There’s only one way to wear your seatbelt.
How do I buckle up properly?
Your seatbelt must be worn with:
- The belt over your shoulder, running across your chest
- The lap belt part across your pelvis and hips, buckled low on your hip
- No twists or slackness – should be taut
Seatbelts are made to distribute pressure on the strongest parts of your body during a crash or sudden stop. Incorrectly wearing a seatbelt puts you in danger of getting fined or, worse, suffering a serious injury.
How do I buckle up properly?
Your seatbelt must be worn with:
- The belt over your shoulder, running across your chest
- The lap belt part across your pelvis and hips, buckled low on your hip
- No twists or slackness – should be taut
Seatbelts are made to distribute pressure on the strongest parts of your body during a crash or sudden stop. Incorrectly wearing a seatbelt puts you in danger of getting fined or, worse, suffering a serious injury.
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How much will incorrect seatbelt use cost me?
$1209 and 4 demerit points
Get ready for a hefty fine if you drive without a seatbelt or wear one incorrectly.
Double demerits
Incorrect seatbelt or no seatbelt again? Gain 8 demerit points and say goodbye to another $1209.
Mates cost you
As the driver, you’ll receive a $1209 fine and 4 demerit points for every passenger who isn’t properly buckled up.
Driver penalties increase each year on the 1 July. The fine for not wearing your seatbelt correctly has increased to $1209 as of 1 July 2024.
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Holiday or fine?
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Would you rather spend $1209 on a holiday, or be fined the same amount for not wearing your seatbelt correctly?
AUSLAN TRANSCRIPTNext video
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Tech or fine?
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Tech or fine?
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Would you rather spend $1209 on some fancy new tech, or be fined the same amount for not wearing your seatbelt correctly?
AUSLAN TRANSCRIPTNext video
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Camping gear or fine?
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Camping gear or fine?
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Would you rather spend $1209 on a holiday, or be fined the same amount for not wearing your seatbelt correctly?
AUSLAN TRANSCRIPTWhat are the potential injuries?
Wearing your seatbelt incorrectly can be just as bad as not wearing one at all
due to the severe injuries that can occur.
Seatbelt under the arm
Similar to wearing no seatbelt with your face, neck, back and chest impacting forward
Potential injuries:
- Fracture, dislocation, or nerve damage to the shoulder
- Fractures to the sternum, ribs, vertebrae, skull, face and neck
- Lung and heart contusions
- Collapsed lung
- Ruptured oesophagus, stomach or bowel
Away from body with wrist
Holding the strap away with your wrist leading to rapid and uneven deceleration.
Potential injuries:
- Fractures to the sternum, ribs, vertebrae, skull, face and neck
- Lung and heart contusions
- Collapsed lung
- Major soft tissue trauma (degloving)
Looping around the shoulder
Placing the belt just over your shoulder leading to uneven deceleration.
Potential injuries:
- Fractures to the sternum, ribs and vertebrae
- Lung and heart contusions
- Collapsed lung
- Liver and spleen contusions, lacerations or rupture
More information on seatbelts
Child restraints
Make sure your littlest passengers are buckled up correctly in the right restraint for their size.
Cameras
High-tech cameras now monitor mobile phone and seatbelt usage in Queensland.
Pregnancy
Not sure of the best way to wear a seatbelt when pregnant?
For more details on seatbelt rules, penalties and exemptions go to:
Seatbelt rules | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)