Mobile phone and seatbelt cameras
Mobile phone and seatbelt cameras are installed throughout Queensland. Their locations are based on where road crash injuries or fatalities have occurred where using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt were contributing factors. Mobile phone and seatbelt enforcement occurs anywhere, anytime on Queensland roads.
Camera locations
Two types of mobile phone and seatbelt cameras are used in Queensland:
- Fixed cameras – these cameras are fitted to existing infrastructure and operating 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Portable cameras – these cameras are used at random locations in both urban and regional areas for shorter periods.
How the cameras work
The cameras take multiple images of every vehicle passing the camera. This includes capturing the registration number plate as well as images of the front seats of the vehicle.
Using artificial intelligence software
The cameras use artificial intelligence (AI) software to filter images and detect possible mobile phone use by the driver, or failure to wear a seatbelt by the driver and front seat passenger.
If no possible offence is detected, AI automatically excludes the images from any further analysis and the images are deleted.
If AI suspects a possible offence, the image is passed on to Queensland Revenue Office. An authorised officer will review the image to determine if an offence has been committed.
Your privacy
People are not identified using the images as the cameras do not capture or analyse biometric data. We are committed to protecting the privacy of drivers and passengers and work closely with the Office of the Information Commissioner to ensure camera operations comply with privacy legislation. Only authorised personnel will view these images to decide if an offence has occurred, and if an infringement notice is to be issued.
We are committed to maintaining openness and transparency in our ongoing efforts to safeguard individuals' privacy. Two privacy impact assessments have been independently undertaken by an external service provider. The reports are available for review and we are actively implementing the recommendations and suggestions to continuously enhance the privacy protections already in place.
Mobile phone use and driver distraction
Driver distraction is a major cause of road crashes and contributes to almost 20% of serious injuries on Queensland roads. Research shows that using a mobile phone while driving quadruples the risk of crashing. Use of a mobile phone while driving is just as dangerous as drink driving. Read about the dangers of driver distractions by visiting StreetSmarts
Failing to wear a seatbelt also has significant impacts on the outcome of a crash for drivers and passengers. Vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts have a much lower chance of surviving a crash than those who wear their seatbelt. Wearing a properly adjusted seatbelt improves the chance of surviving a crash by 200%.