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Roadside cameras to detect drivers unlawfully using their mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt will be assembled across Queensland roads today.
A mix of fixed and portable cameras will be installed, in both regional and urban areas of the state.
Illegal phone use includes anyone found with their phone in hand or resting on any part of their body when driving.
It remains an offence even if the driver is stopped in traffic, as well as if the phone’s turned off or not in use.
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Until 31 October, offending drivers will receive a warning letter advising they’ve been caught illegally using their phone or not wearing a seatbelt.
Fines won’t be issued for the two offences until November this year.
Illegal mobile phone use will attract a $1033 fine and a four-demerit points penalty, while those not wearing a seatbelt will receive a $413 fine and lose three demerit points.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the cameras were an important tool to make Queensland roads safer for all.
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"Whether you're in Far North Queensland, western Queensland, south-east Queensland, these cameras are coming, and this is a warning," Mr Bailey said.
“Using a mobile phone while driving has the same impact as getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol reading between 0.07 and 0.10.
"In 2020, 23 people lost their lives and 1475 were hospitalised because of distracted driving.
"43 people died and 187 were hospitalised because they were not wearing a seatbelt."
During the trial from July to December last year, 4.8 million vehicles were monitored.
Of these vehicles 15,000 mobile phone offences and 2,200 seatbelt offences were detected.
RACQ spokesperson Renee Smith said the Club welcomed the introduction of mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras across Queensland.
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“We know on average around 29 people are killed and more than a thousand others are seriously injured every year on Queensland roads as a result of crashes where driver distraction played a part,” Ms Smith said.
“More detailed rules around mobile phone use by drivers, along with greater enforcement of the road rules through these first-of-a-kind cameras, will help to reduce driver distraction and improve road safety in Queensland."
Mr Bailey warned that penalties for seatbelt offences may also increase.
“Seatbelts became compulsory almost 50 years ago because belting up saves lives, so we will look at options to increase penalties for not wearing a seatbelt so it aligns with distracted driving,” he said.
"Every dollar collected through these fines is invested back into making Queensland’s roads safer.”
Main points
- The new cameras are operating from today, though fines won’t be issued until November
- Mobile phone offences will attract a $1033 fine and four demerit points penalty
- It follows a six-month trial last year, in which more than 17,000 offences were detected
