The requirement for wearing a seatbelt when travelling in a vehicle became a law in 1973. But despite almost 50 years of enforcement, Traffic Police still reports close to 10,000 violations a year of drivers and passengers not wearing their seatbelts.
Children are especially at risk of not wearing their seatbelts as this video shows. While it may be tempting to forgo the seatbelt when a child is screaming and fussy, we hope that this crash-dummy video will serve as a jarring warning of the dangerous implications that not wearing a seatbelt can have on child.
By law, anyone below the height of 1.35m is required to be secured with a child restraint appropriate for a person of that height and weight. A booster seat can be used to supplement the seat belt or an approved adjustable seat belt.
Those above 1.35m in height, irrespective of their age, will be required to wear a seat belt. The penalty for failing to comply is a $120/- fine and 3 demerit points for the driver. Offenders may be charged in court. A first-time offender may be fined up to $1,000/- or jailed up to 3 months. Repeat offenders may be fined up to $2,000/- or jailed up to 6 months.
