'Buckle up or pay the price!' That's the harsh lesson an Australian couple learned after a seemingly small seatbelt mistake cost them a whopping $1078 fine.

Richard Arnold and Anh Nyugen, residents of the Gold Coast, were pulled over on December 19th and faced penalties after Nyugen's arm was spotted resting above her shoulder belt in the backseat.

It just goes to show that even the most innocent of road rule violations can come with a heavy cost. But as we've heard time and time again, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to buckling up in the car.

But folks, there's more to the story. For Arnold, the hefty fine was hardly the worst part of the situation.

A couple was given a hefty fine for a simple seatbelt mistake, but they felt like their privacy had been invaded. Credit: Pexels/Erik Mclean.

As the couple travelled down the bustling M1 in Coomera, on the Gold Coast, they were captured in a series of unexpected snapshots.

The first photo, taken at 5:21 PM on December 19, shows Nyugen resting her feet on the dashboard of their Mitsubishi Triton ute, unknowingly flashing her underwear to the camera.

The husband, Mr Arnold, was shocked to receive these photos, saying, 'You don't expect to be sent pictures of your wife's underwear, I have to say.'

He went on to express his concern about the legality and insensitivity of using covert photographic surveillance in such a manner.

He believes that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of Ms Nyugen in the process.

According to Queensland Police Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon, the photographic images don't actually end up in the hands of any viewers - they're sent directly to the registered owner of the vehicle, and used only to confirm the illegal activity.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads also adds that if no offence has taken place, the image is deleted shortly after.

Mr Arnold said that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of his wife. Credit: Pexels/JEShoots.com.

According to the Queensland Government website, people are not identified using the images as the cameras do not capture or analyse biometric data.

'We are committed to protecting the privacy of drivers and passengers and work closely with the Office of the Information Commissioner to ensure camera operations comply with privacy legislation,' says the statement.

'Only authorised personnel within the Queensland Revenue Office will view these images to decide if an offence has occurred, and if an infringement notice is to be issued.'

A separate photo delivered to Arnold and Nyugen showed the infraction itself - however, in hindsight, Richard claims that his partner had just been leaning up to adjust the sun visor and put her arm through the shoulder belt to do so.

He adds that Nyugen's arm was only in that position for 2 or 3 seconds.

Both Arnold and Nyugen are fighting the fee, arguing that the fine should be waived given the brief duration of the mistake.

Credit: StreetSmartsQLD.​

The high-end camera system was put into place back in 2021 across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria to catch drivers who break the law by not wearing their seatbelts properly or using their mobile phones while behind the wheel.

These cutting-edge cameras use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scan for violators and automatically identify them, even in the most challenging weather conditions like fog and heavy rain.

The AI system can quickly scan through photographs and filter out innocent drivers, leaving only the guilty ones for authorised employees to review.

And according to the Queensland Government, more than 50,000 drivers or front-seat passengers were caught not wearing their seatbelts correctly in the past 12 months.

Aussie motorists have had a range of reactions to the new high-tech cameras, with both praise and criticism flooding social media. Some drivers have expressed their fury at the cameras, calling them everything from 'revenue raisers' and 'highway robbery' to 'ATMs for cops'.

Others even claim that the cameras aren't accurate enough and they had received tickets even when they weren't using their phones.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have you ever had an experience with these high-end cameras on the road? Let us know what you think in the comments!

 

[Gletha]

Pay the fine, the law wasn’t obeyed by your passenger…(she) you were caught.
Lucky she was wearing knickers, obviously giving some sunlight and air if her legs were on the dash.

 

[Ian Crane-Luff]

Firstly having feet on the dashboard is not only stupid but highly dangerous and possibly illegal, all she had to do was lower her foot to reach the visor I'd double the fine

 

[Wandiwa]

Passengers placing feet on the dash, causes horrific injuries in a crash. Don't do it!

 

[Dorothy Kay]

'Buckle up or pay the price!' That's the harsh lesson an Australian couple learned after a seemingly small seatbelt mistake cost them a whopping $1078 fine.

Richard Arnold and Anh Nyugen, residents of the Gold Coast, were pulled over on December 19th and faced penalties after Nyugen's arm was spotted resting above her shoulder belt in the backseat.

It just goes to show that even the most innocent of road rule violations can come with a heavy cost. But as we've heard time and time again, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to buckling up in the car.

But folks, there's more to the story. For Arnold, the hefty fine was hardly the worst part of the situation.

View attachment 12182

A couple was given a hefty fine for a simple seatbelt mistake, but they felt like their privacy had been invaded. Credit: Pexels/Erik Mclean.

As the couple travelled down the bustling M1 in Coomera, on the Gold Coast, they were captured in a series of unexpected snapshots.

The first photo, taken at 5:21 PM on December 19, shows Nyugen resting her feet on the dashboard of their Mitsubishi Triton ute, unknowingly flashing her underwear to the camera.

The husband, Mr Arnold, was shocked to receive these photos, saying, 'You don't expect to be sent pictures of your wife's underwear, I have to say.'

He went on to express his concern about the legality and insensitivity of using covert photographic surveillance in such a manner.

He believes that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of Ms Nyugen in the process.

According to Queensland Police Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon, the photographic images don't actually end up in the hands of any viewers - they're sent directly to the registered owner of the vehicle, and used only to confirm the illegal activity.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads also adds that if no offence has taken place, the image is deleted shortly after.

View attachment 12183

Mr Arnold said that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of his wife. Credit: Pexels/JEShoots.com.

According to the Queensland Government website, people are not identified using the images as the cameras do not capture or analyse biometric data.

'We are committed to protecting the privacy of drivers and passengers and work closely with the Office of the Information Commissioner to ensure camera operations comply with privacy legislation,' says the statement.

'Only authorised personnel within the Queensland Revenue Office will view these images to decide if an offence has occurred, and if an infringement notice is to be issued.'

A separate photo delivered to Arnold and Nyugen showed the infraction itself - however, in hindsight, Richard claims that his partner had just been leaning up to adjust the sun visor and put her arm through the shoulder belt to do so.

He adds that Nyugen's arm was only in that position for 2 or 3 seconds.

Both Arnold and Nyugen are fighting the fee, arguing that the fine should be waived given the brief duration of the mistake.

Credit: StreetSmartsQLD.​

The high-end camera system was put into place back in 2021 across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria to catch drivers who break the law by not wearing their seatbelts properly or using their mobile phones while behind the wheel.

These cutting-edge cameras use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scan for violators and automatically identify them, even in the most challenging weather conditions like fog and heavy rain.

The AI system can quickly scan through photographs and filter out innocent drivers, leaving only the guilty ones for authorised employees to review.

And according to the Queensland Government, more than 50,000 drivers or front-seat passengers were caught not wearing their seatbelts correctly in the past 12 months.

Aussie motorists have had a range of reactions to the new high-tech cameras, with both praise and criticism flooding social media. Some drivers have expressed their fury at the cameras, calling them everything from 'revenue raisers' and 'highway robbery' to 'ATMs for cops'.

Others even claim that the cameras aren't accurate enough and they had received tickets even when they weren't using their phones.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have you ever had an experience with these high-end cameras on the road? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Every one says but officer I only did it for a second you can still die in a second

 

[Tiaura]

'Buckle up or pay the price!' That's the harsh lesson an Australian couple learned after a seemingly small seatbelt mistake cost them a whopping $1078 fine.

Richard Arnold and Anh Nyugen, residents of the Gold Coast, were pulled over on December 19th and faced penalties after Nyugen's arm was spotted resting above her shoulder belt in the backseat.

It just goes to show that even the most innocent of road rule violations can come with a heavy cost. But as we've heard time and time again, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to buckling up in the car.

But folks, there's more to the story. For Arnold, the hefty fine was hardly the worst part of the situation.

View attachment 12182

A couple was given a hefty fine for a simple seatbelt mistake, but they felt like their privacy had been invaded. Credit: Pexels/Erik Mclean.

As the couple travelled down the bustling M1 in Coomera, on the Gold Coast, they were captured in a series of unexpected snapshots.

The first photo, taken at 5:21 PM on December 19, shows Nyugen resting her feet on the dashboard of their Mitsubishi Triton ute, unknowingly flashing her underwear to the camera.

The husband, Mr Arnold, was shocked to receive these photos, saying, 'You don't expect to be sent pictures of your wife's underwear, I have to say.'

He went on to express his concern about the legality and insensitivity of using covert photographic surveillance in such a manner.

He believes that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of Ms Nyugen in the process.

According to Queensland Police Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon, the photographic images don't actually end up in the hands of any viewers - they're sent directly to the registered owner of the vehicle, and used only to confirm the illegal activity.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads also adds that if no offence has taken place, the image is deleted shortly after.

View attachment 12183

Mr Arnold said that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of his wife. Credit: Pexels/JEShoots.com.

According to the Queensland Government website, people are not identified using the images as the cameras do not capture or analyse biometric data.

'We are committed to protecting the privacy of drivers and passengers and work closely with the Office of the Information Commissioner to ensure camera operations comply with privacy legislation,' says the statement.

'Only authorised personnel within the Queensland Revenue Office will view these images to decide if an offence has occurred, and if an infringement notice is to be issued.'

A separate photo delivered to Arnold and Nyugen showed the infraction itself - however, in hindsight, Richard claims that his partner had just been leaning up to adjust the sun visor and put her arm through the shoulder belt to do so.

He adds that Nyugen's arm was only in that position for 2 or 3 seconds.

Both Arnold and Nyugen are fighting the fee, arguing that the fine should be waived given the brief duration of the mistake.

Credit: StreetSmartsQLD.​

The high-end camera system was put into place back in 2021 across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria to catch drivers who break the law by not wearing their seatbelts properly or using their mobile phones while behind the wheel.

These cutting-edge cameras use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scan for violators and automatically identify them, even in the most challenging weather conditions like fog and heavy rain.

The AI system can quickly scan through photographs and filter out innocent drivers, leaving only the guilty ones for authorised employees to review.

And according to the Queensland Government, more than 50,000 drivers or front-seat passengers were caught not wearing their seatbelts correctly in the past 12 months.

Aussie motorists have had a range of reactions to the new high-tech cameras, with both praise and criticism flooding social media. Some drivers have expressed their fury at the cameras, calling them everything from 'revenue raisers' and 'highway robbery' to 'ATMs for cops'.

Others even claim that the cameras aren't accurate enough and they had received tickets even when they weren't using their phones.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have you ever had an experience with these high-end cameras on the road? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Why the heck was the passenger travelling with her feet on the dashboard in the first place. A very dangerous and idiotic practice indeed that would have had a rather nasty result if the driver had had to brake suddenly. Also … why are they complaining about the underwear shot when she has decided to ride in such a position? Anyone who travels in cars in QLD knows only too well that traffic cameras are angled to look into cars in order to catch the idiots who decide their mobile use is far more important than the safety of others. Let’s face it - privacy is not an issue here … safety is.

 

[Tipsy]

'Buckle up or pay the price!' That's the harsh lesson an Australian couple learned after a seemingly small seatbelt mistake cost them a whopping $1078 fine.

Richard Arnold and Anh Nyugen, residents of the Gold Coast, were pulled over on December 19th and faced penalties after Nyugen's arm was spotted resting above her shoulder belt in the backseat.

It just goes to show that even the most innocent of road rule violations can come with a heavy cost. But as we've heard time and time again, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to buckling up in the car.

But folks, there's more to the story. For Arnold, the hefty fine was hardly the worst part of the situation.

View attachment 12182

A couple was given a hefty fine for a simple seatbelt mistake, but they felt like their privacy had been invaded. Credit: Pexels/Erik Mclean.

As the couple travelled down the bustling M1 in Coomera, on the Gold Coast, they were captured in a series of unexpected snapshots.

The first photo, taken at 5:21 PM on December 19, shows Nyugen resting her feet on the dashboard of their Mitsubishi Triton ute, unknowingly flashing her underwear to the camera.

The husband, Mr Arnold, was shocked to receive these photos, saying, 'You don't expect to be sent pictures of your wife's underwear, I have to say.'

He went on to express his concern about the legality and insensitivity of using covert photographic surveillance in such a manner.

He believes that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of Ms Nyugen in the process.

According to Queensland Police Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon, the photographic images don't actually end up in the hands of any viewers - they're sent directly to the registered owner of the vehicle, and used only to confirm the illegal activity.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads also adds that if no offence has taken place, the image is deleted shortly after.

View attachment 12183

Mr Arnold said that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of his wife. Credit: Pexels/JEShoots.com.

According to the Queensland Government website, people are not identified using the images as the cameras do not capture or analyse biometric data.

'We are committed to protecting the privacy of drivers and passengers and work closely with the Office of the Information Commissioner to ensure camera operations comply with privacy legislation,' says the statement.

'Only authorised personnel within the Queensland Revenue Office will view these images to decide if an offence has occurred, and if an infringement notice is to be issued.'

A separate photo delivered to Arnold and Nyugen showed the infraction itself - however, in hindsight, Richard claims that his partner had just been leaning up to adjust the sun visor and put her arm through the shoulder belt to do so.

He adds that Nyugen's arm was only in that position for 2 or 3 seconds.

Both Arnold and Nyugen are fighting the fee, arguing that the fine should be waived given the brief duration of the mistake.

Credit: StreetSmartsQLD.​

The high-end camera system was put into place back in 2021 across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria to catch drivers who break the law by not wearing their seatbelts properly or using their mobile phones while behind the wheel.

These cutting-edge cameras use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scan for violators and automatically identify them, even in the most challenging weather conditions like fog and heavy rain.

The AI system can quickly scan through photographs and filter out innocent drivers, leaving only the guilty ones for authorised employees to review.

And according to the Queensland Government, more than 50,000 drivers or front-seat passengers were caught not wearing their seatbelts correctly in the past 12 months.

Aussie motorists have had a range of reactions to the new high-tech cameras, with both praise and criticism flooding social media. Some drivers have expressed their fury at the cameras, calling them everything from 'revenue raisers' and 'highway robbery' to 'ATMs for cops'.

Others even claim that the cameras aren't accurate enough and they had received tickets even when they weren't using their phones.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have you ever had an experience with these high-end cameras on the road? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Its a simple thing... If you dont want a fine, Then dont do the crime.... its not revenue raising for the cops its actually for the state grubberment but the cops do have set amount to write each month...

 

[OldBells]

'Buckle up or pay the price!' That's the harsh lesson an Australian couple learned after a seemingly small seatbelt mistake cost them a whopping $1078 fine.

Richard Arnold and Anh Nyugen, residents of the Gold Coast, were pulled over on December 19th and faced penalties after Nyugen's arm was spotted resting above her shoulder belt in the backseat.

It just goes to show that even the most innocent of road rule violations can come with a heavy cost. But as we've heard time and time again, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to buckling up in the car.

But folks, there's more to the story. For Arnold, the hefty fine was hardly the worst part of the situation.

View attachment 12182

A couple was given a hefty fine for a simple seatbelt mistake, but they felt like their privacy had been invaded. Credit: Pexels/Erik Mclean.

As the couple travelled down the bustling M1 in Coomera, on the Gold Coast, they were captured in a series of unexpected snapshots.

The first photo, taken at 5:21 PM on December 19, shows Nyugen resting her feet on the dashboard of their Mitsubishi Triton ute, unknowingly flashing her underwear to the camera.

The husband, Mr Arnold, was shocked to receive these photos, saying, 'You don't expect to be sent pictures of your wife's underwear, I have to say.'

He went on to express his concern about the legality and insensitivity of using covert photographic surveillance in such a manner.

He believes that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of Ms Nyugen in the process.

According to Queensland Police Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon, the photographic images don't actually end up in the hands of any viewers - they're sent directly to the registered owner of the vehicle, and used only to confirm the illegal activity.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads also adds that if no offence has taken place, the image is deleted shortly after.

View attachment 12183

Mr Arnold said that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of his wife. Credit: Pexels/JEShoots.com.

According to the Queensland Government website, people are not identified using the images as the cameras do not capture or analyse biometric data.

'We are committed to protecting the privacy of drivers and passengers and work closely with the Office of the Information Commissioner to ensure camera operations comply with privacy legislation,' says the statement.

'Only authorised personnel within the Queensland Revenue Office will view these images to decide if an offence has occurred, and if an infringement notice is to be issued.'

A separate photo delivered to Arnold and Nyugen showed the infraction itself - however, in hindsight, Richard claims that his partner had just been leaning up to adjust the sun visor and put her arm through the shoulder belt to do so.

He adds that Nyugen's arm was only in that position for 2 or 3 seconds.

Both Arnold and Nyugen are fighting the fee, arguing that the fine should be waived given the brief duration of the mistake.

Credit: StreetSmartsQLD.​

The high-end camera system was put into place back in 2021 across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria to catch drivers who break the law by not wearing their seatbelts properly or using their mobile phones while behind the wheel.

These cutting-edge cameras use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scan for violators and automatically identify them, even in the most challenging weather conditions like fog and heavy rain.

The AI system can quickly scan through photographs and filter out innocent drivers, leaving only the guilty ones for authorised employees to review.

And according to the Queensland Government, more than 50,000 drivers or front-seat passengers were caught not wearing their seatbelts correctly in the past 12 months.

Aussie motorists have had a range of reactions to the new high-tech cameras, with both praise and criticism flooding social media. Some drivers have expressed their fury at the cameras, calling them everything from 'revenue raisers' and 'highway robbery' to 'ATMs for cops'.

Others even claim that the cameras aren't accurate enough and they had received tickets even when they weren't using their phones.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have you ever had an experience with these high-end cameras on the road? Let us know what you think in the comments!

No sympathy, she shouldn't have had her feet up on the dashboard, i can imagine what would happen to those legs in a crash. Plus, the seat belts are flexible, you don't need to take your arm out to reach the mirror. Typical wrongdoers trying to shift the blame!

 

[terri]

Another example of 'nothing is my fault". Regardless of the length of time, it was an offence captured on camera and we all know these cameras are around. So tidy up before you get 'clicked" and cop the fine you incurred.

 

[jennifercharles257@gmail.]

'Buckle up or pay the price!' That's the harsh lesson an Australian couple learned after a seemingly small seatbelt mistake cost them a whopping $1078 fine.

Richard Arnold and Anh Nyugen, residents of the Gold Coast, were pulled over on December 19th and faced penalties after Nyugen's arm was spotted resting above her shoulder belt in the backseat.

It just goes to show that even the most innocent of road rule violations can come with a heavy cost. But as we've heard time and time again, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to buckling up in the car.

But folks, there's more to the story. For Arnold, the hefty fine was hardly the worst part of the situation.

View attachment 12182

A couple was given a hefty fine for a simple seatbelt mistake, but they felt like their privacy had been invaded. Credit: Pexels/Erik Mclean.

As the couple travelled down the bustling M1 in Coomera, on the Gold Coast, they were captured in a series of unexpected snapshots.

The first photo, taken at 5:21 PM on December 19, shows Nyugen resting her feet on the dashboard of their Mitsubishi Triton ute, unknowingly flashing her underwear to the camera.

The husband, Mr Arnold, was shocked to receive these photos, saying, 'You don't expect to be sent pictures of your wife's underwear, I have to say.'

He went on to express his concern about the legality and insensitivity of using covert photographic surveillance in such a manner.

He believes that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of Ms Nyugen in the process.

According to Queensland Police Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon, the photographic images don't actually end up in the hands of any viewers - they're sent directly to the registered owner of the vehicle, and used only to confirm the illegal activity.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads also adds that if no offence has taken place, the image is deleted shortly after.

View attachment 12183

Mr Arnold said that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of his wife. Credit: Pexels/JEShoots.com.

According to the Queensland Government website, people are not identified using the images as the cameras do not capture or analyse biometric data.

'We are committed to protecting the privacy of drivers and passengers and work closely with the Office of the Information Commissioner to ensure camera operations comply with privacy legislation,' says the statement.

'Only authorised personnel within the Queensland Revenue Office will view these images to decide if an offence has occurred, and if an infringement notice is to be issued.'

A separate photo delivered to Arnold and Nyugen showed the infraction itself - however, in hindsight, Richard claims that his partner had just been leaning up to adjust the sun visor and put her arm through the shoulder belt to do so.

He adds that Nyugen's arm was only in that position for 2 or 3 seconds.

Both Arnold and Nyugen are fighting the fee, arguing that the fine should be waived given the brief duration of the mistake.

Credit: StreetSmartsQLD.​

The high-end camera system was put into place back in 2021 across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria to catch drivers who break the law by not wearing their seatbelts properly or using their mobile phones while behind the wheel.

These cutting-edge cameras use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scan for violators and automatically identify them, even in the most challenging weather conditions like fog and heavy rain.

The AI system can quickly scan through photographs and filter out innocent drivers, leaving only the guilty ones for authorised employees to review.

And according to the Queensland Government, more than 50,000 drivers or front-seat passengers were caught not wearing their seatbelts correctly in the past 12 months.

Aussie motorists have had a range of reactions to the new high-tech cameras, with both praise and criticism flooding social media. Some drivers have expressed their fury at the cameras, calling them everything from 'revenue raisers' and 'highway robbery' to 'ATMs for cops'.

Others even claim that the cameras aren't accurate enough and they had received tickets even when they weren't using their phones.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have you ever had an experience with these high-end cameras on the road? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Really a fine for having your arm out of your seatbelt for 2 or 3 seconds that's ridiculous but to have a photo taken of a woman's underwear as she went to adjust the sun visor is disrectful to say the leastsurely common sense would prevail & yes car accidents can happen in a millisecond this is purely a money making exercise for the government coffers this is a hefty fine indeed!

 

[Rob44]

I once met a bloke whose life was saved because he put both feet on the dashboard when he, as a passenger, saw that the car he was in was about to be hit head-on. The driver of that car had his teeth smashed on the steering wheel, among other injuries. I have also seen what happens even when with a properly fastened seat-belt one instinctively puts an an arm forward to brace oneself puts against the dash-board in a head-on smash. The shock smashes the elbow and tears it open including veins and worse perhaps an artery.

As for the use of spy cameras and AI; where does the right to privacy stop? As in PR China?

 

[Nana Zorak]

There are far too many idiots on the roads that have no idea how to drive let alone know the traffic regulations. That is why all fines were put up so the idiots who ignore the rules learn by it hitting their hip pocket. Pay the fine & take the lesson on board.

 

[Carl S]

but she was happy to give every oncomimg vehicle a good look then?

 

[ramjet11]

In the gc bulletin there was a picture to go with the story, it didn't look like she was wearing a seat belt at all.

 

[WideBayMike]

Pay the fine and stop complaining. All she had to do was put her feet on the floor, pull the seatbelt forward where it goes over her shoulder and lean forward and adjust the visor. I worked as a panel beater for over 30 years and I have seen some serious damage INSIDE cars that has been done by human bodies.

 

[Baz1960]

'Buckle up or pay the price!' That's the harsh lesson an Australian couple learned after a seemingly small seatbelt mistake cost them a whopping $1078 fine.

Richard Arnold and Anh Nyugen, residents of the Gold Coast, were pulled over on December 19th and faced penalties after Nyugen's arm was spotted resting above her shoulder belt in the backseat.

It just goes to show that even the most innocent of road rule violations can come with a heavy cost. But as we've heard time and time again, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to buckling up in the car.

But folks, there's more to the story. For Arnold, the hefty fine was hardly the worst part of the situation.

View attachment 12182

A couple was given a hefty fine for a simple seatbelt mistake, but they felt like their privacy had been invaded. Credit: Pexels/Erik Mclean.

As the couple travelled down the bustling M1 in Coomera, on the Gold Coast, they were captured in a series of unexpected snapshots.

The first photo, taken at 5:21 PM on December 19, shows Nyugen resting her feet on the dashboard of their Mitsubishi Triton ute, unknowingly flashing her underwear to the camera.

The husband, Mr Arnold, was shocked to receive these photos, saying, 'You don't expect to be sent pictures of your wife's underwear, I have to say.'

He went on to express his concern about the legality and insensitivity of using covert photographic surveillance in such a manner.

He believes that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of Ms Nyugen in the process.

According to Queensland Police Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon, the photographic images don't actually end up in the hands of any viewers - they're sent directly to the registered owner of the vehicle, and used only to confirm the illegal activity.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads also adds that if no offence has taken place, the image is deleted shortly after.

View attachment 12183

Mr Arnold said that the cameras that detected the infraction took a 'disrespectful' and 'indecent' photo of his wife. Credit: Pexels/JEShoots.com.

According to the Queensland Government website, people are not identified using the images as the cameras do not capture or analyse biometric data.

'We are committed to protecting the privacy of drivers and passengers and work closely with the Office of the Information Commissioner to ensure camera operations comply with privacy legislation,' says the statement.

'Only authorised personnel within the Queensland Revenue Office will view these images to decide if an offence has occurred, and if an infringement notice is to be issued.'

A separate photo delivered to Arnold and Nyugen showed the infraction itself - however, in hindsight, Richard claims that his partner had just been leaning up to adjust the sun visor and put her arm through the shoulder belt to do so.

He adds that Nyugen's arm was only in that position for 2 or 3 seconds.

Both Arnold and Nyugen are fighting the fee, arguing that the fine should be waived given the brief duration of the mistake.

Credit: StreetSmartsQLD.​

The high-end camera system was put into place back in 2021 across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria to catch drivers who break the law by not wearing their seatbelts properly or using their mobile phones while behind the wheel.

These cutting-edge cameras use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scan for violators and automatically identify them, even in the most challenging weather conditions like fog and heavy rain.

The AI system can quickly scan through photographs and filter out innocent drivers, leaving only the guilty ones for authorised employees to review.

And according to the Queensland Government, more than 50,000 drivers or front-seat passengers were caught not wearing their seatbelts correctly in the past 12 months.

Aussie motorists have had a range of reactions to the new high-tech cameras, with both praise and criticism flooding social media. Some drivers have expressed their fury at the cameras, calling them everything from 'revenue raisers' and 'highway robbery' to 'ATMs for cops'.

Others even claim that the cameras aren't accurate enough and they had received tickets even when they weren't using their phones.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have you ever had an experience with these high-end cameras on the road? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Suck it up. Whinging, will not get you out of a fine. Also, the practice of having feet on the dash. If airbag deployed, your knees would be in your teeth.

 

[puzzle solver]

Not to mention that passenger side dash and side doors have air bags that go off quicker than she can blink. I wouldn't like my leg bones,feet or hips around my shoulders if a fault caused them to trigger. Trees can fall down over the road in storms at any time,many have died that way. Also items falling off tray back utes, tyres coming off the wheel studs whilst driving. The M1 is renowned hot spot for unimaginable incidents. Even cars mounting the divider from otherside roadway causing head on accidents and deaths.
You can bet they were doing 100klm to 110 KLM at the time.

Pay the fine you deserve it.

 

[MotherGoose]

It's amazing the excuses people will come up with to wriggle out of a fine. I don't understand why she had to slip her arm out of her seatbelt to adjust the visor - it seems a totally unnecessary manoeuver. As for the underwear shot, my skirt never rides up when I adjust my visor (and I am not much taller than her) and it must have been a very short skirt to ride up that far. Commonsense should have told the couple that in that position, her knickers could be seen by people in large trucks, people on overpasses etc. I have my own theory as to why she was in a gynaecological examination position with her skirt hiked up and why the husband is so ticked off about being caught on camera. Bottom line (no pun intended) - cameras and eyes are everywhere; if you want that sort of privacy, do your flashing at home.

 

[puzzle solver]

Gee a bus load of aged tourists would have gotten an eye full. Happy days revival on a road trip for us elderly oldies to revisit our memory's of sitting on a car bench seat holding hands with the driver with one hand on steering, no indicators till 1969 on front seats and 1971 on all seats in car, no kids, transistor radio loose on the back window,only wind down windows so we could dry out wet hair.
They built us tough pre 1968.

She needs her hubby to make a gift to her of a pair of black trousers or jeans asap so she can cover up.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Speshul.