Queensland drivers to be fined $1000 for texting and driving

Drivers and cyclists caught using their phones behind the wheel will be slapped with an instant $1000 fine from tomorrow.

Drivers and cyclists in Queensland caught using their phone behind the wheel will be hit with a massive on the spot fine from Saturday.

Second time offenders will face having their licence taken away and being hit with double demerit points.

From February 1 the Queensland government is increasing its penalties for using a mobile phone and driving, from $400 to $1000.

The demerits issued to drivers caught using their phones is also increasing from three to four points.

The move comes as the government works to try and deter “dangerous behaviour”, according to a statement.

The government said drivers using their phones were inhibited in a similar way to drivers with a blood alcohol reading of between 0.07 and 0.10.

The QLD Government is cracking down on drivers who use their phone behind the wheel.

From Saturday some drivers, including learners and P-platers, caught using their phones while driving will lose their licence on the spot as well as being fined.

If you’re caught riding a bike and using a mobile phone, you will also be fined $1000.

However you won’t be issued demerit points because bicycle riders don’t have to carry a licence.

Renee Smith from the RACQ said education had failed and a “harsh deterrent” was needed to change the habits of bad drivers.

“It’s always been difficult to catch people out on their phones, but these new cameras will

make it very tough for motorists doing the wrong thing to hide,” she said.

“Enforcement is critical; tougher penalties will only work if motorists think there is a good

chance they will be caught.”

The Queensland Government said while penalties were increasing, the rules around using a phone and driving hadn’t changed.