Drivers on New South Wales roads have been warned that mobile phone detection cameras are now being used to detect another offence, and there will be no “grace period” for those caught and fined for an offence.
The statewide change coming July 1 will see cameras also used to detect when a driver or passenger is not properly wearing a seat belt.
The NSW government has urged motorists to prepare for the change as there will be no adjustment period for drivers once cameras begin detecting “non-compliance” with seatbelt use.
A driver can be fined $387 and receive three demerit points if he or his passenger is not wearing a seat belt.
That fine increases to $1,245 and six demerit points if three or more passengers are found not properly restrained.
The state government announced the update in November as part of the Road Safety Plan 2026 in a bid to minimize deaths on the state’s roads.
Between 2018 and 2022, more than 140 people died on New South Wales roads in crashes where people were not wearing seatbelts.
Drivers on NSW roads have been warned to prepare for mobile phone detection cameras to also spot people not wearing seatbelts from July 1 (pictured).
NSW Roads Minister John Graham said the improvement was “simple” as statistics revealed those who wore seatbelts survived accidents twice as often.
“Enabling seat belt use through mobile phone detection cameras is an important step towards reducing unnecessary road injuries,” he said.
Mr Graham praised the “vast majority” of motorists who wear their seatbelts correctly, but warned those who do not could be fined.
“Despite five decades of law enforcement and public awareness campaigns, more than 10,000 people a year continue to be fined by NSW Police for not wearing a seatbelt,” he said.
‘I urge all drivers and passengers to wear their seatbelts properly every time they are in a vehicle. It is a simple action and it can save your life.’
Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison added that the upgrade would force drivers to wear seatbelts and “save lives”.
“More than 84 percent of deaths and two-thirds of serious injuries caused by people not wearing seat belts occur on rural roads,” Aitchison said.
The state government said there will be no “warning period” for drivers and passengers who fail to wear their seat belts correctly (file image)
‘Do not speed, do not drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, do not drive when tired, do not use a 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 in New South Wales each year due to not wearing a seat belt.
Police will continue to enforce seat belt rules after the change.
The New South Wales government also promised that every dollar raised from upgrading mobile phone cameras would go towards road safety campaigns.
The same practice already applies to revenue earned through camera-based tickets, such as speed, red light, and average speed cameras.
