Roadside cameras that detect drivers illegally using mobile phones and not wearing a seatbelt will start appearing on Queensland roads from today, 26 July.
However, people caught breaking the law will not face fines before 1 November.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the fixed and portable cameras would operate on urban and regional roads, but no fines would be imposed for the next three months.
Mr Bailey said drivers doing the wrong thing needed to change their dangerous behaviour before penalties were issued.
“Until 31 October, those caught by the cameras will not be fined,” he said. “Instead, they will receive a warning letter advising them that they’ve been caught. From 1 November all bets are off.”
Drivers caught on camera from 1 November will receive a $1033 fine and four demerit points for mobile phone offences and a $413 fine and three demerit points for each vehicle occupant detected not wearing a seatbelt.
“Our message has been direct and simple: just put your phone away,” Mr Bailey said. “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. These deaths and injuries could have been prevented.”
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