Seatbelts

Seatbelts save lives

We have partnered with the Western Australia Police Force, Department of Fire and Emergency Services and St John WA to create the Seatbelts save lives campaign.

This campaign raises awareness that people are dying in crashes not wearing seatbelts. People who may have otherwise survived.

First responders Carla, Emma and Clinton provide a candid insight into the true impact of not wearing a seatbelt when a crash occurs – from the point-of-view of those first on the scene of a crash. If you see what they see, it would just click that seatbelts save lives.

How to use a seatbelt correctly

Wearing a seatbelt properly is one of the easiest ways to protect drivers and passengers in a vehicle.

Here’s how to correctly use your seatbelt:

• Always ensure your seatbelt is properly adjusted and securely fastened.
• 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 or slackness.
• Remove bulky clothing as this can reduce the effectiveness of the seatbelt.
• Never share a seatbelt with a child on your lap.

For more, see our Seatbelts In-Depth Information Sheet or Seatbelts FAQ.

Child car restraints

Children under the age of seven years must be restrained in an appropriate child car restraint.

Children aged seven and up must use a child restraint unless they can wear an adult seatbelt properly.

Make sure you check out the 5-step test before transitioning a child into an adult seat and seatbelt.

Avoid old or worn restraints that are more than 10 years old or have previously been in a crash. Ensure your child car restraint has been correctly installed in your vehicle.

For information on the appropriate child car restraint for your child, where to access Type 1 and Type 2 Child Car Restraint Fitters around the state, and children in on-demand transport, visit our page for parents and carers.

Offences and penalties

It is an offence to not wear or incorrectly wear a seatbelt in Western Australia. Further, drivers must ensure that all passengers travelling in their vehicle are appropriately restrained.

Please note: an inappropriately restrained passenger (for example, a young child using a seatbelt instead of child car restraint, or a passenger wearing their seatbelt incorrectly under their arm or off the shoulder) is considered an unrestrained passenger in the table below.

Demerit points can vary during holiday periods/double demerit dates.

Safety cameras

There are now enforcement safety cameras which can detect seatbelt offences.

Find out more information about safety cameras here.