I've recently found out I have 3 infringement notices against my name (2 overdue and 1 due in a few weeks) for "Driver drive with unrestrained front seat passenger".
The reason 2 are overdue is that the mail arrived at my old residence during the time I was moving house. So just my luck, I missed them…
My passenger was wearing a seatbelt at the time and it can be seen in some of the photos. The catch is that the shoulder strap is pulled down and in one pic under the passenger's arm (so not on properly).
I have 2 questions I was hoping someone could help me out with:
1 - It's a long shot but if it's clipped in but the shoulder strap is pulled down, does that still count as not wearing a seatbelt?
2 - Is it possible to transfer the demerit points to the passenger's name (the passenger is very happy to take the points if possible)? The QLD gov sites and TRM sites are very difficult to decipher so I was hoping someone had some clear info to help me out here.
As mentioned above it's in Queensland and I do have an open QPL license with no current points against it.
Each infringement is worth 3 points.
I appreciate the help with this not so good situation :/
UPDATE
- In relation to question 1, the official response that they give everyone is "Seatbelts must be worn correctly to reduce the risk of injury or death. This includes lap belts which the cameras can detect. The top part of the seatbelt must be on the shoulder, and the bottom part on the hips. "
- For question 2, even though the passenger wanted to take the fine, it can't be transferred.
Thanks to everyone who helped to answer my questions. It's much appreciated :)
I’m guessing they originate from anothe country where seatbelts are a suggestion not a rule. If you aren’t used to wearing one, and you haven’t been in a serious crash where they actually helped you I can see why you may not want to wear one.