The $1,400 fine that Aussies need to know about as hundreds of drivers fall victim to new high-tech cameras – and it’s about to rise dramatically
- Qld drivers fined $1,400 for double offence behind the wheel
- From July 1, fine for committing both offences at once is over $2,000
Hundreds of road users have been slapped with $1,400 fines after being caught by new high-tech cameras using their mobile phones and not wearing a seatbelt at the same time – and the penalty notice will soon be even greater.
Queensland‘s new generation of traffic cameras, which were rolled out in November, 2021, are positioned to detect both whether a driver is wearing a seatbelt and using their mobile phone.
In their first year of operation on Queensland roads, the cameras caught 467 drivers breaking both laws at the same time.
The motorists were fined $1,400 each, The Courier-Mail reported.
From July, however, those caught committing both offences will be hit with an even harsher fine.
If nabbed without a seatbelt and on the phone while driving, the offender will receive a $2,156 penalty notice.
Hundreds of road users have been slapped with $1,400 fines for using their mobile phones and not wearing a seatbelt at the same time – and soon, the fine will be even greater
Queensland’s new high-tech cameras caught 467 drivers breaking both laws during their first year of operation
The Queensland government last July announced the fine would increase for those not wearing a seatbelt to $1,078, matching the penalty notice for mobile phone use while driving.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said committing either offence is ‘disgraceful’ and ‘selfish’ as it endangers not only the driver but other road users.
‘We know not wearing a seatbelt makes you nine times more likely to die in a car crash,’ Mr Bailey said.
‘We also know using your phone while driving makes you four times more likely to have a crash.
‘So, these people are making it more likely they’ll crash and hurt innocent motorists as well as themselves in that crash by using their phone illegally and not wearing a seatbelt.’
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said committing either offence is ‘disgraceful’ and ‘selfish’ as it endangers not only the driver but other road users
In 2022, more than 100,000 drivers were caught using their phones while driving.
The cameras caught a total of 119,862 drivers using their phones illegally and 52,542 drivers or front-seat passengers either not wearing a seatbelt or not wearing it correctly.
The Queensland Government doesn’t publicise how many of the new cameras are in operation or where they are situated but Mr Bailey has previously said the cameras are located throughout regional and south-east Queensland.
Last year Queensland recorded its worst road toll since 2009, with 299 people losing their lives.
Mr Bailey said the state has seen 18 fewer road fatalities in 2023 than this time last year.
Last year Queensland recorded its worst road toll since 2009, with 299 people losing their lives. The state has seen 18 fewer road fatalities in 2023 than this time last year
