Motorists in Queensland have been hit with some of the harshest penalties in the country, contributing to a staggering $464.3 million in traffic fine revenue for the 2023–2024 financial year.

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Despite a noticeable drop in infringement numbers, the state's earnings from traffic penalties have almost tripled since 2019–2020, when $171.2 million was collected. The surge in revenue reflects an increase in fine amounts, not necessarily a rise in offences.

Fewer Offences, More Revenue

Speeding fines have actually declined, with 177,018 issued in 2024, down from 254,370 in 2020—a reduction of over 30%. Red light offences saw a smaller decline, from 28,372 in 2020 to 26,783 this financial year. However, the financial return has climbed significantly due to tougher fine amounts.

The Price of Low-Level Speeding

Most of the revenue came from low-range speeding fines. Drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by just 1–10km/h were fined $322 per offence. For comparison:

  • Queensland: $322
  • New South Wales: $145
  • Victoria: $240

The penalty structure makes Queensland the most expensive state for minor speeding violations.

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Fines Set to Increase Again

The Queensland Government states that these fine increases are adjusted annually in line with inflation. As of July 1, 2025, several penalties are set to rise again. For instance, the fine for using a mobile phone while driving will increase from $1210 to $1252.

Rising Road Toll

While financial penalties have increased, road safety outcomes remain a concern. Queensland recorded 302 road deaths in 2024, a 10.2% increase from the previous year. The rolling 12-month total currently stands at 292 fatalities—1.7% higher than the prior period.

This rise in fatalities outpaces the national average increase of 0.9%. Queensland's toll is now second only to New South Wales, which recorded 348 road deaths.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. CarExplore does not set or enforce traffic laws and is not liable for the accuracy of third-party data sources.

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