No, it's not legal to butter a bagel while driving

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is making an example out of a P-plater who decided to not only eat a bagel behind the wheel of his vehicle, but butter it as well while steering with his knees.

On September 7, 2026, police allegedly observed the driver of a silver Honda HR-V in Newtown using his knees to steer the vehicle.

"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," the police officer said in body camera footage released by the QPS.

"I know that was stupid, but I was hungry," replied the 29-year-old driver.

The officer had been pulling over the driver for having an unregistered vehicle.

"[Your registration] expired on the fourth of September, which is the main reason I pulled you over, but it also gave me a great opportunity to speak to you," said the officer.

"So you're going to get a ticket for expired registration, and you're going to get a ticket for drive without due care and attention. Because I just I can't understand how you thought that that would be a great idea in all that traffic."

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Technically, there isn't a specific offence in Queensland concerning eating while driving, but as this officer did, a fine can be issued for driving without due care and attention.

“Taking your hands and focus away from the task of driving , even for something as seemingly harmless like preparing food, can have serious consequences,” Darling Downs District Officer Acting Superintendent Kelly Hanlen said in a release.

“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.”

Originally published as No, it's not legal to butter a bagel while driving