Revealed: Most expensive driving fines in Oz
One state tops all with a whopping $10K fine, while illegal phone use could cost you triple depending on the stateThe News
Driving related fines don’t often come cheap but data from insurance comparison site iSelect has revealed just how expensive the penalties can be when you break a road-related law, with some states fining motorists almost triple for breaking the same law.
The Key Details
- NSW dishes out the most expensive fines for speeding
- QLD has some of the most expensive fines overall
- Illegal phone use will cost you $1000-plus in QLD and WA
The Finer Details
Queensland is the state with the most expensive penalty, issuing a whopping $10,676 fine for driving an uninsured vehicle, while driving with an unrestrained dog could cost you a hefty $8625.
Meanwhile, NSW is home to most expensive speeding fine, with drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by 45km/h or more ($3045 fine and six demerits), despite SA and Queensland issuing heftier fines for those caught speeding between 10-15km/h, 15-30km/h and 30-40km/h, compared to NSW.
When it comes to use of a mobile phone behind the wheel, the penalties are harshest in Queensland ($1251), followed by WA ($1000) and ACT ($674).
Another big one for Queensland? Seatbelts.
If a driver or passenger isn’t wearing their seatbelt correctly adjusted or fastened, those in QLD can be hit with a $1251 fine, while the same offence costs $423 in NSW, $407 in Victoria, and $574 in the ACT.
Running a red light will also incur the largest fine in Queensland ($667) and SA ($573), while Tasmania and the NT have the highest penalties of all states and territories for those caught smoking in the car with children under the age of 16 (up to $2980 in NT).
The Northern Territory has the cheapest fines when it comes to most of the offences looked at by iSelect– aside from smoking with kids in the car – however, driving an uninsured vehicle is one of the priciest offences ($1500).
Fines for those driving with an unrestrained dog also differ greatly, with fines as low as $100 in the NT and as much as $8625 in Queensland. In NSW the fine ranges from $2200-5500, and in the ACT, it’s $3200.
The Road Ahead
iSelect collated the cost of various fines issued in Australia for offences such as speeding, running a red light, not wearing a seatbelt, driving uninsured or transporting an unrestrained dog.
So, while the list covers common penalties, it doesn’t necessarily include the most expensive ones, which are often reserved for heavy-vehicle driving offences.
Related: The shocking rise of risky phone use while driving – and why drivers think it’s safe
Related: Stricter road rules coming July 1
Related: Deadly distractions: Shocking habits behind the wheel revealed
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