Driver not wearing a seatbelt in Western Australia: Demerit Points & Fine (2026-27)
Infringement, 2026-27 schedule
WA Road Safety Commission / Department of Transport (2026-27) · 2026-27 schedule- Double demerits: Yes — points double during WA holiday double-demerit periods
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 WA seatbelt penalties
| Offence | Points | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Driver not wearing a seatbelt | 4 | $550 |
| Driving with unrestrained passengers | 4 | $550 |
Frequently asked questions
- What happens if I'm caught — driver not wearing a seatbelt in WA?
- The standard penalty is 4 demerit points and a $550 fine.
- How close does this put me to suspension in WA?
- 12 points within 3 years (full licence). This offence adds 4 points to your record.
The same offence in other states
- NSW: Driver not wearing a seatbelt
- NSW: Driving with an unrestrained passenger
- VIC: Driver not wearing a seatbelt
- VIC: Driving with an unrestrained passenger
- QLD: Driver not wearing a seatbelt
- QLD: Failing to ensure a passenger is restrained
- SA: Driver not wearing a seatbelt
- SA: Failing to ensure a passenger is restrained
- TAS: Driver not wearing a seatbelt
- TAS: Failing to ensure a passenger (16+) is restrained
- TAS: Failing to restrain a child under 16 properly
- ACT: Driver not wearing a seatbelt
- ACT: Failing to ensure a passenger is restrained
- NT: Driver not wearing a seatbelt
- NT: Failing to ensure a child is restrained
- All WA offences
Standard first-offence penalty for a full-licence holder unless noted. Information, not legal advice — if your licence is at stake, get legal advice.