Debt collectors pursue more than 40,000 unpaid Queensland seatbelt fines

The number of unpaid seatbelt fines in Queensland has more than doubled in the past two years, with drivers owing the state government nearly $33 million. Key points: The state government increased the value of seatbelt fines from $413 to $1,078 in July last year Seatbelt offences have been targeted by new cameras on Queensland roads since November 2021 The government says SPER will take "tough action" against those who refuse to pay their fine The spike comes after the penalty for not wearing a seatbelt was increased to more than $1,000 in July last year, which followed the deployment of offence-detecting cameras on Queensland roads in late 2021. Higher fines for offences The government increased the penalty for not wearing a seatbelt in July last year from $413 to $1,078 as part of a new road safety strategy aimed at reducing fatalities on the roads. 'Consequences can be serious' A government spokesperson said SPER actively targeted debtors who continued to offend and incur large numbers of traffic fines, particularly red light, speeding, mobile phone, and seatbelt offences.