Seatbelt enforcement started 1st July 2024 and was added to NSW’s existing mobile phone detection camera network. This move is part of the state government’s intensified efforts to reduce the road toll.
Dylan Anderson
Why It’s Happening
Wearing a seatbelt has been mandatory in NSW for over 50 years, yet 150 people died between 2019 and 2023 while not wearing one. In 2024 alone, 314 people have died on NSW roads, up from 305 the year before (2023). The NSW Government is acting on data that shows approximately 15% of all annual road deaths in the state involve seatbelt non-usage.
Testing has revealed that a small but consistent number of drivers and passengers either don’t wear a seatbelt or wear it incorrectly, such as placing the sash under their arm.
What Drivers Need to Know
From July 1 2024, the cameras will begin enforcing seatbelt laws. Unlike previous enforcement rollouts, there will be no grace period for warning letters. This follows a NSW Parliament decision that rejected a warning period for seatbelt camera enforcement.
Every dollar raised from fines will be reinvested into road safety initiatives.
Enforcement Across NSW
The new enforcement applies statewide and includes regional areas where seatbelt compliance remains a major concern. About 85% of deaths and 76% of serious injuries in crashes involving seatbelt non-usage occurred in country NSW in the past five years.
Mobile detection cameras will continue to operate in rural and urban areas, with the goal of reaching every road user regardless of location.
Dylan Anderson
Supporting Road Safety Measures
This is one of several road safety reforms introduced by the NSW Labor Government. Other initiatives include:
- A demerit point trial that rewards drivers with a clear record
- The state’s first Road Safety Forum
- Signing the National Road Safety Data Sharing Agreement
- Removing a loophole that allowed foreign licence holders to avoid converting to NSW licences
- Expanding roadside enforcement sites for mobile speed cameras by 2,700 locations
Final Note
The NSW Government is taking a firm stance on seatbelt compliance, using proven enforcement methods to improve driver behaviour. By adding seatbelt enforcement to mobile detection cameras, the government hopes to reduce needless trauma and save lives on NSW roads.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
