It has been compulsory to wear seatbelts in WA since 1971. Each year on average there are about 21 drivers and passengers killed and 52 seriously injured who were not wearing available seatbelts. Wearing a seatbelt doubles the chance of surviving a crash and reduces the risk of injury. Wearing a seatbelt properly is one of the easiest ways to protect drivers and passengers in a vehicle.

Do you know how to wear your seatbelt correctly?

• When putting on a seatbelt it should be low, flat, and firm.
• The sash should be placed over the middle of the shoulder and diagonally across the chest.
• The lap belt should sit snugly over the hips.
• The seatbelt should be taut, with no twists, turns or folds.
• And be pulled firm to remove any slack.

Don’ts 

• Never wear your seatbelt under your arm.
• Or behind your back.
• Don’t travel with your seat reclined so far back that your seatbelt doesn’t fit correctly.
• Never share a seatbelt with a child on your lap.

It is important to note that any of these means the passenger is inappropriately restrained and therefore considered an unrestrained passenger.

An unrestrained passenger is subject to a $550 penalty.

An unrestrained driver is subject to a $550 penalty and 4 demerits. Drivers must make sure all passengers are wearing their seatbelt correctly, as they will receive an additional financial penalty for each unrestrained passenger.