Queensland

With masks now mandated in several Australian states to curb the spread of coronavirus, confusion reigns as to whether drivers need to wear their coverings while alone in their cars. When Greater Brisbane entered a three-day lockdown after a coronavirus case was detected, residents were urged to wear masks whenever they were outside of their homes – including when they were travelling in a car.

New South Wales is officially the state with the largest number of public electric car charging points in Australia – but it has room to improve if it's going to continue servicing the growing number of electric cars on its roads. A new study from insurance company Budget Direct has broken down the number of DC fast-charging and AC charging points in each state, ranking them based on how many sites there are per electric vehicles on the roads.

In some much-needed good news, Porsche is restarting its Track Experience programs in Queensland after pausing them due to COVID-19. From the 15th of September 2020, the five-level program will recommence across two locations in the Sunshine State, providing drivers with various levels of instruction to suit their individual skill levels and needs. Porsche Track Experiences are open to all members of the public, regardless of whether you own a Porsche or not.

Queensland Police have handed out fines totalling $218,000 to 218 people over six days after tougher new penalties for driver mobile phone use were implemented in the state this week. As of February 1, 2020, motorists in Queensland now face standard $1000 fines and four demerit points if they're found to be illegally using their phones while behind the wheel.

Being caught using a mobile phone while driving in Queensland is about to get a lot more expensive. The Queensland Government has announced any driver caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel will be fined $1000 and four demerit points. For drivers caught twice within 12 months, double demerit points apply and they may now lose their licence. Queensland will also trial cameras recently introduced in New South Wales to detect mobile phone usage.