Queensland police leverage the annual April fools’ day to launch ‘courtesy wave’ campaign

Drivers who fail to wave thank you to other motorists could find themselves being pulled over for a stern talking-to by officers today as Queensland Police kick off a new road safety initiative. Vote in our poll.

Drivers who fail to wave thank you to other motorists could find themselves being pulled over for a stern talking-to by officers today as Queensland Police kick off a new road safety initiative.

Yes, you read that right, those who neglect to offer a polite wave to fellow motorists might just have to face the consequences.

In a cheeky video released this morning, Queensland drivers are shown getting into the spirit of things, as a QPS officer demonstrates just how easy and fun it can be to spread a little kindness on the roads.

While no one will actually be fined for failing to wave, Senior Constable Krystle Muller said the ‘courtesy wave’ is more than just a fun idea, it’s about making the roads safer and fostering respect among motorists.

“We won’t actually be enforcing the ‘courtesy wave’, but our intention of promoting kinder practices between road users is genuine,” she said.

“The wave is a gesture in which one motorist waves to another to signal either a thank you or an acknowledgement.”

In the funny 50 second video shared to social media, Constable Muller pulls over an unsuspecting female motorist, where she informs her she’s broken the cardinal road rule.

“I’ve just noticed you didn’t courtesy wave back here,” she can be heard saying in the video.

“Are you aware that it’s a new initiative as of the 1st of April?”

The driver blankly stares back at the officer and shakes her head.

How to wave thanks when someone lets you merge in traffic. Supplied: QPS.

Senior Constable Krystle Muller, highway patrol officer from Mount Ommaney. Picture: Supplied.

Last year, Queensland reached a devastating record of the highest number of lives lost on the state’s roads since 2009.

The highway patrol officer from Mount Ommaney said by acknowledging one another on the roads, we are easing tension and advocating for safety.

“This incredibly simple action can be used to give a fellow driver the go-ahead to merge in front of you in dense traffic, as a signal to come through on tight roads and most importantly, as a thank you,” Constable Muller said.

“Each of these reasons is a step towards making our roads a safer place.”

Wave or get pulled over: police crack down on ‘courtesy wave’. Picture: Supplied.

She said showing respect and understanding on the road ensures everyone gets where they are going.

“We’re not just driving safely – we’re making sure everyone gets to their destination with a little more peace of mind,” she said.

“Prioritising kindness encourages us to consider those beyond ourselves, which is essential when sharing road space.”

QPS is committed to making Queensland roads safer and will continue to raise awareness, improve road safety, and advocate for driver behaviors—one wave at a time.

Now, don’t forget to wave!

Originally published as Queensland police leverage the annual April fools’ day to launch ‘courtesy wave’ campaign