Drivers in one state cop $1,300 fine for breaking common road rule, tell me about this news in (https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/drivers-in-one-state-cop-1-300-fine-for-breaking-common-road-rule/ar-AA2cdJyM?ocid=BingNewsVerp)
15-09-2026
The news article refers to recent research on Australian driving penalties, highlighting that Queensland has the strictest traffic fines in the countryreaching nearly $1,300 ($1,295) for a single common offence.Key Details from the Report:
- The Offences: The hefty $1,295 fine applies specifically to drivers caught using a mobile phone while driving or failing to wear a seatbelt properly (which also applies if passengers are unrestrained).
- State Comparison: According to research from Compare the Market, Queensland tops Australia for penalty severity across major common offences:
- Queensland: $1,295 for mobile phone use or seatbelt violations, and $345 even for minor speeding.
- South Australia: The second highest, where mobile phone use carries a $700 fine.
- Tasmania: The most lenient state, where seatbelt or phone offences incur a $410 fineless than one-third of Queensland’s penalty.
- Warning to Motorists: Road safety experts and insurers noted that traffic penalties can create a significant unexpected financial burden, particularly for motorists travelling interstate who may be unaware of how severely certain states penalise everyday driving infractions.