What happens if I'm caught — failing to ensure a passenger (16+) is restrained in TAS?

Standard penalty: 3 demerit points and a $426 fine.

How close does this put me to suspension in TAS?

12–15 points within 3 years = 3-month suspension (longer at higher tallies). This offence adds 3 points.

Failing to ensure a passenger (16+) is restrained in Tasmania: Demerit Points & Fine (2026-27)

Name: Failing to ensure a passenger (16+) is restrained — TAS penalty 2026-27
Creator: Transport Tasmania offence list at the 2026-27 penalty unit

3 demerit points and a $426 fine

Penalty-unit multiple × $213 (the 2026-27 Tasmanian penalty unit)

Transport Tasmania offence list at the 2026-27 penalty unit · 2026-27 schedule

Seatbelt offences cover not wearing a fitted seatbelt correctly while a vehicle is moving, and in most jurisdictions the driver also carries responsibility for younger passengers being properly restrained. Correct use matters as much as presence: a belt worn loosely, behind the back or under the arm can still count as an offence, because it will not do its job in a crash.

Enforcement is largely done by police at the roadside, though some jurisdictions have introduced cameras capable of detecting unbelted occupants, which issue notices to the registered operator in the same way as other camera offences. Because a seatbelt is one of the most effective protections in a crash, the penalties are set to reflect that, and seatbelt breaches are among the offences that attract holiday or repeat-offence loadings in the states that run them.

The points and fines that apply differ by state and territory, and are listed in the schedules above.

All TAS seatbelt penalties

Offence	Points	Fine
Driver not wearing a seatbelt	3	$426
Failing to ensure a passenger (16+) is restrained	3	$426
Failing to restrain a child under 16 properly	3	$479

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I'm caught — failing to ensure a passenger (16+) is restrained in TAS?: The standard penalty is 3 demerit points and a $426 fine.
How close does this put me to suspension in TAS?: 12–15 points within 3 years = 3-month suspension (longer at higher tallies). This offence adds 3 points to your record.

The same offence in other states

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

Transport Tasmania offence list at the 2026-27 penalty unitverified

Standard first-offence penalty for a full-licence holder unless noted. Information, not legal advice — if your licence is at stake, get legal advice.