Brisbane drivers using everyday items to avoid camera-issued parking fines
Some Brisbane drivers are obscuring their licence plates to avoid parking fines as council rakes in almost $35 million in 2026 so far.
Brisbane motorists are resorting to unconventional methods to dodge cameras that automatically issue parking fines. Council officials have handed out nearly $35 million in infringement notices this year, employing a mix of mobile enforcement units, foot patrols, and new static cameras. Inner-city drivers are attempting to outsmart the technology by obscuring their license plates with everyday items like plastic sheets, camping chairs, and dishcloths.
A council spokesperson confirmed they are aware of the issue and can conduct foot patrols to assess each case individually, but obscured plates fall under state law and cannot be fined. The Queensland Police Service emphasizes that plates must be visible from all angles at a distance of 20 meters. Recent cameras have issued over 8,000 fines in high-parking violation areas, and two locations accounted for more than 3,000 fines each.
Council Chair Sarah Hutton urges motorists to avoid illegal parking to prevent traffic congestion and safety hazards. Brisbane City Council has issued a total of 176,494 parking fines this year, amounting to $34,941,602.
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