Driver not wearing a seatbelt in Australian Capital Territory: Demerit Points & Fine (2026-27)
Infringement amount, Road Transport (Offences) Regulation as at 1 July 2026
ACT Road Transport (Offences) Regulation (Republication 104, 1 July 2026) · 2026-27 schedule- Double demerits: Points double during ACT holiday periods
How this penalty compares
- $641 is the 6th highest of 11 on-the-spot fines in ACT's schedule.
- At driver not wearing a seatbelt, ACT ranks 2nd highest of 8 states, from VIC ($418) to QLD ($1,295).
| Offence | Points | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| NSW: Driver not wearing a seatbelt | 3 | $423 |
| VIC: Driver not wearing a seatbelt | 3 | $418 |
| QLD: Driver not wearing a seatbelt | 4 | $1,295 |
| WA: Driver not wearing a seatbelt | 4 | $550 |
| SA: Driver not wearing a seatbelt | 3 | $463 |
| TAS: Driver not wearing a seatbelt | 3 | $426 |
| ACT: Driver not wearing a seatbelt | 3 | $641 |
| NT: Driver not wearing a seatbelt | 3 | $500 |
Compare seatbelt across states →
Seatbelt offences cover not wearing a fitted seatbelt correctly while a vehicle is moving, and in most jurisdictions the driver also carries responsibility for younger passengers being properly restrained. Correct use matters as much as presence: a belt worn loosely, behind the back or under the arm can still count as an offence, because it will not do its job in a crash.
Enforcement is largely done by police at the roadside, though some jurisdictions have introduced cameras capable of detecting unbelted occupants, which issue notices to the registered operator in the same way as other camera offences. Because a seatbelt is one of the most effective protections in a crash, the penalties are set to reflect that, and seatbelt breaches are among the offences that attract holiday or repeat-offence loadings in the states that run them.
The points and fines that apply differ by state and territory, and are listed in the schedules above.
All ACT seatbelt penalties
| Offence | Points | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Driver not wearing a seatbelt | 3 | $641 |
| Failing to ensure a passenger is restrained | 3 | $641 |
Frequently asked questions
- What happens if I'm caught — driver not wearing a seatbelt in ACT?
- The standard penalty is 3 demerit points and a $641 fine.
- How close does this put me to suspension in ACT?
- 12 points within 3 years (full licence; suspension 3–5 months by tally). This offence adds 3 points to your record.
Standard first-offence penalty for a full-licence holder unless noted. Information, not legal advice — if your licence is at stake, get legal advice.