18-year-old motorcyclist in Bjelovar reported after obscene gesture at speed camera

An 18-year-old motorcyclist from Bjelovar has been reported after making an obscene gesture at a roadside speed camera while riding past the device.

The Bjelovar-Bilogora Police Administration says the incident occurred on Petra Biškupa Vene Street in Bjelovar, when the rider raised his left hand and directed an insulting gesture toward the speed-measuring camera as he passed.

Although no officers were physically present next to the device at the time, the police investigation concluded that the act amounted to a direct insult and humiliation of the officials who perform traffic monitoring via measurement devices.

Authorities submitted a misdemeanor report to the competent Municipal Court under Article 17 of the Law on Misdemeanors against Public Order and Peace – insult or humiliation of state bodies and officials while performing their duty. The sanction for this offense in Croatia carries a fine ranging from €700 to €4,000 or detention for up to 30 days.

Police sources unofficially proposed the minimum fine of €700. What may have seemed like a bad joke for the young rider now risks costing him several hundred — or potentially several thousand — euros.

Driving habits that also cost

Traffic experts warn that some everyday habits behind the wheel can be expensive in the long run. Drivers of cars with manual transmissions often keep the clutch pedal depressed while waiting at red lights with the gearbox in first gear. Repeatedly holding the clutch under prolonged stops places continuous pressure on the throw-out bearing (axial bearing), which is only meant to be engaged for short periods during normal gear changes.

After stopping, it is more economical to place the transmission in neutral, fully release the clutch pedal and hold the vehicle with the brake. This reduces unnecessary wear on the throw-out bearing. Another common but harmful habit is resting a hand on the gear lever while driving: even light, constant pressure transfers to internal transmission parts and can prematurely wear synchronizers and forks.

Photo: Илустрација (АИ)