Author: Andrew George
Practice area: public order offences
Andrew is a founding Director of Doogue + George, ranked by Doyle's Guide as a Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer in Victoria (2026) and an LIV Accredited Criminal Law Specialist since 1995 with over 30 years of experience across all Victorian courts, tribunals and Royal Commissions. His depth of experience in this area means clients receive accurate, considered advice.
View full profile →Andrew authored this content and last revised it for accuracy on 6 August 2026.
In Victoria, Offensive Behaviour by a Person in a Motor Vehicle in a Declared Area is found in section 18 of the Summary Offences Act 1966. It is a criminal offence that is committed by a person who used words or gestures that are likely to offend a reasonable person. The person who used offensive words or gestures must have been in a motor vehicle and must have done the act whilst within the view or hearing of another person in a public place.
Have you been accused of Offensive Behaviour by a Person in a Motor Vehicle in a Declared Area?
Police Interview
The police will speak with you if they suspect you have engaged in Offensive Behaviour in a Motor Vehicle in a Declared Area. Before you speak with the police or answer any of their questions, it is very important that you contact an expert criminal lawyer first. We will be able to give you timely advice over the phone or in person about how to conduct the interview, so that you do not inadvertently provide a response which negatively affects your position.
Elements of this offence are subjective in nature- It is therefore very important that you are not caught out by police investigative techniques. We will work with you to determine how to best proceed in the police interview.
Do not risk compromising your case by speaking with the police without getting some advice first. The police are not on your side and will only speak with you to try to build their case against you.
Pleading Not Guilty
Our lawyers have dedicated their careers to representing people in Court charged with criminal offences. Our lawyers are experienced in preparing defence strategies which lead to acquittals. If the police have wrongly accused of engaging in Offensive Behaviour in a Motor Vehicle in a Declared Area, we can help you to defend the charge.
Each charge has a series of elements or components which the prosecutor must prove. We will expertly analyze the evidence and work with you to determine the best way to defend the charge. You want a lawyer who will ask, what is the language which was used? What would a reasonable person have been offended? How do you determine what a reasonable person would think? Who witnessed the conduct, and are they a credible witness? We work with you to find the best way forward.
Pleading Guilty
If you are pleading guilty to this charge, it is important to understand the factors the court considers when determining the penalty. An experienced lawyer can advise you on how to present your conduct in context to achieve the best possible outcome. This involves careful preparation and guidance to gather and submit the relevant materials to the court.
Which court will the case be heard in?
The offensive behaviour by a person in a motor vehicle in a declared area is only heard in the Magistrates’ Court.
What is the legal definition of Offensive Behaviour By a Person in a Motor Vehicle in a Declared Area?
This section enables the Minister, by notice published in the Government Gazette, to declare a location if he/she is satisfied that people frequently loiter in the area to solicit sex work.
The Minister must particularise the streets or parts of the street which are included in the boundary.
Examples of Offensive Behaviour By a Person in a Motor Vehicle in a Declared Area
- Engaging a prostitute from a car
- Engaging in sexual behaviour while in a car
Legislation
The legislation for this offence can be found on section 18 of Summary Offences Act 1966.
Elements of the offence
The burden is on the Prosecution to prove the following elements beyond reasonable doubt to make out this offence:
- The accused used words or made a gesture;
- While in a vehicle;
- In an area declared by the minister;
- The words or gestures used were made within the view or hearing of another person in a public area;
- The words or gestures are likely to offend a reasonable person.
Can they prove you engaged in offensive behaviour?
Defences
Possible defences available to a person charged with this offence include:
- Factual dispute
- Honest and reasonable mistake as to fact
- Wrongful identification
- Mental impairment
- The accused was not in a public place
Questions in cases like this
- Did you engage in offensive behaviour?
- Did you make a rude gesture?
- Were your words in fact offensive?
- Did the Minister publish the streets in the Government gazette?
If you have been charged with this offence, you should call us to discuss your case with one of our experienced lawyers. Deciding on whether to plead guilty or not has important implications for you and should be made after proper discussions with a criminal lawyer.
Maximum penalty for section 18 of Summary Offences Act 1966
The maximum penalty a Magistrate can impose for Offensive Behaviour by a Person in a Motor Vehicle in a Declared Area (s18 of Summary Offences Act 1966) is 5 penalty units ($1,045 as at 2026-27).
