A P-plate driver has been fined $1104 after Queensland police allegedly busted him steering his car with his knees while he buttered a bagel earlier this week. The 29-year-old was captured in footage from an officer’s body-worn camera as he admitted he’d been “stupid” after he was pulled over.

The man was allegedly caught in the act in Toowoomba at about 3.50pm on September 7. The sergeant who handed out the fine asked him, “Can you explain to me why, in four lanes of traffic that’s quite busy at this time of day, that you thought steering a motor vehicle on your Ps with your knees while you buttered a bagel would be a great idea?”

Dashcam POV of a white SUV being followed by a police vehicle on a residential street, with a house and trees in the background and a subtitle reading, 'I know that was a stupid, but I was hungry.'
2

The P-plater replied, “I know that was stupid, but I was hungry. I’ve been working since this morning.” The officer then delivered more bad news as he told the driver his registration had expired three days beforehand. 

The policeman then fines the motorist for driving an unregistered vehicle, and driving without due care and attention, before telling him, “I can’t understand how you thought that would be a great idea in all that traffic.” 

In addition to the $1104 fine, the 29-year-old lost three demerit points – and another stern reminder from one of the sergeant’s colleagues, Darling Downs Officer Acting Superintendent Kelly Hanlen.

“Taking your hands and focus away from the task of driving, even for something as seemingly harmless as preparing food, can have serious consequences,” Hanlen said. 

“I want to remind motorists there is no meal, message or other distraction worth risking your safety or the safety of other road users. If you’re driving, keep your attention on the road and your hands where they belong – on the wheel.”