A Queensland motorist claims he was handed a A$173 ($185) fine and one demerit point all because he took a sip of water while driving.
Brock Harris, told ABC Radio Brisbane he was driving home to Beaudesert, about 70km from Brisbane, after a 12-hour work day when the incident occurred.
He claimed that he took a sip from a 600ml plastic bottle of water as he was turning onto his street, which is when the police officer pulled him over.
"As I was pulling into my street I was pulled over by the police and told it was illegal to drink anything while driving," he told ABC's Rebecca Levingston.
The officer reportedly told Harris that the A$173 fine and one demerit point was a result of him "not paying due care and attention".
"If it is against the law then I'll pay the fine, but it's not compassionate to fine someone on a 39C day [for trying to] stay hydrated," he said.
"The policeman told me there was nothing I could do and he was doing his job — but I am going to challenge the fine."
A Queensland Police spokesperson told news.com.au that fines were usually issued under these circumstances if the action causes the driver to not be in control of the vehicle.
This sentiment was reflected in Queensland Police Superintendent David Johnson's comments to the ABC, who said there were many drivers who consume drinks safely while on the road.
"For us to issue a fine we have to look at the circumstances to see if the driver's actions are causing risks to themselves or others," he said.