Drivers warned their cars and wages could be seized over $160 million in unpaid fines
Drivers in one Aussie state are being told to cough up or risk getting their wages and cars seized after it emerged a staggering $160 million in seatbelt and mobile phone fines remains unpaid.
Queensland motorists have 28 days to pay a seatbelt fine. Failure to take action within this period results in the matter being referred to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER), which can then initiate strict enforcement measures.
Data shared with Yahoo News Australia by SPER, a division of Queensland's Revenue Office, shows the number of unpaid fines has increased significantly from 28,210 in 2019 to 56,162 in 2024. In that time, the total balance owed surged from $9,076,430 to $50,957,449 — a more than a fivefold increase.
The most dramatic spikes occurred between 2022 and 2024, with the balance rising from $13.8 million in mid-2022 to $50.9 million by the end of 2024. Speaking to Yahoo, a SPER spokesperson urged Queensland drivers to take fines seriously.
"Seatbelts must be worn properly to avoid serious injury and save lives. Most people do the right thing and pay. However, if they don't, the unpaid fine is referred to SPER for collection," the spokesperson said.
In the state, the penalty for not wearing a seatbelt is a $1,209 fine and four demerit points for both drivers and passengers aged 16 years or older – but it's about to go up to $1,250. Drivers are responsible for ensuring all passengers under 16 are properly restrained and may be fined for each unrestrained or incorrectly restrained passenger.
In addition to the unpaid seatbelt fines data also shows unpaid mobile phone-related fines referred to SPER massively spiked in recent years, in both the number of debts and the total amount owed.
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From 2019 to 2021, figures remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 19,963 and 22,434, with balances around $7.5 million to $9.7 million. But a major surge occurred between 2021 and 2022, with the number of debts skyrocketing from 20,754 to 85,390, and the total balance jumping almost tenfold from $9.7 million to $87.9 million. Unpaid mobile phone fines reached 102,623 by the end of 2024, and the outstanding balance swelled to $109.8 million.
Like the seatbelt-related fines, these include handwritten and camera-detected fines and apply to Queensland, interstate and overseas debtors.Tough action taken against drivers who refuse to pay their debt
The spokesperson explained a whole range of enforcement measures could be taken if people actively avoid paying what they owe. "Where people continue to avoid paying their debt, SPER will take enforcement action, including seizure and sale of their vehicle or other property, suspending their driver licence, and garnisheeing their wages or bank accounts," they said.
The spokesperson says enforcement action comes "at the end of a long process where people have had multiple opportunities" to deal with their debt. Those experiencing financial hardship were encouraged to reach out to discuss payment options.
The high level of unpaid fines could indicate that current penalties are not effective in changing driver behaviour. If a significant number of people are failing to pay their seatbelt fines, it might suggest the financial penalty is not a strong enough deterrent.
The sheer volume of unpaid fines could also be an indicator that many drivers simply cannot afford to pay, in the midst of the ongoing cost of living crisis. It has been argued penalties might disproportionately impact low-income individuals rather than effectively change behaviour.
Yahoo has questioned the state's Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Department for their view on the matter. And while a spokesperson demonstrated a willingness to look into the query, no response had been received at the time of publishing.
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