NEW PHONE LAWS FOR QLD

$1000 Fine and Four Demerit Points

Using your phone while driving is now a lot more expensive in Queensland. If caught using your phone behind the wheel, the fine will cost you $1000 and four demerit points. Don’t learn your lesson and get caught again within 12 months? You’ll cop double demerit points, and might lose your licence.

Previously, the fine was $400 and three demerit points, and the same double demerit penalty for repeat offenders. However, the new fines may not have sunk in for most as over $218,000 worth of fines were issued in the first week of the laws coming into effect.

Cameras introduced in New South Wales to detect mobile phone usage will also be trialled in Queensland, increasing the capability to catch drivers using their phones.

If you’re a learner or P1 driver under 25, you aren’t able to use your mobile phone, even if it’s connected to a handsfree device or via the loudspeaker (even from any of their passengers).

On average, 25 people are killed and 1235 seriously injured each year in the state according to the Queensland Government related to driver distraction.