The number of seatbelt fines have surged by 2357 per cent over the past year, following the introduction of AI- powered detection cameras.
A new NRMA report released on Tuesday showed more than 132,000 motorists copped an individual fine of about $400 and three demerit points.
The findings showed that more than 88 per cent of fines were issued because of improper seatbelt use while 12 per cent were from no seatbelt, with pregnant woman accounting for a significant portion in the latter category.
The new AI cameras lead the crackdown, identifying 132,000 more violations compared to the previous year.
The NRMA also released The Buckle Up Right report, which found that 40 per cent of motorists did not know they could be fined if a passenger was wearing their seatbelt incorrectly.
The organisation also said that a state-wide public education campaign is needed, especially for pregnant women and older motorists.
They are also calling for changes in the system, so that drivers in NSW would be allowed to nominate adult passengers for camera detected seatbelt offences, similar to the proposed changes before the Queensland Parliament.
“The NRMA strongly supports the use of camera detection technology to enforce seatbelt laws,” spokesperson Peter Khoury said.
“However, when you have an almost 24-fold increase in fines and almost 90 per cent of those fines are for incorrect seatbelt use rather than no use at all, something is not right.
“Drivers nominating adult passengers who break the law ensures the penalty lands with the person committing the crime because nobody should lose their licence for an offence committed by someone else.
“After all, drivers should be focused on the road ahead of them.
“What is also needed is far more education around how to wear a seatbelt properly.”
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