Fine enforcers are pulling in unprecedented sums, with debt collectors recovering a record $477 million in one state alone from people who repeatedly ignored penalty notices. It’s part of an ongoing effort to chip away at a massive $1.2 billion backlog of unpaid fines.
As part of the crackdown, Queensland’s State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) seized and impounded 472 vehicles during the 2025 calendar year.
The haul ranged from everyday cars to high-end machines, including a McLaren 540C supercar, luxury SUVs, BMWs, Mercedes, Teslas, motorcycles and modified utes.
When owners refused to settle their debts, 117 of those vehicles were sold at auction.
Speaking to Yahoo, a SPER spokesperson urged Queensland drivers to take fines seriously.
“Seatbelts must be worn properly to avoid serious injury and save lives. Most people do the right thing and pay. However, if they don’t, the unpaid fine is referred to SPER for collection,” the spokesperson had earlier said.
A Queensland family were fined $166 for queuing to pick up their daughter from school in Brisbane. Source: Supplied
Since July alone, another $253 million in unpaid penalties has been added in Queensland, putting the state on track to smash its collection record again in 2026, The Courier Mail reported.
Queenslanders repay hundreds of millions as worst offending regions listed
The Gold Coast emerged as the state’s worst hotspot for fine evasion, with 126 vehicles seized and more than $64.2 million recovered.
Brisbane’s southern suburbs weren’t far behind, recording 45 seizures and almost $28 million in collections. Logan and Beaudesert combined for 51 seizures, clawing back over $51.5 million.
Ipswich repaid $42.8 million, while the Sunshine Coast returned $26.9 million. In regional Queensland, Cairns offenders paid $18.3 million, Townsville $18.6 million, and Toowoomba $10.5 million.
Wide Bay stood out, with $20.5 million recovered despite just seven vehicle seizures.
Altogether, SPER recovered a record $477 million in 2024–25, seizing more than 750 vehicles from persistent fine dodgers.
Most repeat offenders were penalised for road-related offences, particularly speeding, red-light infringements and other dangerous driving behaviours.
Failing to wear a seatbelt, now carrying a $1250 fine, also remained common.
Treasurer’s holiday warning
Treasurer David Janetzki said the enforcement push was a timely warning as Queenslanders head into the holiday period.
“Queenslanders expect that when people repeatedly endanger others on the roads and avoid paying their fines, they face the consequences,” he said.
“If people refuse to pay their fines, they can expect SPER officers will seize their vehicles and other property, including boats, trailers, motorbikes and jet skis to recover the money owed.”
Janetzki said the government would not back down on recovering outstanding debts.
“There is currently around $1.2bn in unpaid SPER debt that is rightfully owed to Queensland taxpayers and should be being used to pay for things like schools, roads, and hospitals,” he said.
“The message is simple, don’t do the crime if you can’t pay the fine.”
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