By Adam Andreotta
Publication Date: 2026-05-03 19:20:00
Artificial intelligence (AI) road safety cameras have been rolled out across Australia, resulting in numerous fines.
For example, in Western Australia, around 184,000 breaches have been reported since the cameras were introduced in October last year. More than 130,000 fines were issued in New South Wales in 2024-2025, the first year the technology was used. In Queensland, approximately 114,000 fines were issued based on AI image recognition technology in 2024.
But it is the size of the penalties that has attracted much attention and criticism. In WA, fines start at A$550 and four demerit points for seatbelt violations. These can add up quickly if people are fined repeatedly.
For example, a WA driver with a seatbelt exemption was fined almost A$20,000 after multiple seatbelt violations.
Although fines can be appealed, there are growing concerns about the accessibility and fairness of the appeals process, particularly on a large scale. The technology…
