20 Illegal things NOT to do in Queensland – You might be surprised!

What do you mean it’s illegal to do that?! 

There are thousands of laws in force across Queensland.

Although we are aware of the popular offences such as stealing, assault or running a red light – there are many other obscure offences that may catch us off guard.

From turning off your indicator too early or smoking within 10 metres of a skate park– there are many actions that Queenslanders might find surprising.

Our criminal law team have put together a list of 20 interesting laws you might not even know existed.

 

Penalties correct as of February 2021

Traffic Offences 

1. Driving when an image from a television or device is visible to the driver or likely to distract another driver 

• • Penalty: 3 demerit points, $183 fine
  • Road Use Management Act Section 299(1)

2. Turning off your indicator too early when on a round about

• • Penalty: 2 demerit points, $75 fine

• • Road Use Management Act Section 112(3)

3. Failing to have your lights on at night or in hazardous conditions

• • Penalty: 1 demerit point, $126 fine
  • Road Use Management Act Section 215(1)

4. Overtaking too closely

• • Penalty: 2 demerit points, $176 fine.
  • Road Use Management Act Section 144

5. Tailgating

• • Penalty: 1 demerit point, $294 fine
  • Road Use Management Act Section 126

6. Unnecessarily revving your engine

• • Penalty: 2 demerit points, $403 fine
  • Road Use Management Act Section 291(1)(b)

7. Failing to stop for a yellow light

• • Penalty: 3 Demerit points, $378 fine

• • Road Use Management Act Section 57

 

Smoking Related Offences 

1. Smoking within 10 metres of skate parks

• • Penalty: Up to $2,523 fine.
  • Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 Section 26ZKC

2. Smoking at any outdoor pedestrian malls

• • Penalty: Up to $2,523 fine.
  • Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 Section 26ZAP

 

Criminal Offences 

1. Helping a friend escape arrest by police

• • Penalty: Maximum of 7 years imprisonment
  • QLD Criminal Code 1899 Section 141

2. Blocking train tracks

• • Penalty: Maximum of 2 years imprisonment
  • QLD Criminal Code 1899 Section 329

3. Spitting on a police officer

• • Penalty: Maximum of 14 Years imprisonment
  • QLD Criminal Code 1899 Section 340

4. Leaving a child under the age of 12 unattended

• • Penalty: Maximum of 3 Years imprisonment

• • QLD Criminal Code 1899 Section 364A

 

Summary Offences 

1. Urinating in a park or garden

• • Penalty: $252.30 – $504.6
  • Summary Offences Act 2005 Section 7

2. Tattooing a person under the age of 18

• • Penalty: Maximum fine of $5,046
  • Summary Offences Act 2005 Section 19

3. Advertising a reward for the return of stolen property and indicating that no questions will be asked.

• • Penalty: Maximum fine of $252.30

• • Summary Offences Act 2005 Section 25A

4. Throwing objects at a sporting event

• • Penalty: Maximum fine of $1,261.50 or 6 months imprisonment.
  • Summary Offences Act 2005 Section 24

5. Behaving in a disorderly, offensive, violent or threatening manner in a public place

• • Penalty: Maximum fine of $3,153.75 or 6 months imprisonment.
  • Summary Offences Act 2005 Section 6

6. Selling spray paint to persons under the age of 18

• • Penalty: Maximum fine of $52,983
  • Summary Offences Act 2005 Section 23B

7. Being intoxicated in a public place

• • Penalty: Maximum fine of $252.30
  • Summary Offences Act 2005 Section 10

 

Caught by surprise for an illegal charge? 

Our criminal defense lawyers can assist you. Call us today and speak with our client engagement team for an appointment.