Few parking disputes are more likely to spark an argument in Australia than finding an open space, only to see a pedestrian standing in it to hold the spot for someone else.

The frustrating manoeuvre may be more than poor parking etiquette, however. In some circumstances, the person blocking the space could also face a fine.

Transport for NSW has reignited debate about the practice after addressing the question online on Tuesday: can a pedestrian legally save a public parking space for a friend or relative?

The transport authority’s response left little room for interpretation.

“Short answer is, no! You can’t ‘reserve’ or ‘mind’ a parking space for your mate,” the department said.

It described the conduct as both irritating and unlawful, while warning that it could also create a safety risk.

“Pedestrians must not cause a traffic hazard by moving into the path of a driver. So not only is it a dodgy move, but it could also see you getting a fine for doing so,” the department added.

NSW Road Rule 236 states that pedestrians must not unreasonably obstruct another driver or pedestrian, or step into a vehicle’s path in a way that creates a traffic hazard.

As a result, a person intentionally stopping an approaching car from entering a vacant space may be committing an offence, with pedestrians potentially receiving a $94 on-the-spot penalty notice.

Although road rules and penalties vary across the country, drivers are not necessarily without options when someone tries to claim a parking bay simply by standing in it.

Other states and territories have comparable laws dealing with pedestrian obstruction and road safety. What counts as an offence, and the fine that may apply, depends on the jurisdiction and circumstances.

The key legal question is generally not whether someone is physically occupying a parking spot, but whether their actions unreasonably block traffic or create a danger for drivers.

In South Australia, obstructing a driver’s path can attract a $59 fine, along with a $102 Victims of Crime Levy under the Australian Road Rules framework.

Victoria’s Department of Transport similarly warns pedestrians not to create hazards or obstructions, with offenders facing a fine of up to $192.

These provisions can apply on public roads and in car parks, including shopping centre parking areas, although enforcement depends on whether the site is covered by the relevant road rules.

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Different considerations apply to private parking, such as allocated residential or strata spaces, which are usually controlled by property rights, parking agreements and strata bylaws.

Transport for NSW also reminded residents that they cannot take over public street parking by leaving traffic cones or other objects in the roadway.

The warning quickly prompted a lively online conversation, with Australians split over whether saving a space is merely bad manners or a punishable offence.

One commenter said the tactic violated the unwritten rules of parking, but also encouraged drivers to avoid turning the dispute into a confrontation.

‘Holding spots goes against the spirit of parking and luck however of course there could be some reasonable exceptions such as health or disability,’ she wrote. 

‘But importantly if someone does do that, drive on as it’s not worth getting annoyed over.’  

And it’s not the only seemingly harmless motoring habit that could leave Australians out of pocket. 

Drivers have also been reminded that failing to properly secure an unattended vehicle can attract fines, even when they are only stepping away briefly. 

Executive Law Group managing partner Jahan Kalantar recently highlighted the little-known rules in a TikTok video, warning motorists that leaving their cars unlocked or unsecured can be an offence in certain circumstances.

While requirements vary between states, drivers who move more than three metres from their vehicle may be required to switch off the engine, remove the ignition key, secure the windows and lock the doors. 

The precise obligations depend on the jurisdiction and whether anyone remains inside the vehicle. 

‘We’ve seen the law applied in silly situations, like when someone’s paying for gas in the gas station and the cops come and charge them,’ Mr Kalantar said. 

In NSW, Queensland and Victoria, breaches can attract substantial maximum court penalties, although the fines typically issued for everyday infringements are considerably lower. 

In Western Australia, motorists can face a $50 infringement for failing to properly secure their vehicle. 

The rules are intended to reduce the risk of theft, unauthorised use and other safety hazards – but they can catch out drivers who assume a quick stop means they don’t need to lock up. 

Jurors were shown photographs of Jesse Baird’s gunshot wound last week.

Justice Natalie Adams cautioned that Baird’s skin had decomposed so extensively it was no longer recognisable as skin.

The judge ruled that the image could not be displayed on the courtroom screen.

Instead, jurors received photocopies while Crown prosecutors identified the relevant areas in the photographs.

The photographs will not be released to the media or made available to the public.

Former senior sergeant Greg Moon told the court that Baird, pictured with Luke Davies, was wearing only black boxer shorts when he was found.

Baird also had two rings—one on each hand—and an earring stud.

Mr Moon gave detailed evidence about the decomposition process, including the bullet wound to Baird’s temple and the presence of insects at the scene.

The court also heard that Luke Davies’s body was placed inside his own surfboard bag, beneath Baird’s body.

Although some of Davies’s arm tattoos remained visible, former senior constable Greg Moon said the decomposition was extensive.

Davies was found lying face down and wearing only black Calvin Klein underwear.

The court heard that Lamarre-Condon allegedly left a substantial amount of evidence near the bodies, including blood-stained bedsheets, his Uber Eats uniform, fingerprints and a Budget rental card.

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Former senior constable Greg Moon said investigators discovered a pile of men’s clothing, a high-visibility jacket, hoodies, bloodied sheets and Country Road towels in Bungonia.

The pile was found close to where Baird and Davies’s bodies were located.

Investigators also recovered a motorbike helmet containing a strand of hair and a packet of plastic coveralls that allegedly carried Lamarre-Condon’s fingerprint.

Lamarre-Condon’s DNA was allegedly identified on several other items, including a high-visibility hoodie.

Gumboots, stained men’s shoes, face masks and a coffee cup allegedly containing Lamarre-Condon’s DNA were also found in the pile.

Jurors were shown a Budget car-rental tag bearing Lamarre-Condon’s name.

Lamarre-Condon is accused of hiring a van from a car dealership on the day he allegedly killed Baird and Davies.

He allegedly cut up Jesse Baird’s driver’s licence and passport before discarding them, along with Baird’s wallet, near the body.

The court was shown images of the contents of Baird’s wallet, which was found among a pile of bloody bedsheets and clothes in Bungonia, south of Sydney.

His licence and passport had been cut into several pieces.

Police also found a number of Bunnings receipts which matched the purchases Lamarre-Condon made in the days after he allegedly killed Baird and Davies.

RJ Mitte, the actor best known for playing Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad, became engaged to his longtime partner, Kennedy Suarez, nearly a year before his death by suicide on Monday at age 34.

A county official confirmed to TMZ that Mitte died by suicide in Texas. Authorities said a death investigation remains underway.

Mitte proposed to Suarez on October 10, 2025, her 30th birthday. The couple’s relationship had grown from a friendship that lasted more than a decade.

“I’m thrilled to have found my person, my partner in life who makes me want to be better, no matter what we’re doing,” Mitte told People after the engagement.

He added that Suarez was “my everything,” saying he looked forward to officially building a life with her and discovering where their future would lead.

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Mitte and the Brownsville Police Department for additional comment.

According to People, Mitte and Suarez had known each other for over 10 years before their friendship developed into a romantic relationship. Their feelings changed during a trip together, when both began to recognize that their connection had become something deeper.

Mitte proposed during the 56th annual Dia del Sol benefit in Carlsbad, California. The event raised money for United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego, where Mitte served as an ambassador.

Suarez, who worked as an HR specialist, later shared her excitement on Instagram, writing, “My 30th felt like a fairytale…. I have the man of my dreams by my side & we are doing what we love most – helping others.”

Following their engagement, he shared a series of shots of Suarez as she celebrated her 30th birthday.

In a birthday tribute, Mitte wrote, “Happy birthday to my everything you are so amazing. I can’t believe all the things we do together you make me better and want to be better!!!”

Mitte this past February showed fans his romance with Suarez in a Valentine’s Day post which featured a series of slides of the couple enjoying different activities with one another.

He also marked Valentine’s Day with a message celebrating their relationship: “Looking back at these moments with you reminds me how grateful I am for the love and kindness we share. Love transcends all. Go out and share yours.”

Mitte and Suarez lived together in Brownsville, Texas. He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, an Austin-based family charity focused on supporting and revitalizing marginalized communities in South Texas.

Mitte appeared in 56 episodes of Breaking Bad between 2008 and 2013. His other credits included The Recall and The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!).

“It is with profound sadness we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his representative told TMZ Monday.

The statement continued, “RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter ‘Flynn’ White Jr. on AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series ‘Breaking Bad.’”

‘Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion. Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.’

Emmy-winning Breaking Bad ran from 2008 to 2013 and garnered widespread acclaim from both fans and critics around the world.

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It followed Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a terminally ill high school chemistry teacher as he created a meth empire with Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), his former inept student.

Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy aged three and advocated for actors and those working in the entertainment industry with disabilities. 

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders affecting movement, posture, and balance due to abnormal brain development or damage. Symptoms range from muscle stiffness and poor motor control to difficulties with balance and coordination.

During his life, Mitte called for larger representation of disabled actors on television and said he ‘utilized everything’ he knew about his disability for Breaking Bad.

‘I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today without my disability,’ he told the Irish Examiner in 2016, according to Variety. ‘I utilized everything I know about living with cerebral palsy for my role in Breaking Bad.’

‘We know lots of progress is being made but the industry must do more to help disabled people work both in front of and behind the camera,’ he said. ‘During the Paralympics there will be more disabled people than ever before on TV but this shouldn’t be something that just happens every four years.’

‘I would love to switch on my TV and see a disabled person talking about something they are genuinely interested in or acting out a part that doesn’t just focus on their impairment.’

In what appears to be one of his last interviews, Mitte recently reflected on the end of Breaking Bad and how the show set an ‘unobtainable’ bar with The Joe Vulpis Podcast.

‘I don’t think it was the end,’ Mitte said. ‘That was really the end of Heisenberg’s journey but I don’t think that was the end of Skyler, Walt, and Holly’s journey.

‘I think there’s a lot of unanswered questions there that for them, will probably never be answered. And so I think there’s still a big step for the White family.

He added, ‘There’s always more to be told. But you got to tell it right! Again, if something happens in the future with the show… the fans control that, really, truly, like, the fans control what continues to get made.’

Mitte said, ‘I want to top Breaking Bad. That’s the hardest… I set a bar for myself as a young man that is kind of unobtainable. 

‘And I tell people, I say, look, it’s a long way down from the top of the mountain.’

Mitte hailed from Mississippi and was six-years-old when he found out he was adopted.

‘I was about six when I was told that I was adopted,’ he told the Sydney Morning Herald in 2019. ‘My stepbrother heard my mom and my then-stepdad talking and said to me, “You are adopted. They don’t love you.” I didn’t believe him but my parents confirmed that I was. I was like, “Okay.”

‘I’ve never felt the need to track my birth mother,’ he said. ‘Medically, I’d like to know my family history, but until I feel that need, I have enough family and friends. I don’t need any more.’

Mitte’s mother chose to adopt him as she believed she would be unable to have her own children due to an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

‘The reason Mom adopted me was because she’d had ovarian cancer and was told she couldn’t have children. Then, magically, 11 years later, my sister Lacianne came along.’

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org