By Jessica Page
Publication Date: 2026-04-01 10:27:00
Drivers and passengers who break seatbelt rules are being warned that the risk of death or injury is far greater than the increasing risk of being caught and hit, and will receive double penalty points this Easter.
Traffic safety cameras that use artificial intelligence detected 36,262 seat belt breaks and resulted in nearly $20 million in fines in February. This sparked a backlash from drivers who were penalized for indiscretions involving backseat passengers – including children.
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner defended the technology and said regional holiday routes will be their priority over the long weekend.
“No one has changed any laws, but (now) we are enforcing them on a large scale,” he said.
Police Minister Reece Whitby said the cameras were working.
“About 20% of all deaths are due to failure to wear a seat belt or wearing it incorrectly,” he said.
“Towards the end of last year we saw a 75% decrease in the frequency of seat belt violations. So that’s incredible…
