As the cost of living continues to rise, so too does the price of getting caught breaking the rules.

In the coming months, millions of Aussie drivers could face more expensive fines, with one state government planning an increase in penalties starting next financial year.

Queensland drivers have been warned about the state government's plans to increase fines by 3.5 per cent.

By law, the government is bound to this default rate.

This could be the case unless Treasurer David Janetzki decides to approve a different rate.

Drivers in Queensland could face higher fines if they break the law. Image Credit: Pexels/Valeriia Miller

For the upcoming financial year, Janetzki confirmed that fines will be capped at the 3.5 per cent mark.

This rate provided a consistent and predictable framework for fine adjustments and could reduce the need for frequent government intervention.

These increases aren't new and have been upward for a while.

Last year, fines increased by 4.2 per cent, and in 2023, the penalties had a massive 7.7 per cent rise.

The annual adjustment of state government fines in Queensland has been pegged to a default rate of 3.5 per cent.

The Treasurer's decision, typically made before the end of March, considered various factors, including cost-of-living pressures, the state's revenue needs, and the effectiveness of fines as a tool for law enforcement.

'Any change will be applied in accordance with the process under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992,' Treasurer Janetzki stated in an interview.

For drivers who like to push the speedometer, getting caught speeding up to 10 kilometres per hour over the limit should now cost you $333—an $11 hike from last year.

Drivers caught checking their phones while driving or not wearing seat belts correctly get ready for a $1,250 fine—a $42 increase from its previous amount.

For drivers who disregard stop signs or fail to yield to pedestrians, a $500 penalty could be waiting—up $17 from the last financial year.

Lastly, travelling more than 40 km/h over the speed limit could result in a massive $1,918 fine, a $65 increase from the current rates.

The anticipated revenue from these increased fines and forfeitures should contribute a whopping $912 million to the 2025-26 budget.

This projected amount was a significant jump from the $794 million projected for the 2024-25 financial year and an even more significant increase from the $741 million the year before.

In 2021, the Queensland government introduced advanced detection cameras across the state.

These cameras have significantly increased the number of infringements issued to drivers.

These high-tech cameras catch drivers using their phones and those not wearing seatbelts.

Since their installation, the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) saw unpaid fines soar from $8.7 million to $110 million, with over 100,000 unpaid fines currently being pursued.

Additionally, there are about $51 million in unpaid seatbelt-related fines on the books.

With steep penalties in place, it's crucial to adhere to the road rules.

Not only do they ensure everyone's safety, but they also protect wallets from taking a hit.

Key Takeaways

• Queensland's state government is scheduled to increase fines by 3.5 per cent starting the next financial year.
• Speeding and other traffic offences should incur significantly higher penalties.
• The increase was part of an effort to maintain the deterrent effect of penalties over time.
• The Treasurer confirmed the cap at 3.5 per cent and noted that changes are made in accordance with the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992.

What are your thoughts on the increased fines? Have you adjusted your driving habits in response to the higher penalties? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let's help each other stay safe and fine-free on the roads.

 

[Luckyus]

As people stop smoking? you can expect all fines to substantially increase.

 

[Zemo]

A piddling $151 million in unpaid fines? A projected $912 million to be raised in the upcoming year? Why worry about the first lot when they can simply up the fines whenever they like? Just like the beer tax, every six months regardless ...

 

[NotNats]

In a country were owning a vehicle is nearly mandatory because public transport is woefully bad or inadequacy (lack off). This is just a cheap and nasty way of trying to fix the problem. And it mainly only targets the people who can't afford travel.

 

[Catherines]

A piddling $151 million in unpaid fines? A projected $912 million to be raised in the upcoming year? Why worry about the first lot when they can simply up the fines whenever they like? Just like the beer tax, every six months regardless ...

Do you wish to be kept safe on the road either as a driver or a pedestrian? If so, don’t complain about fines. You do the right thing and it won’t affect you.

 

[Catherines]

In a country were owning a vehicle is nearly mandatory because public transport is woefully bad or inadequacy (lack off). This is just a cheap and nasty way of trying to fix the problem. And it mainly only targets the people who can't afford travel.

Not about targeting - it’s about keeping ALL of us safe, drivers and pedestrians.

 

[Zemo]

Do you wish to be kept safe on the road either as a driver or a pedestrian? If so, don’t complain about fines. You do the right thing and it won’t affect you.

If I do the right thing, it won't affect anybody. What about those druvers who just don't give a stuff? Does the amount of money in unpaid fines indicate that there could be a fair proportion of drivers who just don't care? And if, by some chance, they do get caught breaking the law for the umpteenth time, they'll just continue to ignore the fines and continue on their merry, uncaring, up-yours, Jack way.

 

[Winks]

If I do the right thing, it won't affect anybody. What about those druvers who just don't give a stuff? Does the amount of money in unpaid fines indicate that there could be a fair proportion of drivers who just don't care? And if, by some chance, they do get caught breaking the law for the umpteenth time, they'll just continue to ignore the fines and continue on their merry, uncaring, up-yours, Jack way.

Until a warrant is issued!

 

[freedy50]

So they admit it's partly to do with revenue raising.

"The Treasurer's decision, typically made before the end of March, considered various factors, including cost-of-living pressures, the state's revenue needs, and the effectiveness of fines as a tool for law enforcement."

"The anticipated revenue from these increased fines and forfeitures should contribute a whopping $912 million to the 2025-26 budget."

 

[riskydave]

If they are out in the open all good if you do something wrong but not hiding behind a tree 10 yards after a speed advisory sign so they get you speeding up just before the sign like they do in Victoria, no wonder they got the deserved nick name they have.

 

[Zemo]

So they admit it's partly to do with revenue raising.

"The Treasurer's decision, typically made before the end of March, considered various factors, including cost-of-living pressures, the state's revenue needs, and the effectiveness of fines as a tool for law enforcement."

"The anticipated revenue from these increased fines and forfeitures should contribute a whopping $912 million to the 2025-26 budget."

Never, never! No such thing as plundering the public purse to raise money for their well-paid superannuation ...

 

[Zemo]

Until a warrant is issued!

First, softly, softly, catchee monkey..
That's if you can find the tree where monkey lives.

 

[Towing]

I hope they use at least some of the funds on road improvements....and do them properly. It might save a few accidents and loss of life or injuries requiring increased allowance of health services