As the world around us continues to evolve with technological advancements, so too does the way authorities ensure road safety.

In recent developments, mobile detection cameras have been upgraded to catch more than just the speedsters and the distracted.

This, in turn, makes sure that drivers will pay closer attention to their dashboards and even their documents.

Starting this week, mobile speed cameras in Tasmania should detect more than just speeding offences.

With the latest update, cameras can detect a car's registration status as they zoom by.

Aside from the usual offences, being caught with an unregistered vehicle will result in an automatic fine of more than $250.

Tasmania road cameras can now detect if cars have an updated registration. Image Credit: Shutterstock/Andrew Atkinson

Between 14 May and 17 June this year, over 2,000 incidents of unregistered vehicles were recorded on Tasmania's roads.

This poses a risk to safety and could cost taxpayers a significant amount of money.

Tasmania is not alone in this push for greater road safety.

The ACT also updated its roadside camera technology to ensure motorists have proper insurance and registration, all while keeping an eye on seatbelts and mobile phone use.

Tasmanian Transport Minister Eric Abetz issued a stern warning to drivers who might consider skirting their responsibilities.

'These cameras can be anywhere, anytime,' Minister Abetz stated.

He stressed the importance of registration fees, which contribute to compulsory third-party motor accident insurance.

Minister Abetz reminded motorists that delaying the re-registration of their vehicle by 90 days or more is 'irresponsible' and requires a reassessment for roadworthiness.

Last month, Tasmania’s road authorities reviewed their camera operations following a series of arson attacks on these devices.

These acts of vandalism were allegedly carried out by the public, leading to a new strategy where cameras will be moved around to avoid damage.

The Department of State Growth in Tasmania took these incidents seriously and explored new ways to keep drivers safe.

While the review of camera deployment practices is ongoing, the department started focusing on more frequent but shorter deployments, allowing for broader monitoring of roads.

This serves as a crucial reminder to keep your vehicle registration up to date.

It keeps you on the right side of the law and ensures that you're contributing to the safety and well-being of all road users.

If you need clarification about your vehicle's registration status, now is the time to check and avoid being caught out by these high-tech cameras.

Key Takeaways

• Tasmania upgraded its mobile speed cameras to detect unregistered vehicles, in addition to the usual road offences.
• Drivers warned of automatic fines exceeding $250 for driving unregistered vehicles on Tasmanian roads.
• Transport Minister Eric Abetz emphasised the importance of vehicle registration for funding compulsory third-party motor accident insurance.
• The Department of State Growth started reviewing its camera deployment strategies to combat arson while maintaining road safety.

Have you had any experience with these mobile detection cameras? We'd love to hear your thoughts on this new enforcement strategy in the comments below.

 

[freedy50]

"
With the latest update, cameras can detect a car's registration status as they zoom by."

So they've just upgraded them to ANPR cameras? A bit behind the times. Most places have had those for ages. And the one in a police car is always live.

 

[PattiB]

"
With the latest update, cameras can detect a car's registration status as they zoom by."

So they've just upgraded them to ANPR cameras? A bit behind the times. Most places have had those for ages. And the one in a police car is always live.

Don’t let our government hear you say that freedy50, they’re always telling us that we’re leading the pack!

 

[Gazman]

If you haven't paid your registration the fine should be a lot greater. If you cannot pay, then gid rid of your vehicle.

 

[novezar]

"DITTO", Gazman. Those who partake driving their cars etc., without proper registration & the insurance are indeed a GREAT DANGER to us all.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

So do the crime do the time or fine. Surely everybody who is a registered driver knows driving an unregistered car is illegal. They should also have demerit points at least 10 taken as well. Dickheads who drive like that you can bet they do not have even a knock policy to cover the other car insurance.

 

[DasherD]

How does an unregistered vehicle pose a safety risk? There may be a risk, if involved in an accident, of not being able to pay for medical treatment of other people involved in the accident (Third Party Personal insurance) or if Tasmania requires a safety inspection prior to reregistration. Please get the terminology correct.

 

[Veggiepatch]

This, in turn, makes sure that drivers will pay closer attention to their dashboards and even their documents.

Heaven forbid! Don't take your eyes of the road for more than a millisecond or you will be fined for "driving with undue attention" or some such rubbish. And never read your registration renewal while behind the wheel! That's a hanging offence!

 

[DLHM]

I believe cyclists who ride on the roads should have to pay registration like other road users.

 

[Gazman]

How does an unregistered vehicle pose a safety risk? There may be a risk, if involved in an accident, of not being able to pay for medical treatment of other people involved in the accident (Third Party Personal insurance) or if Tasmania requires a safety inspection prior to reregistration. Please get the terminology correct.

Would you like to tell everyone what happens if they are involved in a traffic accident? Unless I'm mistaken all insurance the other driver has is invalidated. If that's the case, then jail the buggers who break the law.

 

[natalielocket]

Its about time that ALL States insure that cars etc go over the pits, to get checked before getting their Rego. I see so many cars, headlights aren`t working, only parking lights, or 1 is. Also doing lots of walking, see so many unroad worthy tyres. This is just in QLD. But when living in Victoria, many years ago, saw the same. Between unroad worthy cars, and the state of some of the main highways, (Bruce from the north until Gympie) no wonder there are so many accidents. I have just driven from Mackay, to Rockhampton, and its more potholes, and ridges than decent roads. And passed another accident. The state of the roads are a disgrace.

 

[Ezzy]

Lucky Tasmania. Eric Abetz used to be a Politician in W.A.

 

[Viellarde]

I believe cyclists who ride on the roads should have to pay registration like other road users.

Did you just push them all onto footpaths?

 

[DLHM]

Did you just push them all onto footpaths?

What sort of a question is that? Most of the spandex brigade have even less respect for pedestrians.

All I said was, “I believe cyclists who ride on the roads should have to pay registration like other road users.”

So what does that have to do with pushing cyclists “onto footpaths”, as you put it?

 

[Veggiepatch]

Did you just push them all onto footpaths?

Speed humps, the lot of them....lycra clad gaiboys!

We have hundreds ride past our home each day, ignoring road rules and shared cycle/walkway rules. In Western Australia, pedestrians and users of any form of mobility scooter have absolute right of way on shared cycle/walkways over cyclists. Yet they still flaunt the law, riding on footpaths, going through red lights and stop signs without looking. Those who ride three abreast on local roads and streets just should be mushed into the bitumen.

 

[Viellarde]

What sort of a question is that? Most of the spandex brigade have even less respect for pedestrians.

All I said was, “I believe cyclists who ride on the roads should have to pay registration like other road users.”

So what does that have to do with pushing cyclists “onto footpaths”, as you put it?

It was meant in jest. I navigate an army of footpath cyclists in full protective gear every day, and very few are children.

 

[Abby2]

From the first of July, mobile phone detection cameras in NSW have the capability to spot when drivers aren't buckled up.​

 

[Veggiepatch]

From the first of July, mobile phone detection cameras in NSW have the capability to spot when drivers aren't buckled up.​

And passengers too....

As indicative of the shitfights in Queensland. I just wonder how they would go booking backseat passengers who are not buckled up....

 

[Abby2]

And passengers too....

As indicative of the shitfights in Queensland. I just wonder how they would go booking backseat passengers who are not buckled up....

They'll now be slugged wth $344 fines and one demerit point per unbelted passenger, with the demerit penalty doubling if two or more passengers are unbelted. All occupants of a vehicle aged over 16 will get a fine for not wearing a seatbelt, including passengers and learner drivers, according to Transport for NSW.

 

[Veggiepatch]

They'll now be slugged wth $344 fines and one demerit point per unbelted passenger, with the demerit penalty doubling if two or more passengers are unbelted. All occupants of a vehicle aged over 16 will get a fine for not wearing a seatbelt, including passengers and learner drivers, according to Transport for NSW.

I should have clarified that it would be physically impossible for these mobile detection cameras to determine if a backseat passenger is not wearing a seatbelt. Here is photographic proof from an earlier SDC article on seatbelts.