When driving on the motorway or on main streets, one may notice different types of drivers. There are those who drive meticulously, following the rules of the road and making sure they are being careful behind the wheel. Then, there are those individuals who blatantly disregard traffic laws, endangering themselves and everyone around them. To help curb reckless driving in Queensland, different types of traffic cameras have been installed. It is important for everyone to be aware of the differences between the types of traffic cameras around Queensland.

Red Light Cameras

Out of all the types of traffic cameras, red light cameras are the most straightforward. Essentially, the purpose of red light cameras is to ensure drivers are coming to a full stop at red lights. If a vehicle fails to stop at a red light (meaning the vehicle crosses the white stop line when the traffic light has turned red) the camera takes a photo of that vehicle. As indicated in the name, these types of traffic cameras are located at intersections containing traffic lights.

Combined Red Light and Speed Cameras

Most types of traffic cameras have one function. However, the combined red light and speed cameras have a dual function: catching speeders and cars that fail to stop at a red light. What makes this camera especially dangerous to more reckless drivers is that it can capture both types of offences simultaneously, meaning that an individual can be charged with two penalties as opposed to one. These cameras operate 24/7, so it is especially important to watch one’s driving at intersections where these cameras are located.

Speed Cameras

It can be said that most individuals are aware of what a speed camera is. However, for those who are unaware, speed cameras measure a vehicle’s speed in relation to the posted speed limit in the camera’s location. If a driver is going a certain speed over the posted speed limit, a speed camera will take a picture of the vehicle and the driver will likely receive a fine. However, the vehicle owner may be charged with a high-speed offence if the camera catches the driver going 40km or more over the posted speed limit.

There are five types of speed cameras that drivers should be aware of:

1.  Mobile Speed Cameras: Speed cameras that can be moved to approved sites and are not fixed in a specific place are known as mobile speed cameras. There are two types of mobile speed cameras:
   1. Mobile Speed Cameras: Speed cameras located within a vehicle that is parked along the side of the road.
   2. Hand-held Speed Camera Devices: Speed cameras that are either held by an officer or placed on a tripod that is located on the side of the road.

• Fixed Speed Cameras: These are speed cameras that are installed on roads or at intersections and they cannot be moved. The locations of these are generally based on the high prevalence or risk of crashes on that stretch of road.
• Point-to-Point Speed Cameras: Point-to-point speed cameras are different from other types of speed cameras because they measure the speed of a vehicle between two points on a road. If the average speed between the two points exceeds the posted speed limit, the owner of the vehicle will receive a fine.
• Road Safety Camera Trailers: These speed cameras are installed on top of a small trailer and placed in areas where more traditional speed cameras are unsafe to use. However, they operate the same as mobile or fixed speed cameras.
• School Zone and Roadwork Speed Camera Signs Pilot: School Zone and roadwork speed cameras are the newest type of traffic camera. With the pilot program running through April of 2024, these cameras aim to integrate speed camera technology with speed signs. The implementation of this program is as follows:
  1. School Zones: These cameras operate during school hours and are attached to flashing school zone signs.
  2. Roadwork Signs: These cameras operate 24/7 and are mounted in a smart tracked platform in high-risk roadwork areas.

Both mobile and fixed speed cameras measure the speed of a vehicle in relation to the posted speed limit.

Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Cameras

One of the newer types of traffic cameras is mobile phone and seatbelt cameras. These cameras can detect if a driver is utilising their phone and/or if the driver and/or front seat passenger are not wearing their seatbelt correctly. To detect these offences, multiple photos are taken by artificial intelligence (AI) software and then passed on to an authorised officer if there is an indication of a possible offence by AI. Like speeding cameras, there are both fixed and portable cameras. The fixed camera is attached to pre-existing infrastructure and operated 24/7. Portable cameras can be found at random locations in Queensland and do not operate 24/7.

Penalties Based on Traffic Offences

The penalty a driver receives differs between the type of traffic camera that took a picture of the offence. Penalties (as of July 2022) are as follows:

• Speeding Offences
  • 1-10km/hr* – $287 and 1 demerit point
  • 11-20km/hr* – $431 and 3 demerit points
  • 21-30km/hr – $646 and 4 demerit points
  • 31-40km/hr – $1078 and 6 demerit points
  • More than 40km/hr – $1653 + 8 demerit points and automatic 6-month licence suspension.
• Seatbelt Offences
  • Penalties of $1078 and 4 demerit points
• Red Light Camera Offences
  • $575 and 3 demerit points.

For speeding and seatbelt offences, double demerit points may apply if 2 or more offences are committed within 1 year of the previous offence.

Caught By One of These Types of Traffic Cameras and Need Help?

If you have been photographed by any one of these traffic cameras, Guest Lawyers may be able to help. Our lawyers can assist with a variety of traffic offence charges, such as helping you dispute a traffic fine. You can find a full list of services provided by Guest Lawyers here. Offering 24-hour services, our lawyers are available via phone at (07) 3211 3007 or by email at info@guestlawyers.com.au. Guest Lawyers also offers in-person consultations. Please get in touch with us today.