Qld’s new traffic penalties to be harshest in the nation

Driving is a major issue across Australia but we now know which state has the worst offenders.

Police Minister Dan Purdie last week. Picture: Richard Walker

Queenslanders face significantly harsher fines for traffic infringements, with data revealing the state as the worst offender for seatbelt, red light, mobile phone use, and lower-range speeding penalties.

Drivers in Queensland face fines of $1209 for mobile phone use and failing to wear a seatbelt, significantly higher than other states like Western Australia, $500 and $550 respectively.

The disproportionate penalties for speeding are laid bare in lower-range offences, for example, when drivers exceed the speed limit by up to 10km/h Queenslanders face a $322 fine, compared to just $100 in Western Australia and $145 in New South Wales.

For higher-speed offences, only South Australia imposes heftier penalties, with fines peaking at $1970 for exceeding the limit by 40km/h or more, surpassing Queensland’s $1854.

Despite this, the state has recorded its deadliest road toll since in 15 years, placing second behind New South Wales in total fatalities for 2024.

The state has so far recorded 23 more deaths in 2024 than in 2023 - the road toll now exceeding 300.

Police Minister Dan Purdie said the government remained focused on increasing the state’s police force, as officer presence made a considerable impact on driver behaviour.

“The thin blue line has never been thinner in Queensland, which is why the Crisafulli Government has committed to an additional 1600 police recruits above the October 2024 headcount by the end of our term,” he said.

“We know that having an increased police presence on the roads positively impacts driver behaviour, and we will continue to work to bolster these frontline efforts, and ultimately, reduce fatal traffic crashes across the state.”