Using a pillow in the car? New AI road cameras could fine you hundreds

Seatbelt fines in Australia have surged after the introduction of AI-powered road cameras that can detect drivers not wearing seatbelts correctly. Compare the Market analysis shows NSW seatbelt fines jumped 690.2% between 2023 and 2024 following the rollout, while Tasmania rose 98% and Victoria 75%. Nationally, fines increased from 85,768 in 2023 to 183,315 in 2024, up 113.7% in a single year. Queensland has also updated road rules to let drivers nominate adult passengers for camera-detected seatbelt offences, the first system of its kind. The NRMA warned AI cameras may unfairly penalize some drivers, saying older people may sit on or use pillows that adjust the belt position. NRMA data said 88% of NSW fines in 2024–2025 went to drivers who were belted but not correctly over the shoulder.