Almost 2,000 people were caught either using their mobile phone while driving or not wearing a seatbelt by new covert police cameras in the first week they went live.
New penalties for both offences came into effect on November 1, and Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said 1,782 drivers were penalised in the following seven days.
"This includes 1,504 for mobile phone offences and 278 for seatbelts," Mr Bailey said.
The cameras also caught dozens of repeat offenders who received fines and eight demerit points.
"And a total of 57 drivers were caught two or more times in the first four days, which means the offence attracts double demerit points," Mr Bailey said.
Driver distraction causes fatal accidents
The cameras were installed and trialled in late July, with more than 21,000 warning letters issued, totalling what would have been more than $20 million in fines had penalties been enforced.
That month, new laws were introduced that made it illegal for drivers to hold their phone in their hand or have it resting on any part of their body, even if it's switched off.
Similar to random breath testing, the location and number of the new cameras on the roads is not public knowledge, and Mr Bailey said more units would be added in the future.
He added driving was a privilege and every driver has to prioritise safety.
"On average, 29 people are killed and 1,284 seriously injured each year on Queensland roads as a result of crashes where driver distraction played a part," Mr Bailey said.
Using a mobile phone while driving can incur a $1,033 fine and four demerit points.
Each vehicle occupant not wearing a seatbelt will cop a $413 fine and three demerit points.
By law, all money from camera-detected offences must be reinvested in road safety.
