Olivia Wood, a nurse from Perth, nearly lost her driving privileges after her eight-year-old daughter was caught on camera adjusting her seatbelt on the Kwinana Highway in Salter Point.

Legal expert Dellar commented on the issue, noting, “Cameras capture just a moment. If a driver genuinely believes their passenger is securely fastened, and that belief is reasonable, they might have a defense.”

However, the commissioner took a firm stance on the matter.

“Seatbelt-related incidents account for one in five road fatalities in Western Australia. The year 2026 began with the highest number of road deaths we’ve seen in years,” Commissioner Blanch stated. He urged, “Wear it correctly. It’s designed in a specific way by very knowledgeable people, far smarter than I am.”

The controversy over fines continues to escalate as more drivers face penalties due to the way their passengers wear seatbelts.

The fine saga is growing by the day as more drivers find they’re copping penalties for how their passengers wear seat belts.

The Road Safety Commission is looking at what can be changed, but ultimately it is a decision for the government, and that could be cold comfort for drivers. 

“These safety cameras are about changing behaviour,” a government spokesperson said in a statement. 

“Drivers were issued an eight-month warning period. 

“The law is clear and responsibility remains with the driver to ensure passengers wear their seatbelt correctly.”

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.