Queensland motorists are being urged to prepare for sweeping changes to traffic enforcement rules, set to take effect nationwide from 1 July 2025. As part of a nationwide road safety reform, the Federal Government is implementing harsher penalties for a wide range of traffic offences, with the aim of reducing fatalities and improving driver behaviour.
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Speeding and Reckless Driving to Cost More
Speeding fines across Australia will rise sharply. In some cases, the increase exceeds 40 per cent. For instance, driving 10–20 km/h over the speed limit in NSW will now cost $580, up from $409. While QLD hasn’t released state-specific figures, the new national structure suggests a similar increase is on the cards.
Motorists caught speeding more than 30 km/h over the limit may face fines up to $1,600 and an immediate licence suspension. Dangerous manoeuvres like tailgating and aggressive overtaking will now attract fines between $500 and $1,200.
First-time hooning offences will result in fines as high as $2,500 and vehicle impoundment. Repeat offenders face permanent vehicle confiscation and possible jail time.
Mobile Phone Use Behind the Wheel: No More Warnings
QLD drivers caught using their phones while driving, even while stationary at lights, will now face a $700 fine and five demerit points. A second offence within 12 months could mean double the fine and a three-month suspension.
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Automated cameras and high-visibility policing operations will increase across QLD to ensure compliance.
Seatbelt and Child Restraint Offences Ramp Up
Not wearing a seatbelt will attract a $600 fine and six demerit points. Improperly securing a child in the correct restraint could lead to a $1,000 penalty and a licence review.
Taxi and rideshare drivers will be especially monitored, with random compliance checks to begin in mid-July.
Enhanced Policing and Surveillance
To support these changes, QLD Police will launch coordinated enforcement blitzes from July. These include:
- More roadside drug and alcohol testing
- Spot licence checks
- Advanced number plate recognition
- Increased use of phone detection cameras
The National Transport Commission is also working on a nationwide offender tracking system, due for rollout in September 2025.
More Than Just Fines
While the financial penalties are steep, the government’s strategy is focused on preventing accidents before they happen. Authorities are banking on these measures to change driver behaviour, not just punish it.
Repeat offences, especially those involving mobile phones and speeding, will now come with licence suspensions and increased demerit points, creating long-term consequences for reckless driving.
What It Means for QLD Drivers
For Queenslanders, this marks one of the biggest traffic enforcement changes in years. It’s a shift toward national consistency, with every motorist expected to understand the risks and penalties involved in daily driving.
With fines higher than ever and technology more intrusive than before, drivers must stay informed and compliant. The message is clear: safety isn’t optional, and reckless driving will carry a steep cost.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
