A positive planographic printing plate precursor comprising a recording layer containing a water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin, an infrared absorbent and an organic quaternary ammonium salt. A positive planographic printing plate precursor comprising at least two recording layers containing the resin and the infrared absorbent with a coating amount of an upper positive recording layer being in the range of 0.05 to 0.45 g/m2.