With the school holidays upon us, road safety and road user behaviour is high on the Sunshine Coast police radar.
It is up to motorists to take care on our roads and be safe, responsible drivers.
Three of the main offences are mobile phone use, speeding and seatbelts, so here is a guide to the offences and penalties.
Mobile phones
It is 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 (even if stopped in traffic).
Additionally, Learner and P1 drivers under 25 must not use hands-free, wireless headsets or a mobile phone’s loudspeaker function.
Penalties
- $1033 and four demerit points.
- Double demerit points apply for second or subsequent mobile phone offences committed within one year of an earlier offence.
- Further fines may apply if the driver does not remain in proper control of the vehicle and drive with due care and attention.
Speeding
On average, 56 people are killed and 317 seriously injured each year on Queensland roads as a result of speed related crashes. Drive within the speed limits.
Penalties
- Less than 13km/h over the speed limit $183 and one demerit point.
- At least 13km/h but not more than 20km/h over the speed limit $275 and three demerit points.
- More than 20km/h but not more than 30km/h over the speed limit $459 and four demerit points.
- More than 30km/h but not more than 40km/h over the speed limit $643 and six demerit points.
- More than 40km/h over the speed limit $1,286, eight demerit points and six-month suspension.
Seatbelts
Your seatbelt can be the difference between life and death.
A crash without one at just 40km/h has the same impact as falling from a two-storey building.
Penalties
- $413 and three demerit points.
- Second offence is double demerit points, so a $413 fine and six demerit points.
- As the driver you are responsible for the safety of your passenger. If a passenger is unbuckled the driver will receive a fine of $413 and a loss of three demerit points per unbuckled passenger.
Please travel safely and take care on the roads over these holidays.
This column is compiled by the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
