Hundreds of speeding, red light and parking fines remain unpaid as foreign diplomats continue to claim diplomatic immunity despite pleas from the Australian government.
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Attorney-General George Brandis has confirmed diplomats working in Canberra embassies and consulates had 225 outstanding fines recorded in the 12 months to September 18.
The confirmation comes after Fairfax Media revealed Saudi Arabian diplomats in Canberra have clocked up more than $140,000 in traffic fines, with authorities powerless to make them pay.
Many of the fines relate to simple parking or traffic infringements while others involve dangerous speeds, police pursuits, alcohol and creative excuses.
One foreign official was caught driving at 135km/h at 2am on a Tuesday after leading police on a pursuit. He failed to produce a valid licence and blamed his behaviour on a lack of antibiotics.
Another diplomat told police he had not had anything to drink and didn't understand why he returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.15, triple the legal limit.
Documents released by DFAT earlier this year revealed one Mexican embassy staffer was stopped by police and asked to complete a breath test.
He allegedly raised his voice and said: "I don't want to, so I don't have to. I'm here with my family ... I'll complain if hear anything about this!"
Official records showed foreign embassies in Canberra owed more than $500,000 earlier this year, with additional outstanding fines likely to take the total higher.
Confirmation of outstanding fines also comes after the Department of Foreign Affairs warned it did not consider traffic offences covered by diplomatic immunity, calling on diplomats to pay up.
In response to questions from Greens senator Scott Ludlam, Senator Brandis said the DFAT could request a waiver of immunity for individual diplomats in certain circumstances.
"In the case of serious or repeat traffic infringements, the chief of protocol engages the relevant head of mission to express concern and ask that they remedy the conduct," he said.
"If the mission fails to take action, DFAT may request the embassy terminate a diplomat's posting or may withdraw their diplomatic visa."
When meeting newly arrived heads of mission, DFAT's chief of protocol emphasises the Australian community's expectation for all diplomats to adhere to local road rules.
DFAT documents reveal the chief of protocol had promised to "call in the Saudi ambassador" to complain about the latest offence reported by ACT authorities.
Senator Brandis, who responded to questions on behalf of Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, said the department would not speculate on the consequences of a foreign diplomat causing harm to people or property while breaking road rules.
