Hi-tech cameras to begin issuing fines to mobile phone offenders from November 1

After a trial of covert cameras, the Queensland Government is about to get serious about drivers using mobile phones and failing to wear seatbelts.

Hi-tech covert cameras used to catch out drivers flouting Queensland’s mobile phone and seatbelt laws will begin issuing fines from November 1.

The cameras will be deployed across the state’s roads from July 26, with warning notices to initially be sent out to those busted breaking the rules, The Courier-Mail can reveal.

But from November 1, motorists can expect to cop a $1033 fine and lose four demerit points if the cameras detect them using their phone behind the wheel or a $413 penalty if they are caught not wearing a seatbelt.

A camera trailer used to detect drivers using their mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts.

During a trial of the cameras that ran between July and December last year, more than 15,000 drivers were nabbed using their mobile phone while about 2200 people were snapped not wearing a seatbelt.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey has warned that some of the cameras will be mobile, with their locations to be kept secret.

“Drivers should expect to be caught anywhere, anytime, whether they’re driving in the city or on a regional highway,” Mr Bailey said.

“Our message has always been direct and very simple: just put your phone away.

“We successfully trialled these cameras last year and have been talking about them coming to Queensland roads for two years now.

“That time has arrived.”

A mobile-phone-using P-plater snapped during the trial

The rollout of the cameras comes amid a horror run of fatalities on Queensland roads, with 136 deaths so far this year – 12 more than the same time last year.

“These numbers are shocking, particularly when you consider that for every life lost, another 27 people are treated in hospital,” Mr Bailey said.

“These deaths and injuries have a shattering impact on communities across the state.”

According to the government, there were 43 people who died in crashes last year who were not wearing a seatbelt – which was 14 more than in 2019.

RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said they welcomed the introduction of the cameras.

“We know on average around 29 people are killed and more than a thousand others are seriously injured every year on Queensland roads as a result of crashes where driver distraction played a part,” she said.

Non-seatbelt-wearing vehicle occupants snapped during the trial

Tough new drink driver laws, which will require drink drivers to complete an early intervention course before they can get their licence back, will also kick off from September.

“Repeat offenders will also be subject to a mandatory, multi-session education program, and changes to the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program will see it expanded to include mid-range drink-drivers,” Mr Bailey said.