Australia is preparing for what may become the costliest year ever for traffic infringement activities, as new penalties are expected to arise. Fines are estimated to reach a jaw-dropping $980 million. With new enforcement mechanisms and much stricter rules on fines for traffic violations, state governments are trying to reap maximum benefits.
Queensland Has the Most Fines
The state is also on track to meet its 3.5% fine revenue growth target as of 07/01/2025. The fines for mobile phone use while driving increased to $1209, and $1,252. and 1-10 km/h low grade speeding violations also saw a massive spike from $145 to $333. With such taxes and a persistent increase in fine revenue, Queensland is expected to become the leader by a mile.
Technology Assisting Collection and Revenue
The use of state-of-the-art detection cameras has changed the game for fine collection across the whole of Australia. The newly introduced mobile phone detection cameras in Queensland in 2021 have significantly increased the number of infringement notices issued. Prior to the implementation of these technologies, there was a staggering $8.7 million in unpaid fines. This amount has now increased to $110 million, and there are more than 100,000 unpaid fines pending collection.
Broadening The Scope of Enforcement
The trend isn’t limited to individual s\states. On the 1st of August, 2025, Australia introduced more than 60 new traffic offenses. Some of these new offenses include driving in EV-only lanes with a non electric vehicle for $250, using smartwatches while driving for $500, and tailgating in high-speed zones for $400.
Road Safety vs Revenue Concerns
Governments always seem to increase road safety fines to increase revenues, and critics vehemently argue against the fines as the growing revenue proves heightened focus on profit and not safety. Just look at Queensland, the road toll increased by 10% in 2024, bringing the total deaths to 302. It certainly makes one question the usefulness of raised fines as a safety measure.
