From July 2025, Queenslanders will see a 3.5% rise in all state government fines, as part of an automatic annual adjustment under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992.
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What This Means for Drivers
Motorists should expect the following updated penalties:
- Speeding up to 10kph over the limit: $333 (up $11)
- Speeding more than 40kph over the limit: $1,918 (up $65)
- Using a mobile phone while driving: Approx. $1,250 (up $42)
- Failing to wear a seatbelt: Approx. $1,250 (up $42)
- Disobeying a stop sign: $500 (up $17)
- Running a red light: $667 (up $22)
These increases follow Treasurer David Janetzki's decision to apply the default hike, with no alternative rate submitted before the March deadline.
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A Growing Revenue Stream
According to budget forecasts, the Queensland government expects to collect $794 million from fines and forfeitures in 2024-25, up from $741 million in the previous year. That figure is projected to reach $912 million by 2025-26.
Despite fewer individual fines, the value of unpaid debts is rising. The State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) is chasing:
- Over $300 million in unpaid speeding fines (up from $243 million in 2021)
- $110 million in unpaid mobile phone fines
- $51 million in unpaid seatbelt-related fines
Detection Cameras Behind the Rise
Much of the revenue increase is linked to Queensland’s high-tech enforcement rollout, including mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras. Civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the privacy implications of these devices, calling for the release of related government reviews.
TMR and SPER continue to defend the program, citing road safety benefits and increased compliance. “Camera-detected fines are an important enforcement tool for making our roads safe,” a SPER spokesperson said.
The 3.5% fine increase will be formally applied later in the year through a regulatory change.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
