NSW Government to crack down on seat belt violations from July 1

Drivers on New South Wales roads have been warned about using mobile phone cameras to catch new offences. There is no longer a ‘grace period’ for those who are caught and fined for a violation.

The nationwide change on July 1 will also see the cameras used to detect when a driver or passenger is not wearing their seat belt correctly.

Motorists have been urged by the NSW Government to prepare for the change as there will be no adjustment period for drivers once the cameras start detecting ‘non-compliance’ with wearing seat belts.

A driver could receive a $387 fine and three demerit points if he or his passenger is not wearing a seat belt.

The fine increases to $1,245 and six demerit points if three or more passengers are found to be improperly unrestrained.

The state government announced the improvement in November as part of its 2026 road safety plan, which it hopes will keep the number of road fatalities on the state’s roads to a minimum.

Between 2018 and 2022, more than 140 people were killed on NSW roads in crashes where people were not wearing seat belts.

Drivers on NSW roads have been warned to prepare for mobile phone detection cameras to also detect people not wearing seatbelts from July 1 (pictured)

New South Wales Roads Minister John Graham said the upgrade was “simple” as statistics showed people who wore seatbelts were twice as likely to survive a crash.

“Activating seat belt requirements using cameras that detect mobile phones is an important step towards reducing unnecessary traffic accidents,” he said.

Mr Graham praised the “vast majority” of motorists who use their seat belts correctly, but warned those who don’t could face a fine.

“Despite 50 years of enforcement and awareness campaigns, more than 10,000 people are still fined by NSW Police each year for not wearing a seat belt,” he said.

“I urge all drivers and passengers to properly fasten their seat belts every time they are in a vehicle. It’s a simple act and it can save your life.’

Regional Roads and Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison added the improvement would force motorists to wear their seatbelts and “save lives”.

“More than 84 per cent of fatal crashes and two-thirds of serious injuries involving people not wearing seatbelts occur on rural roads,” Ms Aitchison said.

The state government has said there will be ‘no warning period’ for drivers and passengers who do not use their seat belts correctly (stock image)

Do not speed, do not drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, do not drive while tired, do not use your 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.”

In NSW, approximately 29 drivers and passengers are killed and 76 people are seriously injured every year because they are not wearing a seat belt.

The police will continue to monitor compliance with the seat belt regulations even after the change.

The NSW government also promised that every dollar made from the upgrade to mobile phone cameras would be invested in road safety campaigns.

The same practice is already applied to income from fines based on cameras, such as speed cameras, speed cameras and speed checks.