Bruce Highway in Caboolture, one of the 10 worst crash hotspots in Queensland, has been the site of numerous crashes due to distracted driving. Cameras catching drivers using their mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts, previously deployed on trial, will now roll out permanently beginning 26 July, with hefty fines to be imposed beginning November 2021.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey confirmed that the cameras, trialled from July to December 2020, will remain in place as the State Government establishes its $1.69 billion road safety plan.
“Our message has always been direct and very simple: just put your phone away,” the minister said.
Highlights
- Camera detection of drivers on their phones or not using seatbelts will become permanent beginning 26 July 2021.
- The collection of fines will start on 1 Nov 2021.
- Drivers caught using their phone will incur four demerit points and a $1,033 fine.
- Drivers caught using their phone will incur three demerit points and a $413 fine.
“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.
“We successfully trialled these cameras last year, and have been talking about them coming to Queensland roads for two years.”
Proper Mobile Phone Use on the Road
Per the TMR site, “it will be illegal to hold a mobile phone in your hand or have it resting on any part of your body, such as your lap, when driving. This applies even if you’re stopped in traffic.”
To properly use a mobile on the road and avoid distracted driving, drivers have to find a place to park and stop their car and then make their calls or text. TMR will allow mobile phones on cradles attached to the car to allow the drivers to navigate GPS apps, play music, accept a phone call, or accept/finish a trip (for rideshare drivers). Cradles provide drivers hands-free use of their phones while driving but it should be positioned in a way that will not obscure the driver’s view.
Drivers can hold their phones, while safely stopped, for the following instances:
- pay for goods and services, for example at a drive-through
- gain access to or from a road-related area, such as a car park
- present a digital driver licence or other document to police when asked
- get a card or money out of a phone wallet for the above purposes
Penalties if Caught by Camera
Some of the cameras are going to be portable and mobile, moving in different secret spots to catch erring drivers who could be “caught anywhere, anytime, whether they’re driving in the city or on a regional highway.”
However, TMR will start collecting the $1,033 fine and four demerit points by 1 Nov 2021. Double demerit points will apply for subsequent offences committed within a year of the first offence.
In addition to the mobile phone use penalty, drivers who fail to wear a seatbelt will also be fined $413 and three demerit points.
“Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, the risk is the same and so are the penalties. Drivers can also be fined and lose points for every passenger in the vehicle who isn’t buckled up, regardless of their age,” Mr Bailey said.
For more information on road safety, visit Street Smarts.
