NSW Government to crack down on seatbelt noncompliance from July 1
Motorists on New South Wales roads have been warned that mobile phone detection cameras are now being used to catch another offense – and there will be no ‘grace period’ for those caught and fined for an offence.
The change, which will go into effect statewide on July 1, will also use the cameras to detect if a driver or passenger is not properly wearing his or her seat belt.
Motorists have been urged by the NSW Government to prepare for the change as there will be no adjustment period for drivers once the cameras start detecting ‘non-compliance’ with wearing seat belts.
A driver could be fined $387 and receive three demerit points if he or his passenger is not wearing a seat belt.
The fine increases to $1,245 and six demerit points if three or more passengers are not properly restrained.
The state government announced the upgrade in November as part of its Road Safety Plan 2026, in a bid to minimise deaths on the state’s roads.
Between 2018 and 2022, more than 140 people died on NSW roads in crashes involving people not wearing seat belts.
Drivers on NSW roads have been warned to prepare for mobile phone detection cameras to also detect people not wearing seatbelts from July 1 (pictured)
New South Wales Roads Minister John Graham said the upgrade was “simple” as statistics showed people who wore seatbelts were twice as likely to survive a crash.
“Activating seat belt monitoring through mobile phone detection cameras is an important step towards reducing unnecessary road trauma,” he said.
Mr Graham praised the “vast majority” of motorists who wear their seat belts correctly, but warned those who don’t could face a fine.
“Despite fifty years of enforcement and public awareness campaigns, more than 10,000 people are still fined by New South Wales Police every year for not wearing a seat belt,” he said.
“I urge all drivers and passengers to fasten their seat belts every time they enter a vehicle. It’s a simple act and it could just save your life.’
Regional Roads and Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison added the improvement would force motorists to wear their seatbelts and “save lives”.
“More than 84 per cent of fatal crashes and two-thirds of serious injuries involving people not wearing seatbelts occur on rural roads,” Ms Aitchison said.
The state government has said there will be ‘no warning period’ for drivers and passengers who do not use their seat belts correctly (stock image)
Do not drive too fast, do not drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, do not drive while tired, do not use your mobile phone while driving and always wear a seat belt.
‘It’s a small action that can make a big difference in preventing injuries and saving lives.’
Approximately 29 drivers and passengers are killed and 76 seriously injured each year in NSW while not wearing a seat belt.
Police will continue to enforce seat belt regulations after the change.
The New South Wales government also promised that every dollar made from upgrading mobile phone cameras would be invested in road safety campaigns.
The same practice is already applied to income from fines based on cameras, such as speed cameras, speed cameras and speed checks.