Queensland revealed as state with the harshest road rules

A new study has revealed which Australian state or territory has the nation’s strictest road rules, and it might not be the one you think.

A new study has revealed which Australian state or territory has the nation’s strictest road rules – and it may not be the one you think.

Carried out by Budget Direct, the study “compared the maximum first offence penalties for speeding, distracted driving, not wearing a seatbelt, drink driving and using a mobile phone while driving across all eight states and territories”, ranking them out of 100 to determine whose laws were the harshest.

According to the insurer’s ranking system, it’s Queensland that takes the cake, with an overall score of 77 out of 100.

The Sunshine State was followed by Western Australia, with a score of 69, then Victoria, at 66. The ACT came in fourth, with 57 out of 100, followed closely by South Australia at 53 and Tasmania, with 48 points.

Coming in last was New South Wales, where Budget Direct ranked them just 42 out of 100.

A new study has revealed which Australian state or territory has the nation’s strictest road rules, and it might not be the one you think. Picture: Budget Direct

Which state has the highest speeding fines?

As for where you don’t want to be caught going over the limit, the ACT has the highest speeding fine for a first offence, with penalties reaching a maximum of $1841.

SA followed closely behind with a maximum penalty of $1690, followed by a potential $1200 fine in WA. In last place was Victoria, at $989.

While the ACT holds the highest charge for speeding, Queensland has the harshest repercussions – if you’re caught breaching road regulations, you can face an up to six-month license suspension and lose additional points.

A charge of one to six points alternates between states if laws are breached.

The ACT has the highest speeding fine for a first offence. Picture: Monique Harmer

What about penalties for distracted driving?

Smoking, eating, talking to passengers and changing music are all considered forms of distracted driving – not only putting you in danger, but risking the safety of other drivers and bystanders.

Budget Direct found that Queensland and WA tie for the highest fine for the breach, with a maximum first offence penalty of $1000.

In Tasmania, distracted driving only incurs a penalty of $344, while in NSW the maximum fine is just $349.

Victoria has maximum penalty for driving without a seatbelt

Fines in most states for driving without a seatbelt are pretty minimal, despite the danger it poses – unless you’re in Victoria, where you’ll be slapped with a $1450 penalty if caught.

The next highest state is streets behind, with WA charging $550 and the Northern Territory charging $500.

In comparison, in NSW, you’d only incur a $298 penalty for the risky act.

Drink driving will earn you a massive penalty no matter where you are. Picture: Budget Direct

Act that will earn you the highest fine

There is one act, though, that will earn you a massive penalty no matter where you are: drink driving, which contributes to 30 per cent of fatal crashes in Australia.

Tasmania’s is the highest, at $4200, followed by $3859 in Queensland, $3635 in Victoria, and $3030 in NSW.

Driving under the influence in the ACT incurs a first offence penalty of $2250, followed by $1900 in WA, $1600 in SA and the lowest penalty of $1570, in the Top End.

State with the highest charge for mobile phone use

Queensland is back on top when it comes to charges for mobile phone use behind the wheel, with a maximum fine of $1033, followed by WA at 1000.

The penalties drop down to just $298 in NSW, and $300 in Tasmania.

Originally published as Queensland revealed as state with the harshest road rules