Woman blindsided with a $1000 fine for a ‘barely noticeable error’ – Are you guilty of doing it too?
- Replies 48
If you’re having a bad day after getting a parking ticket, it may pale in comparison to one woman who got slapped with a hefty fine of $1000 for committing a minor mistake while driving.
Hailey Gilliard was taken aback when she received a not-so-exciting surprise from the Queensland Police Service – a letter notifying her of a fine that costs a staggering $1078. To add salt to injury, she was also given four demerit points.
What makes the situation even more bizarre is that her violation would have been easy to miss.
Included in the letter was an image taken from one of the state’s surveillance cameras, which was installed to keep an eye out for drivers’ mobile phone or seat belt practices.
Hailey detailed the story in a TikTok video. Source: @haileygillard1
The blurry photo shows Hailey–who was in the front passenger seat at the time– wearing her seat belt under her arms rather than over her left shoulder.
She shared her frustration about the ordeal on TikTok, which has since racked up over 118k views.
‘If you’re having a bad day, at least it’s not as bad as mine,’ she can be heard saying in the video.
‘I just got fined $1000 for wearing my seatbelt incorrectly… My seatbelt was underneath my arm because I was a bit carsick and I had to lean over. Then, I got a $1000 fine.’
‘Life is good, might cry later.’ she added sarcastically.
Source: @haileygillard1
In a follow-up video, Hailey urged others to avoid following in her footsteps.
‘I was in a bit of a shock because I was in the passenger seat,’ she said.
‘As you can see in this photo, my “mugshot” photo, I still had my seatbelt on. But because my arm was over it, it still was $1000 and four points demerited.’
‘So be really careful. Even if you’re wearing your seatbelt, wear it properly. Don’t do what I did or you’ll end up with a $1000 fine.’ she warned.
The QLD government website states: ‘You and all the passengers in your vehicle must always wear a seatbelt or child restraint when driving. Driving includes when the vehicle is moving or stationary (for example, when stopped at traffic lights), but not when parked.’
‘Wearing a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt is the law and significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or loss of life in a crash.’
The correct way to wear seat belts in Queensland is strapped ‘over your shoulder, running across your chest, and buckled low on your hip. Wearing a seatbelt any other way will result in a fine.’
The government website indicates the correct way to wear a seat belt. Source: qld.gov.au
‘Fines and demerit points apply for not wearing a seatbelt and for incorrectly fastened and adjusted seatbelts (for example, a seat belt worn under the arm).’ It continued.
However, as Hailey’s story circulated online, several users came to her defence and argued that the fine she got was too excessive.
‘Capitalism at its finest.’ one user hissed.
‘I thought these fines were around $400… A thousand dollars is WAY too much!’ said another.
‘I thought the driver was responsible for anyone not wearing a seat belt while they drive?’ a third asked, while a fourth shared: ‘Yes, we just got one too. I had no idea and I am shocked.’
But a few believed that she deserved the consequences.
‘This is awesome! Hopefully, this story prompts more people to start wearing their seat belts properly.’ a user wrote.
‘Wearing it under your arm like that won't stop you from launching through the windshield… That’s a really expensive mistake though!’ another chimed.
‘Is wearing a seatbelt in any way other than correctly like an “I’m the coolest kid” thing? It isn’t comfortable to wear it any other way.’ one more mocked.
The bottom line is to drive safely – and don’t forget to buckle up (the correct way), of course! What are your thoughts on Hailey’s fine? Did she deserve it or is the amount too high? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Learn why it’s important to wear your seat belt properly by watching the video below:
Source: Queensland Police
Hailey Gilliard was taken aback when she received a not-so-exciting surprise from the Queensland Police Service – a letter notifying her of a fine that costs a staggering $1078. To add salt to injury, she was also given four demerit points.
What makes the situation even more bizarre is that her violation would have been easy to miss.
Included in the letter was an image taken from one of the state’s surveillance cameras, which was installed to keep an eye out for drivers’ mobile phone or seat belt practices.
Hailey detailed the story in a TikTok video. Source: @haileygillard1
The blurry photo shows Hailey–who was in the front passenger seat at the time– wearing her seat belt under her arms rather than over her left shoulder.
She shared her frustration about the ordeal on TikTok, which has since racked up over 118k views.
‘If you’re having a bad day, at least it’s not as bad as mine,’ she can be heard saying in the video.
‘I just got fined $1000 for wearing my seatbelt incorrectly… My seatbelt was underneath my arm because I was a bit carsick and I had to lean over. Then, I got a $1000 fine.’
‘Life is good, might cry later.’ she added sarcastically.
Source: @haileygillard1
In a follow-up video, Hailey urged others to avoid following in her footsteps.
‘I was in a bit of a shock because I was in the passenger seat,’ she said.
‘As you can see in this photo, my “mugshot” photo, I still had my seatbelt on. But because my arm was over it, it still was $1000 and four points demerited.’
‘So be really careful. Even if you’re wearing your seatbelt, wear it properly. Don’t do what I did or you’ll end up with a $1000 fine.’ she warned.
The QLD government website states: ‘You and all the passengers in your vehicle must always wear a seatbelt or child restraint when driving. Driving includes when the vehicle is moving or stationary (for example, when stopped at traffic lights), but not when parked.’
‘Wearing a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt is the law and significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or loss of life in a crash.’
The correct way to wear seat belts in Queensland is strapped ‘over your shoulder, running across your chest, and buckled low on your hip. Wearing a seatbelt any other way will result in a fine.’
The government website indicates the correct way to wear a seat belt. Source: qld.gov.au
‘Fines and demerit points apply for not wearing a seatbelt and for incorrectly fastened and adjusted seatbelts (for example, a seat belt worn under the arm).’ It continued.
However, as Hailey’s story circulated online, several users came to her defence and argued that the fine she got was too excessive.
‘Capitalism at its finest.’ one user hissed.
‘I thought these fines were around $400… A thousand dollars is WAY too much!’ said another.
‘I thought the driver was responsible for anyone not wearing a seat belt while they drive?’ a third asked, while a fourth shared: ‘Yes, we just got one too. I had no idea and I am shocked.’
But a few believed that she deserved the consequences.
‘This is awesome! Hopefully, this story prompts more people to start wearing their seat belts properly.’ a user wrote.
‘Wearing it under your arm like that won't stop you from launching through the windshield… That’s a really expensive mistake though!’ another chimed.
‘Is wearing a seatbelt in any way other than correctly like an “I’m the coolest kid” thing? It isn’t comfortable to wear it any other way.’ one more mocked.
The bottom line is to drive safely – and don’t forget to buckle up (the correct way), of course! What are your thoughts on Hailey’s fine? Did she deserve it or is the amount too high? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Learn why it’s important to wear your seat belt properly by watching the video below:
Source: Queensland Police
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