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.
