E-Petition

The Petition of residents of the State of Queensland draws to the attention of the House that currently drivers are penalised for the actions of independent adult passengers. Under current road safety laws, if an AI roadside camera detects an adult passenger wearing a seatbelt incorrectly—such as under the arm—the driver is held legally responsible. This results in the driver receiving a $1,251 fine and four demerit points. In cases of a second offence within 12 months, the driver loses eight demerit points. This policy fails to acknowledge that a driver’s primary duty is to focus on the road, it is not physically possible, and it is unsafe for a driver to constantly monitor an adult passenger’s belt position while a vehicle is in motion.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to amend the relevant traffic regulations to:

• Transfer liability by ensuring that any adult passenger (aged 16 or over) detected wearing a seatbelt incorrectly is solely responsible for the resulting fine and any demerit points.
• Protect driver licenses by removing the provision that penalises a driver with demerit points for the non-compliance of an adult passenger.
• Recognise adult responsibility by aligning seatbelt laws with other areas of law where adults are held accountable for their own safety and compliance.