The car tech features that could actually be illegal or unsafe if used incorrectly

As I sat in my friend’s new Tesla in a shopping centre car park recently, she popped on the ‘Car-aoke’ (karaoke) feature and we joyfully banged out some girl-power anthems (as you do). And while there’s nothing quite like an empowering (albeit off-key) rendition of I Will Survive, unless we are safely parked, Karaoke-ing or using the Tesla’s inbuilt Netflix or YouTube systems via the front, centre display, won't actually be happening because...

Rule 299 Road Rules 2014 (NSW), which has equivalent versions in other Australian states and territories specifies, “It is illegal to drive a vehicle with a TV receiver or visual display unit either inside or on a vehicle operating while the vehicle is moving, or stationary, but not parked if the image or any part of the image on the screen:

Meaning unless you are parked, no Netflix, YouTube Shorts or ‘Car-aoke’ for you. And while I understand why this rule is in place, I do wonder what really is the point of having these features in a car if there isn’t much opportunity to actually use them?

A spokesperson for The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and The Arts tells carsales, “Road safety is a top priority of the Australian Government.

"That is why we have legislated road vehicle standards in place to ensure all road vehicles, both new and used, being provided to the Australian market for the first time meet critical national standards for safety, security and emissions.

"When vehicles are first provided to the Australian market, they must meet regulations which ensure that they are safe to operate. These regulations, along with state and territory-based legislation, ensure the safe use of vehicles.”

After this though, vehicle owners are responsible for the operation of any features, whether installed during manufacturing or aftermarket, safely and in a way that is consistent with the road rules. So, my driver friends, awareness is key!

So, what other features of our cars are potentially unsafe and or illegal if not used correctly?

While standard headlights and high beams are essential for vehicle visibility, depending on how a driver uses their vehicle lights, they can actually be a dangerous feature says TAC CEO, Tracey Slatter.

“Using them incorrectly can make it difficult for other drivers to see.”

In addition, upgrading the standard vehicle headlights in your car can also be unsafe, with some LED lights considered dangerous and illegal in different states. So, if you have upgraded, or are considering upgrading your headlights with these, it is vital to check the specifications with your state’s vehicle standards or to ensure they are ADR (Australian Design Rule approved), which should be stated on the packaging.

Wearable devices (if worn by the driver), while not technically features of the car, can still be a risk to road safety, not to mention also illegal in Victoria. New rules were introduced back in March 2023 to regulate the use of a range of portable, wearable and inbuilt devices while driving a vehicle or riding a motorbike.

“The rules reflect the significant increase of in-vehicle technologies and other technologies capable of distracting a driver and are designed to help keep people safe on our roads,” Slatter says.

This includes devices such as smart watches, smart glasses, motorbike helmets, and wearable heads-up displays.

“It is illegal to enter text/numbers or scroll on any device while driving – this includes inbuilt, mounted, wearable and portable devices,” Slatter explains.

In addition, when driving, fully licenced drivers must not:

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