Survive the unexpected

Wearing a seatbelt significantly improves your chances of surviving a crash. Yet almost one in ten Queenslanders still admit to not always wearing one. No-one plans on having a crash – they are unexpected, and sadly happen to everyday people, every day.

The simple action of putting on a seatbelt before you start your journey, no matter or long or short, or how familiar the road is, could literally be the difference between life and death. Wearing a seatbelt halves your risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash.

It can also save you a lot of money.

Fines for drivers and passengers

The penalty in Queensland for not wearing a seatbelt is $1161 and 4 demerit points for drivers and passengers aged 16 years or older.

Drivers can also be fined over $1161 and 4 points for each and every passenger in their vehicle not wearing their seatbelt or approved child restraint, regardless of the passengers’ age.

Double demerit points also apply for some repeat offences.

So before you start any journey, make sure everyone in the car is buckled up.

More on seatbelts & restraints

Wallet tied up with a seatbelt

Seatbelt fines and demerit points

There are six seatbelt and restraints offences each attracting a $1161 fine and four demerit points. Drivers can receive penalties for themselves and their passengers and passengers over 16 can also receive penalties.

Find out more
Close up of a seatbelt buckled in

Double demerit points on offences

Repeat offenders can gain double demerit points on second or subsequent offences committed within 1 year. It doesn’t have to be the same offence it could be others in the same offence group.

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

Mobile phone and seatbelt camera detection is live in Queensland

Cameras are in use across QLD to detect drivers and their front seat passengers not wearing seatbelts.

Find out more