Queensland motorists are being warned of an upcoming rise in fines, as the state government locks in a 3.5 per cent increase to infringement penalties from the 2025-26 financial year.
Dylan Anderson
Under Queensland law, the government can automatically raise fines by 3.5 per cent unless the Treasurer signs off on a different adjustment before the end of March. Treasurer David Janetzki's office has confirmed no changes will be made to the default rate.
What Fines Will Look Like After the Increase
The updated penalties mean:
- Drivers caught speeding up to 10km/h over the limit will be fined $333, up by $11.
- Speeding more than 40km/h over the limit will attract a fine of about $1,918, an increase of $65.
- Failing to wear a seatbelt or using a mobile phone while driving will result in a fine of around $1,250, up by $42.
- Disobeying a stop sign will cost drivers about $500, increasing by $17.
- Running a red light will now incur a penalty of $667, up by $22.
The new fines are expected to be officially confirmed through updated regulations later this year.
Revenue Impact
According to the state budget, fines and forfeitures are projected to bring in $912 million for Queensland by 2025-26, a significant jump from the $794 million forecast for 2024-25.
Previous Increases
In recent years, fines have increased by more than the default rate:
- 4.2 per cent in 2024-25
- 7.7 per cent in 2023-24
This steady rise reflects a broader strategy to promote road safety and increase compliance.
Dylan Anderson
Spike in Unpaid Fines
Data shows the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) is currently pursuing:
- Over $110 million in unpaid mobile phone fines.
- Approximately $51 million in unpaid seatbelt fines.
- More than $300 million in outstanding speeding fines.
While the number of unpaid fines dropped from 833,923 to 748,924 between 2021 and 2024, the overall dollar value has surged.
Privacy Concerns Over Cameras
As high-tech detection cameras continue to issue fines, civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the collection of "quasi-intimate" images, particularly those capturing drivers inside vehicles. Advocates are urging the Queensland Government to release findings from privacy reviews related to the new camera systems.
Government Response
A SPER spokesperson said the enforcement measures play a crucial role in road safety.
"Speeding, failing to wear seatbelts, and distracted driving are all contributors to lives lost on our roads and are all avoidable. Camera-detected fines are an important enforcement tool for making our roads safe," they said.
The fine increases form part of a broader effort to tackle road trauma and encourage safer driving behaviour across Queensland.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
