A Queensland driver was fined $1,295 and lost four demerit points after AI-powered road cameras caught her wearing a phone on a lanyard whilst driving. The driver was unaware that simply wearing a phone attached to her body—without touching or using it—was illegal in Queensland. The incident has sparked debate about whether such steep penalties are a fair and effective approach to road safety, particularly for what many consider a minor infraction.

The fine, which increased by 3.5 per cent from 1 July under Queensland's annual indexation policy, is equivalent to penalties imposed for actively using a phone or wearing a seatbelt incorrectly. The driver attempted to challenge the fine with an explanation letter, but it was dismissed, and she was deterred from pursuing court action due to fears of additional costs. Queensland recorded 214 road deaths between January and August 2026, and whilst the Road and Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) acknowledges that dangerous drivers must be held accountable, it questions whether escalating fines are genuinely improving road safety culture.