From Monday July 1 cameras currently used to detect mobile phone use will also
be able to detect seatbelt non-compliance. Importantly, there is no grace period
and if your caught without a seat belt the fine is $387 and three demerit points
and with double demerits applicable during declared periods. It not only applies
to not wearing a seat belt but also wearing one incorrectly like having the sash
belt under the arm. Passengers aged 16 and over can be fined individually while
drivers are responsible for children under 16 for not wearing a belt or not wearing
one correctly. Seat belts have been around for more than 50 years, their use
recognised as a huge life saver by safety authorities however despite this in the
five years to 2023 150 people in N.S.W died in motor vehicle accidents while not
wearing a seatbelt. I’m David Berthon