There’s no doubt speeding is a dangerous driving behaviour, and a major contributor to fatal crashes.1 In Queensland alone, one in four road deaths in 2020 were the result of crashes involving speeding drivers1 – and in 2022, the state introduced tougher penalties in an attempt to curb these high-risk behaviours.2 So if you regularly drive in the Sunshine State, it can be a good idea to understand the speeding fines in Queensland.
Below, we’ve put together a guide to the laws and penalties that apply to speeding in Queensland, including a breakdown of speed limits, fines and demerit points, and how Queensland’s new penalties compare to other states and territories in Australia.
Speeding fines Qld: Tougher penalties imposed
According to Joanna Robinson, General Manager (Land Transport Safety and Regulation) at the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, the higher fines for speeding in Queensland were imposed because “we were still seeing some high-risk behaviours on the network”.
“Penalties and demerit points are very much effective in deterring motorists, and changing driver behaviour and attitudes of road users,” says Robinson.
From 1 July 2022, the state imposed tougher penalties for high-risk driving behaviours including speeding, failure to wear a correctly fitted seatbelt, and disobeying traffic lights.2 As an example of the increased penalties, driving less than 11km/h over the speed limit in Queensland can now attract a fine of $309,3 up from the previous amount of $287.2
But while the fines for speeding in Queensland have increased, the road rules for speeding have remained the same.2 In addition to driving over the speed limit, penalties for speeding in Queensland apply to driving at an unsafe speed when approaching children’s and pedestrian crossings.3
How much are fines for speeding in Qld?
The amount you might pay for speeding in Queensland can depend on how far over the speed limit you were travelling when you were caught. Below is an overview of Queensland speeding fines and the associated number of demerit points for each offence.3
| Offence | Fine | Demerit points |
| Driving less than 11km/h over the speed limit | $309 | 1 |
| Driving at least 11km/h, but not more than 20km/h, over the speed limit | $464 | 3 |
| Driving more than 20km/h, but not more than 30km/h, over the speed limit | $696 | 4 |
| Driving more than 30km/h, but not more than 40km/h, over the speed limit | $1,161 | 6 |
| Driving more than 40km/h over the speed limit | $1,780 | 8 |
| Driving at an unsafe speed when approaching a children’s crossing | Court imposed | 3 |
| Driving at an unsafe speed when approaching a pedestrian crossing | Court imposed | 3 |
Click here for a full list of Qld speeding (and other) offences and penalties.3
According to Robinson, this combination of penalties is designed to deter people from dangerous driving. “The research has shown that the use of monetary penalties, demerit points and also the threat of someone losing their licence is effective,” she says.
“Queenslanders report that the risk of being caught for these types of illegal behaviours is a key reason they comply with the road rules.”
How does the number of demerit points affect my licence?
The number of demerit points you can have on your licence before you receive a sanction depends on your licence type. In Queensland, the demerit point limits are:4
- Learner licence: Four or more points
- Provisional licence: Four or more points
- Open licence: 12 or more points.4
If you get more demerit points than your licence type allows, your licence might be suspended or you may have to serve a good driving behaviour period. Demerit points last one year from the date of offence for learner, provisional and probationary licence holders in Queensland. For open licence holders, demerit points last three years.4
Queensland also has a double demerit points system which is slightly different from other states and territories in Australia. While in New South Wales, for example, double demerits apply during certain holiday periods,5 in Queensland they apply year-round for certain offences if they’re committed more than once within a 12-month period.6 This means if you’re caught committing certain speeding offences in Queensland twice within a year, you could have your licence suspended.
“Demerit points are a significant deterrent. For some people, demerit points are a bigger deterrent than fines, because if I lose my licence it affects my job, it affects the fact I can’t take my kids to school, it affects a whole range of things,” says Robinson.
Queensland drivers can check the number of demerit points on their licence online.7
How do I pay speeding fines in Qld?
If you do get caught speeding in Queensland, it might help to understand how to pay your fines.
The Queensland Government gives drivers 28 days from the issue date of a fine or infringement to pay it in full. You might also be able to set up a payment plan for fines of $200 or more.8
In many cases, you should be able to pay your fine online.9 However, the Queensland Government website also contains information on other ways you can pay.8
If you receive a fine and you’re not responsible, you also have 28 days from the day the fine was issued to transfer the fine or dispute it in court.8
How do Qld speeding fines in 2023 compare to other states?
The 2022 revision of penalties means that, in many instances, the fines for speeding in Queensland are higher than in neighbouring states and territories. For instance, where driving less than 11km/h over the speed limit in Queensland could cost you $309,3 in the Northern Territory, it might cost you $150.10 Meanwhile, in NSW, a similar offence could attract a fine of $137.11
Speeding fines differ between states and territories in Australia, so if you’re driving interstate, it could be worth getting up to speed on what the rules are where you’re headed.
It pays to remember that your traffic history may impact your car insurance premiums, with licence suspensions and demerit points incurred often considered by some insurers12 when they set your car insurance premium. That’s another good reason to watch your speed while driving in Queensland.
Note: Information in this article is relevant as of October 2023 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant government websites for updates if this information is important to you.
Article by guest writer Alice Wasley
1 Source: Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety Queensland – Speeding, 2021
2 Source: Qld Government – Increased penalties for dangerous driving behaviours
3 Source: Qld Government – Demerit points schedule
4 Source: Qld Government – About demerit points
5 Source: NSW Government – How demerit points work
6 Source: Qld Government – Double demerit points
7 Source: Qld Government – Check my demerit points
8 Source: Qld Government – How to pay a fine
9 Source: Qld Government – Pay a fine
10 Source: NT Government – Traffic offence fines and demerit points
11 Source: NSW Government – Search offences and penalties
12 Source: Canstar – Do demerit points affect your car insurance premiums?, 2023
