Road safety NSW: Seatbelt fines issued to 132,000 motorists in 2357 per cent surge
New South Wales has seen a 2357 percent surge in seatbelt fines, largely driven by the implementation of AI-powered detection cameras. Motoring groups are calling for policy changes to allow drivers to nominate passengers for fines, noting that many violations involve improper seatbelt use rather than total non-compliance.
Why it matters
The rapid increase in fines highlights the growing impact of automated surveillance technology on traffic law enforcement and public policy.
shares Share article There has been a staggering 2357 per cent jump in seatbelt fines issued in NSW during the past year, with AI -powered detection cameras leading the crackdown.
A new NRMA report released on Tuesday shows more than 132,000 motorists copped an individual fine of about $400 and three demerit points.
The number of fines issued in NSW for improper seatbelt use has surged more than 2000 per cent. Supplied
More than 88 per cent of offences involved seatbelts being improperly worn and 12 per cent involving no seatbelt at all, with pregnant women figuring largely in the latter category.
The ballooning number of motorists caught out is largely due to new AI cameras, which identified 132,000 more violations compared to the previous year.
A whole raft of offences, including seatbelts being worn incorrectly, can be detected by the emerging technology.
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