Queensland has sent a strong message to road rule breakers and fine dodgers, with a record 838 vehicles seized by the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) across 2024. The year-long blitz targeted repeat offenders who continue to ignore fines and road rules, especially during high-risk periods like the December holidays.
Dylan Anderson
From luxury sports cars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches to Teslas, high-end utes, and even boats and jet skis, SPER’s enforcement teams have acted to recover debts and hold dangerous drivers accountable.
Enforcement Across the State
SPER officers conducted targeted operations across Queensland:
- 94 vehicles seized on the Gold Coast
- 68 vehicles seized in Townsville and Cairns
- 31 vehicles seized in Central Queensland
In one major southeast Queensland operation alone, over 130 vehicles were seized from repeat fine defaulters.
A High-Risk Period for Road Safety
The December holiday season is one of the busiest and most dangerous times on Queensland roads. Fines related to speeding, red light offences, and other dangerous driving behaviours continue to dominate the list of unpaid penalties.
SPER officers are authorised to clamp and seize vehicles when debts are left unpaid. In 2024 alone, 109 vehicles were sold at auction after owners failed to settle their debts.
Government’s Message: Pay Your Fines or Face the Consequences
Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Home Ownership, David Janetzki, said the government is committed to enforcing road safety and ensuring accountability:
“Queenslanders expect that when people repeatedly endanger others on the roads and avoid paying their fines, they face the consequences.”
“At a time of year where we’re reminded to slow down and drive to the conditions, it’s important that those who refuse to do so face tough action.”
“If people refuse to pay their fines, they can expect that SPER officers will seize their vehicles and other property, including boats, trailers, motorbikes and jet skis.”
“The best way to avoid fines is to not commit road offences in the first place.”
Dylan Anderson
What SPER Has Recovered in 2024
- 838 vehicles seized, including luxury and recreational vehicles
- 109 vehicles sold at public auction
- Property recovered included SUVs, trailers, boats, and motorcycles
The Queensland Government continues to support road safety and ensure those who break the law—and ignore the consequences—are held to account. As enforcement actions ramp up during busy travel periods, Queenslanders are urged to follow the rules and pay any outstanding penalties before further action is taken.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
