Taking a road trip across Australia can be an incredible experience, but if you have a heavy foot or a habit of checking your phone at traffic lights, you might want to rethink your itinerary. A new study has analysed driving fines across the country, and one state is standing out for all the wrong reasons.
Queensland has officially been named the strictest state in Australia when it comes to road penalties, earning a flawless (and rather intimidating) 100 out of 100 strictness score. Compare the Market recently evaluated the costs of four common driving offences across all Australian states and territories. If you happen to live in or plan on visiting the Sunshine State, you will want to double-check that your seatbelt is firmly fastened before you turn the key.
Breaking Down the Queensland Penalties
The research looked at the financial costs of minor speeding, running a red light, failing to wear a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone while driving. Unsurprisingly, Queensland recorded the highest penalty for every single category analysed.
A minor speeding fine in Queensland will set you back $345, while accidentally running a red light costs an eye-watering $690. But it is the distracted driving and passenger safety penalties that will really hurt your wallet. Both seatbelt and mobile phone offences carry a massive $1,295 fine. That is more than enough to completely ruin a holiday budget or put a serious dent in your savings account.
How the Rest of the Country Compares
Coming in second place is South Australia with a strictness score of 56.96. While the fines are slightly more forgiving than in Queensland, South Australian drivers still face a $323 penalty for minor speeding and $620 for a red-light offence. Using a mobile phone will cost you $700, and failing to wear a seatbelt results in a $571 ticket.
The Australian Capital Territory takes third place, scoring 49.90. The ACT enforces a $615 penalty for using a phone behind the wheel and $574 for driving without a seatbelt. Their minor speeding fine sits at $325, proving that getting caught going just a few kilometres over the limit is an expensive mistake anywhere on the eastern seaboard.
Victoria and New South Wales round out the top five. Victoria scored 39.35, and New South Wales scored 22.94. New South Wales is notably cheaper for minor speeding, with a fine of just $136, compared to Victoria’s $261.
The Cheapest State to Make a Mistake
On the other end of the scale, Tasmania has been named the most lenient state, scoring just 0.26 out of 100. In the Apple Isle, a minor speeding ticket costs a relatively modest $102.50. Seatbelt and mobile phone fines are also the lowest in the country at $410 each, while running a red light will cost you $195.
Western Australia and the Northern Territory also offer lower penalties, scoring 11.80 and 12.46 respectively.
Why This Matters for Motorists
According to Adrian Taylor, Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance, many motorists fail to factor in the risk of fines when budgeting for their vehicle expenses.
“Fines are often an overlooked cost when it comes to cars, as many don’t plan for them to happen,” he explained. “Understanding local traffic rules, the harshness of certain penalties, and even common driving behaviours can help reduce the risk of unexpected costs, especially when driving in unfamiliar areas.”
With school holidays and festive seasons always prompting an increase in interstate travel, this data serves as a timely reminder to pay attention to the road. No matter which state you are driving in, keeping your eyes on the road, staying under the speed limit, and leaving your phone in your pocket remains the smartest financial decision you can make.
