Traffic fines Qld: More drivers busted with digital devices behind wheel

Nine mobile phone fines are being handed out in Queensland each day, with young drivers admitting to death-defying behaviour.

Supplied images of mobile phone and distracted drivers. Source: Queensland Police Service

Nine mobile phone fines are being handed out in Queensland each day, with the number of learner or probationary drivers using their phone while in the car almost doubling in the last two years.

RACQ’s new Young Driver Survey has revealed one in five young drivers admitted to checking social media and one in seven admitted to taking a selfie while driving a car.

Statistics from Queensland police show the number of traffic infringements given to learner or P1 probationary drivers increased from 51 in 2022 to 91 in 2024.

In 2024 3301 infringements were handed out to drivers for using their phone.

Images given to The Courier-Mail by shows a number of distracted drivers including some using an iPad at the wheel.

Supplied images of mobile phone and distracted drivers. Source: Queensland Police Service

Queensland police Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells said his biggest concern was road users who were not driving to conditions.

“We are seeing increased numbers of motorists being identified, both operationally from police operating on the road, and also through the camera detected defence program using mobile phones,” he said.

“That’s not the only form of distracted driving. We have drivers that do their hair and put on makeup and I’m aware of images of individuals actually using a laptop while they’re driving their car.”

Chief Supt Channells said every decision made on the road has the power to save or take a life.

“Using a mobile phone while driving is highly distracting and increases your risk of a crash fourfold, even when using a hands-free kit. Despite the dangers and illegality, around 60 per cent of drivers have admitted using their mobile phone to talk and text,” he said.

“Enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. Road safety is a shared responsibility. Every road user including drivers, riders, passengers, and pedestrians must commit to making safer choices to prevent further tragedies.”

Supplied images of mobile phone and distracted drivers. Source: Queensland Police Service

RACQ’s young driver survey showed 14 per cent of motorists 16 to 24 admitted to taking a selfie while driving, while 18 per cent admitted to having checked social media while driving and 30 per cent admitted to having used their phone before.

RACQ head of public policy Dr Michael Kane said he encouraged parents and guardians teaching young drivers to lead by example and make putting the phone away before driving as habitual as putting a seatbelt on.

“It is concerning to see an increase in the number of young drivers being caught using their phone behind the wheel. Distracted driving is one of the fatal five behaviours, causing significant road trauma in Queensland,” he said.

“Encouragingly RACQ’s latest Young Drivers Survey shows the overwhelming majority of 16 to 24-year-old motorists are doing the right thing and not touching their mobiles while driving, but there is a minority that must change their behaviour.

“Getting a $1,200 fine is the easy way for drivers to learn the lesson to not use their mobile behind the wheel, causing a crash that either kills or leaves them and others with life changing injuries is the hard lesson. Texting your mate back is simply not worth risking your life and the lives of others.”

Originally published as Traffic fines Qld: More drivers busted with digital devices behind wheel