More expensive road fines coming for millions of Aussie drivers within months
Drivers caught breaking the law on the road will soon cop even heftier fines in one state as the country's harshest government is again set to increase penalties for motorists.
Queensland's state government fines are scheduled to rise by 3.5 per cent starting next financial year, meaning anyone caught speeding up to 10 kilometres per hour over the speed limit will cop a $333 fine — a rise of $11 from last year.
The increase will mean anyone caught wearing their seatbelt incorrectly or using their phone behind the wheel will face a $1,250 infringement, up $42.
In 2024, the former Labor government hiked up infringements by 4.2 per cent for the 2024-25 financial year. While in 2023, they rose 7.7 per cent.
The annual increase in state government fines in Queensland is tied to a default rate of 3.5 per cent to ensure penalties maintain their deterrent effect over time. By law, the government can only raise fines by the default rate unless Treasurer David Janetzki approves a different increase by the end of March.
Janetzki confirmed fines will be capped at 3.5 per cent this coming financial year. The rate is built into legislation to provide a consistent and predictable framework for fine adjustments without requiring frequent government intervention.
The Treasurer's decision, typically made before the end of March each year, takes into account factors such as cost-of-living pressures, revenue needs and the effectiveness of fines in promoting compliance with laws. "Any change will be applied in accordance with the process under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992," a statement from Janetzki to the ABC read.
Those who disobey stop signs or fail to give way to a pedestrian will face a $500 fine, increasing by $17 from the last financial year. Drivers who are travelling more than 40km/h over the speed limit will cop a massive $1,918 fine, increasing by $65 from current rates.
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The increase in fines and forfeitures is anticipated to generate $912m in the 2025-26 budget, according to the report. Last year's budget had flagged revenue of $794m in the 2024-25 financial year, increasing from the $741m the year before.
In 2021, the state government introduced advanced detection cameras across Queensland, which have led to a large increase in the number of infringements handed out to drivers.
Prior to installing the hi-tech cameras – which target drivers using their phones and those not wearing seatbelts – the State Penalties Enforcement Registry was chasing $8.7m in unpaid fines. That figure has since jumped to $110m, with the SPER hunting down more than 100,000 unpaid fines.
There is also approximately $51m worth of unpaid seatbelt-related fines on the books.
Yahoo News Australia has contacted the Queensland Treasurer's office for comment.
with NCA Newswire
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