There’s only one way to wear your seatbelt.

Properly.

How do I buckle up properly?

Your seatbelt must be worn with:

  • The belt over your shoulder, running across your chest
  • The lap belt part across your pelvis and hips, buckled low on your hip
  • No twists or slackness – should be taut

Seatbelts are made to distribute pressure on the strongest parts of your body during a crash or sudden stop. Incorrectly wearing a seatbelt puts you in danger of getting fined or, worse, suffering a serious injury.

How do I buckle up properly?

Your seatbelt must be worn with:

  • The belt over your shoulder, running across your chest
  • The lap belt part across your pelvis and hips, buckled low on your hip
  • No twists or slackness – should be taut

Seatbelts are made to distribute pressure on the strongest parts of your body during a crash or sudden stop. Incorrectly wearing a seatbelt puts you in danger of getting fined or, worse, suffering a serious injury.

How much will incorrect seatbelt use cost me?

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$1209 and 4 demerit points

Get ready for a hefty fine if you drive without a seatbelt or wear one incorrectly.

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Double demerits

Incorrect seatbelt or no seatbelt again? Gain 8 demerit points and say goodbye to another $1209.

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Mates cost you

As the driver, you’ll receive a $1209 fine and 4 demerit points for every passenger who isn’t properly buckled up.

Driver penalties increase each year on the 1 July. The fine for not wearing your seatbelt correctly has increased to $1209 as of 1 July 2024.

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What are the potential injuries?

Wearing your seatbelt incorrectly can be just as bad as not wearing one at all
due to the severe injuries that can occur.

More information on seatbelts

Mother straps child into a booster seat in a car

Child restraints

Make sure your littlest passengers are buckled up correctly in the right restraint for their size.

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Image captured on seatbelt and mobile phone camera of a woman using her phone while driving

Cameras

High-tech cameras now monitor mobile phone and seatbelt usage in Queensland.

Find out more
Preview of the information sheet of wearing seatbelts when pregnant.

Pregnancy

Not sure of the best way to wear a seatbelt when pregnant?

Find out more

For more details on seatbelt rules, penalties and exemptions go to:

Seatbelt rules | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)