Seatbelt trick lands driver whopping $387 fine—avoid this mistake!
- Replies 5
When it comes to road safety, there are no shortcuts.
This is a lesson learned the hard way by a driver who attempted a rather unconventional fix on their seatbelt.
The incident unfolded during a random stationary test in northwest Sydney, where the driver's seatbelt was found to be in a deplorable state.
'Seatbelts help to save lives, except for this one....' the police department said.
A photo shared by NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol on Facebook showed the seatbelt patched up with duct tape, frayed at the edges, and looking dangerously close to snapping.
‘Hawkesbury Highway Patrol were recently conducting random stationary testing on Londonderry Road at Richmond when they spoke with a driver about his seatbelt,’ they said.
‘Not only was the seatbelt not being worn, an inspection of the seatbelt found it to be dangerously defective.’
The driver, who the police said was also not wearing the seatbelt at the time, was issued a defect notice and infringement, which included a $387 fine and three demerit points.
‘Please ensure your seatbelts don't look like this,’ NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol added.
The message was clear: seatbelts are a non-negotiable aspect of vehicle safety.
For our members who might not be aware, in New South Wales, vehicles over five years old must pass an eSafety check, commonly known as a pink slip inspection, to be deemed roadworthy.
These inspections are conducted at authorised stations and cover various aspects of the vehicle, including the condition of the seatbelt.
This incident has raised eyebrows, with many on social media questioning how the vehicle passed its inspection in the first place.
'And who passed the Pink Slip? That’s where I’d be heading,' one person commented, echoing the sentiments of many who were stunned by the state of the seatbelt.
‘The RMS should do a flash inspection on other vehicles inspected by the same business that cleared this car for rego,’ another added.
‘Quite obviously the interior wasn't inspected, maybe a “wink-wink” mates favour to pass for rego.’
The car's condition left Aussies bewildered, with some wondering how the seatbelt deteriorated to such an extent and others affirming that it was no longer safe.
One commenter asked: ‘How does this even happen?? I've been in really old cars and this was never an issue lol.’
‘Duct tape won’t save this one,’ a fourth joked.
Replacing a seatbelt can be a costly affair, with prices varying depending on the vehicle model.
Autobarn, one of Australia's largest automotive accessory retailers, offers standard seatbelts for under $200, but for specific car models, the cost can soar up to $550.
Nevertheless, when it comes to safety, the investment is necessary.
This story serves as a cautionary tale for all drivers to regularly inspect their vehicle's safety features and address any issues immediately. The cost of a new seatbelt pales in comparison to the potential consequences of driving with a defective one.
We've heard of other instances where drivers have faced fines for seatbelt-related offences. In early February, a Queensland driver was slapped with a heavy $1,100 penalty for a passenger who they said wore a seatbelt correctly.
These stories highlight the importance of not only wearing a seatbelt but ensuring it is in proper working order.
Have you had any similar experiences or tips on maintaining vehicle safety, members? Share your stories in the comments below!
This is a lesson learned the hard way by a driver who attempted a rather unconventional fix on their seatbelt.
The incident unfolded during a random stationary test in northwest Sydney, where the driver's seatbelt was found to be in a deplorable state.
'Seatbelts help to save lives, except for this one....' the police department said.
A photo shared by NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol on Facebook showed the seatbelt patched up with duct tape, frayed at the edges, and looking dangerously close to snapping.
Random stationary testing by the NSW state road patrollers led to the discovery of a glaring safety risk. Image Credit: Facebook / Traffic and Highway Patrol Command - NSW Police Force
‘Hawkesbury Highway Patrol were recently conducting random stationary testing on Londonderry Road at Richmond when they spoke with a driver about his seatbelt,’ they said.
‘Not only was the seatbelt not being worn, an inspection of the seatbelt found it to be dangerously defective.’
The driver, who the police said was also not wearing the seatbelt at the time, was issued a defect notice and infringement, which included a $387 fine and three demerit points.
‘Please ensure your seatbelts don't look like this,’ NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol added.
The message was clear: seatbelts are a non-negotiable aspect of vehicle safety.
For our members who might not be aware, in New South Wales, vehicles over five years old must pass an eSafety check, commonly known as a pink slip inspection, to be deemed roadworthy.
These inspections are conducted at authorised stations and cover various aspects of the vehicle, including the condition of the seatbelt.
This incident has raised eyebrows, with many on social media questioning how the vehicle passed its inspection in the first place.
'And who passed the Pink Slip? That’s where I’d be heading,' one person commented, echoing the sentiments of many who were stunned by the state of the seatbelt.
‘The RMS should do a flash inspection on other vehicles inspected by the same business that cleared this car for rego,’ another added.
‘Quite obviously the interior wasn't inspected, maybe a “wink-wink” mates favour to pass for rego.’
One commenter asked: ‘How does this even happen?? I've been in really old cars and this was never an issue lol.’
‘Duct tape won’t save this one,’ a fourth joked.
Replacing a seatbelt can be a costly affair, with prices varying depending on the vehicle model.
Autobarn, one of Australia's largest automotive accessory retailers, offers standard seatbelts for under $200, but for specific car models, the cost can soar up to $550.
Nevertheless, when it comes to safety, the investment is necessary.
This story serves as a cautionary tale for all drivers to regularly inspect their vehicle's safety features and address any issues immediately. The cost of a new seatbelt pales in comparison to the potential consequences of driving with a defective one.
We've heard of other instances where drivers have faced fines for seatbelt-related offences. In early February, a Queensland driver was slapped with a heavy $1,100 penalty for a passenger who they said wore a seatbelt correctly.
These stories highlight the importance of not only wearing a seatbelt but ensuring it is in proper working order.
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