Security cameras in personalised transport vehicles

Camera recordings

When using a personalised transport vehicle, for example, a taxi, limousine or ride-booking service, you may be recorded by an approved vehicle security camera.

These recordings provide key evidence when investigating an incident in or about a personalised transport vehicle.

When are approved cameras installed?

Approved vehicle security cameras are mandatory in all personalised transport vehicles operating within certain areas, and where the service meets any of the following risks:

• you or the driver is anonymous, for example, rank and hail work
• you can pay with cash
• you pay in person immediately before, during or immediately after the journey.

If the service is operating outside these certain areas or doesn't meet the risks above, operators and drivers may voluntarily install an approved vehicle security camera system. If they do, they must comply with all obligations when installing and using the camera.

Complaints about incidents in or about a personalised transport vehicle

If you have a complaint about an incident that happened in or about a personalised transport vehicle with a camera fitted, you're encouraged to contact the:

• authorised booking entity
• operator
• Queensland Police Service.

You'll need to do this as soon as possible so the recording can be downloaded before it's overwritten.

Privacy protections

The Department of Transport and Main Roads conducts regular audits to ensure that personalised transport operators and drivers comply with all aspects of the security camera program. Transport legislation has tough penalties for any person caught tampering with an approved personalised transport security camera system or using downloaded recordings illegally.

Privacy protections include signs so that you'll be aware of the cameras before you enter the vehicle. Look for the approved sign below installed on each door and inside the vehicle.

You'll also see a visible light on the camera system to show that it's operating.

Other privacy protections include:

• limits on access to and use of recordings
• strict security measures for storage
• appropriate disposal of recordings.

Cameras that are not approved

Only security camera systems approved by the Department of Transport and Main Roads may be used to record images or audio of people inside personalised transport vehicles. Dash-cams, mobile phones, and other systems can't be used for this purpose.

Personalised transport vehicles may have externally focused front or rear-facing cameras, but they must not record images or audio of people inside the vehicle. The Department of Transport and Main Roads does not regulate these cameras.

View the full list of approved personalised transport security cameras.

Report an issue

You can report issues such as:

• a vehicle using a non-approved security camera system or unauthorised recording device
• an operator tampering with an approved personalised transport security camera system
• a person using downloaded recordings illegally
• a vehicle without a working approved personalised transport security camera system if it is required to have one
• a person violating the privacy protections around approved personalised transport security camera systems.

You can report these issues to the:

• taxi company or whoever took the booking for your trip
• Department of Transport and Main Roads by email personalised.transport@tmr.qld.au
• Queensland Police Service.

More information

Contact the Personalised Transport Policy team by email at personalised.transport@tmr.qld.gov.au.