

The penalties for getting it wrong aren’t trivial: a $118 fine (rising to $122 from July 1 due to indexation), or up to $610 if the matter ends up in court.

Why are these rules so strict? It’s all about safety. In an emergency, firefighters need immediate, unobstructed access to hydrants. A parked car—even one that’s technically ‘just over’ the line—can delay their response, with potentially devastating consequences.

This isn’t the only road rule that catches drivers out. Across Australia, there are a host of lesser-known regulations that can leave even the most seasoned motorists scratching their heads. 

Did you know, for example, that you can be fined for leaving your car unlocked or your windows down when parked? Or that splashing a pedestrian with water from the road can land you a penalty in some states?

With fines on the rise and enforcement ramping up, it pays to brush up on the rules—especially the obscure ones. Councils and state governments are increasingly using technology, like mobile parking inspectors and number plate recognition, to catch offenders. 

And with millions in unpaid fines across the country, authorities are getting serious about collecting what’s owed, even threatening to seize cars or garnish wages in extreme cases.

So, what’s a driver to do? Here are a few tips to stay on the right side of the law:

• Always check for hydrants, even if the parking bay looks legit.
• Remember the one-metre rule applies horizontally from the hydrant to your car.
• Don’t rely solely on painted lines—fire safety rules override parking markings.
• If in doubt, find another spot. It’s not worth the risk (or the fine).

Have you ever been caught out by a confusing road rule or parking sign? Do you think councils and governments should do more to make the rules clearer for everyday drivers? Share your stories and tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

And remember: when it comes to parking, it’s always better to be safe than sorry (and $600 poorer).

Also read: This Australian city now has the priciest parking⁠—and it’s not Sydney!