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

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