A criminal lawyer is warning Australians about the potential consequences of removing chalk marks from their tyres before a parking inspection is complete.

A recent TikTok depicting an individual removing chalk marks from multiple car tyres has gone viral and sparked online conversation.

But Avinash Singh, from Astor Lega has warned of the potential consequences of the act.

“Removing chalk off a tyre could be seen as attempting to pervert the course of justice. This is because the removal of chalk would hinder a parking ranger from carrying out their duties and prevent them from issuing a fine,” he said.

The video sparked debate, with Singh criticising the video, the comment section was flooded with people showing support for the stunt.

In NSW, Section 319 Crimes Act 1900 makes it an offence to do any act or omission intending in any way to pervert the court of justice.

South Australia is the only state that has a specific law that addresses this issue due to the issue becoming so widespread.

Section 174AB of the Road Traffic Act 1961 makes it an offence to remove a parking inspector’s chalk from a vehicle.

The maximum fine this offense can carry is a $750 fine.

“If a driver finds that a fine has been issued, they can contest the fine and ask for evidence that they were timed correctly. This is usually in the form of timestamped photos that a parking ranger has taken,” says Singh.