Shocking video has emerged of a man brazenly urinating from the open door of a moving vehicle on one of Melbourne's busiest highways, sparking widespread outrage and potential legal consequences.
The Reckless Act Caught on Camera
The incident occurred on the Monash Freeway during Friday afternoon traffic. A passenger in a white Toyota HiLux was filmed semi-standing inside the vehicle, leaning out of the open rear door to relieve himself as the ute continued down the motorway.
In the footage, the man is seen popping his head out to watch the stream of urine flow into the air behind the moving vehicle. He was even captured laughing during the act, seemingly unconcerned by the significant danger of his actions.
Public Outrage and Mixed Reactions Online
The video, shared online, provoked a furious response from many social media users who condemned the behaviour as 'disgusting', 'dirty', and a blatant lack of respect. "One bad movement and it's all over," one commenter pointed out, highlighting the severe risk.
While many were appalled, others found humour in the situation, with hundreds joking "when you gotta go, you gotta go." Some questioned why the driver did not simply pull over to allow the passenger to relieve himself safely, rather than enabling such a hazardous and antisocial act.
Multiple Fines and Legal Ramifications
Despite the mixed online reaction, the act could prove very costly for both individuals involved. Under Victoria's road rules and public order laws, they face a range of potential penalties.
The immediate offence is failing to wear a seatbelt. Both the driver and passenger can be fined $407 and incur three demerit points for this violation alone.
While Victoria has no specific law against public urination, it can be prosecuted as 'offensive conduct' under the Summary Offences Act. Fines for this depend on circumstances and police discretion, ranging from $200 for a minor instance up to $700 for a more serious charge. A court could even issue a criminal conviction, though a defence exists if the person can prove it was a 'sudden and extraordinary emergency'.
Further charges relate to the dangerous manner of the act. Opening a vehicle door when it is unsafe to do so can attract a fine of over $500. Additionally, having any part of the body protruding from a moving vehicle is against road rules, carrying a $204 fine.
In total, the driver and passenger could be liable for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in combined fines for breaking multiple laws. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Victoria Police for comment on the incident.
