SINCE when did it become the province of the state to intrude into the personal life of motorists? In Tasmania, and some other states, a driver who leaves unattended an unlocked vehicle or a vehicle window open for more than a few centimetres is breaking the law, even though it is not a road safety risk.

This regulation is bizarre logic. Car thefts are up - so punish the innocent. Are we headed for nanny state nirvana, where an open window at home or an unlocked house will incur a fine to deter burglars?

A spokeswoman for the Infrastructure and Energy Department said the regulation was enacted ``to protect the security of the vehicle and items within . . .'' Protect from whom, the owner?

As if our budget-restrained police force hasn't got better things to do, like catch prison escapees, than walk the streets looking for open car windows or an unlocked vehicle.

These vehicles are private property; they're stationary and usually parked safely.

In whatever temporary condition the driver leaves them in, is surely the prerogative of the driver. What business has the law got in telling motorists how to treat their belongings?

Police would be better employed in real policing, such as noise-testing motorcycles that clearly don't have mufflers but instead have a jet engine; or, cracking down on the scores of arrogant motorists who fail to give way at roundabouts and intersections, and those who pull out from the curb without looking.

At least they are worth catching because their negligent actions risk accidents and injury. How ironic that the first punishment in the crusade against vehicle theft is imposed on innocent victims.

Perhaps the government would like to inform Tasmania when it plans to impose fines for unsecured dwellings. It seems far-fetched, but the logic is the same.

This revenue-raiser regulation is a dangerous infringement of our basic rights and should be abolished before it gets out of hand. Never assume that governments always act in your best interests.

futag-