The nation’s toughest driving fines have been identified in new Compare the Market research, which examined penalties across Australia for minor speeding, running a red light, failing to wear a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving.
One state ranked first overall, recording the highest fines in the country across all four offences analysed. A minor speeding offence there attracts a $345 fine, running a red light costs $690, and both seatbelt and mobile phone offences carry penalties of $1295.
Those figures were significantly higher than the jurisdiction ranked second, South Australia. There, drivers face a $323 fine for minor speeding, $620 for running a red light, $571 for not wearing a seatbelt and $700 for using a mobile phone while driving.
The Australian Capital Territory placed third in the rankings, with fines of $325 for minor speeding, $522 for a red light offence, $574 for a seatbelt breach and $615 for mobile phone use. Victoria was fourth, where motorists are fined $261 for minor speeding, $523 for running a red light, $418 for failing to wear a seatbelt and $627 for phone use.
New South Wales ranked fifth, with a $136 fine for minor speeding, $562 for running a red light, and $423 penalties for both seatbelt and mobile phone offences. The Northern Territory was sixth, with fines of $150 for minor speeding, $240 for running a red light, and $500 for both seatbelt and phone breaches.
Western Australia came seventh, where minor speeding costs $100, a red light offence is $300, a seatbelt breach attracts $550 and using a mobile phone costs $500. Tasmania recorded the lowest penalties in the country, ranking eighth with fines of $103 for minor speeding, $195 for running a red light, and $410 for both seatbelt and mobile phone offences.
Tasmania’s seatbelt and mobile phone fines are less than one-third of the amount charged in the top-ranked state for the same offences.
That leading state was Queensland, which Compare the Market found had the strictest driving fines in Australia across all four categories measured.
The data highlights the wide variation in road penalties nationwide and serves as a timely warning for motorists planning to drive across state borders during holiday periods.
“Fines are often an overlooked cost when it comes to cars, as many don’t plan for them to happen,” Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, said.
“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.”
