Buckle Up Right
5-Point Plan to Address Seatbelt Misuse
Seatbelts save lives, but many NSW drivers and passengers are wearing them incorrectly. The NRMA is calling for stronger education, greater passenger accountability and improved public reporting to reduce deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads.
15 September 2026
Key findings
1
16% of motorists surveyed did not always wear their seatbelt correctly
We surveyed 1,007 NSW residents about their seatbelt wearing behaviours.
2
88% of seatbelt camera fines were for incorrect use
Many road users are buckling up incorrectly, suggesting awareness of proper seatbelt use remains low.
3
62% of offences involved passengers
Passengers are responsible for most seatbelt camera offences, but drivers currently receive the penalty.
4
32 people die each year while not wearing a seatbelt
Seatbelt misuse continues to contribute to preventable deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads each year.
Why this matters
Seatbelts have protected road users for more than 50 years, but they only work when worn correctly. New enforcement technology has revealed that incorrect seatbelt use is widespread, particularly among passengers. Without improved education, accountability and transparency, preventable deaths and serious injuries will continue to occur on NSW roads.
