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QLD speeding fines and penalties for driving offences increased

QLD speeding fines and penalties for driving offences increased

Drivers in Queensland are now facing bigger fines than ever before after the state government announced increased penalties for a range of driving offences. The higher penalties, in place from 1 July, are part of the state’s ongoing push to reduce the road toll and crack down on dangerous driving behaviours. While the rest of Australia is wondering if their state will be next, we’re going to break down exactly what penalties have increased in Queensland and why. From QLD’s speeding fines to demerit points for seatbelt misuse, here’s what you need to know.

Cracking down on high-risk driving behaviour

Queensland police have set their sights on a series of problem areas in road safety which ‘continue to cause injury and loss of life’ on our roads. These high-risk driving offences include speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and running a red light. These offences have been identified as having the most significant impact on the outcome of accidents, and its towards them that the fine and penalty increases are targeted. This comes after a jump in road deaths recorded in Queensland in 2022 – a shocking 120 since the beginning of the year. While police name drink driving, driver distraction (device usage) and speeding as the main causes of fatalities, researchers believe there’s a bigger picture we can’t afford to ignore. Looking at serious injuries from road accidents as well as fatalities, seatbelt misuse and red light offences are key contributors.

Increased QLD fines and penalties

QLD speeding fines and penalties

Speeding offences carry increased fines and penalties. The speeding penalty brackets have been adjusted from 1-12km and 13-20kms to the following, and new fines and penalties apply to each bracket. 1-10km/hr* – $287 and 1 demerit point 11-20km/hr* – $431 and 3 demerit points 21-30km/hr – $646 and 4 demerit points 31-40km/hr – $1078 and 6 demerit points More than 40km/hr – $1653 + 8 demerit points and automatic 6-month licence suspension.

Seatbelt misuse fines and penalties

Drivers caught not wearing a seatbelt or driving with a passenger who isn’t wearing a seat belt will face increased fines and penalties. The fine is now $1078 with a penalty of 4 demerit points to toughen the blow. This means the fine for not wearing a seatbelt is around the same as speeding 11-20kms over the limit AND running a red light, combined. Clearly, with such a severe penalty, it’s an offence that significantly impacts the outcomes of road accidents.

Red light camera fines and penalties

Drivers who fail to stop at a red light will now face a $575 fine plus 4 demerit points. Importantly, a fine will also be dealt to any driver who fails to stop at a yellow light, too: it’s an offence not to stop at a yellow light unless it is unsafe to do so. Repeat offenders are also on the chopping block, with double demerit points for drivers who commit two or more offences within a year of the first one. You can find out more about the increased fines and penalties here. If you’re heading to the Gold Coast next summer, keep them in mind!

The best way to avoid an expensive mistake? Drive safely! The best way to ensure your car is safe on the road is by getting it serviced regularly. Haven’t got one booked? No problem – no bookings are required at Express Lube. Drop in when you’re ready and we’ll have you back on the road fast.

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