WA Police Drop Hundreds of AI-Generated Seatbelt Fines Over Lack of Proof

Thousands of infringements overturned after review finds no 'reasonable prospect' of conviction

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By LineZotpaper

Published2 September 2026

Read Time2 min

Western Australia Police are dropping hundreds of seatbelt fines generated by controversial AI-assisted traffic cameras, citing insufficient evidence that drivers knew passengers were not properly fastened. The Department of Transport introduced the cameras in October last year, leading to more than 81,000 seatbelt-related infringements, each carrying a $550 fine and four demerit points.

Western Australia Police are dropping hundreds of seatbelt fines generated by controversial AI-assisted traffic cameras, with Commissioner Col Blanch stating there is "no reasonable prospect" of a conviction in many cases.

The Department of Transport introduced the road safety cameras in October last year, resulting in police issuing a total of 81,412 seat belt-related infringements, which often carry a $550 fine and four demerit points. Most Australian states now have some form of the new camera system, which uses AI to identify potential mobile phone and seatbelt breaches.

However, approximately 7 per cent — or about 5,700 — of these infringements have been overturned following a request for review. Commissioner Blanch told ABC Perth that police prosecutors are dropping the infringements after hearing the "reasonable defences" put forward by drivers, but warned: "That doesn't mean everyone can make up a story and just tell us what they think."

"I think we only receive about 5 per cent of all of those matters and only about 0.1 or 0.2 per cent actually result in a trial," Mr Blanch said. "We don't want to waste the courts' time on a matter we aren't going to win anyway."

A review of penalties from AI cameras was underway, Mr Blanch said, adding: "I think it's our job and the government's job to assess how this is going and whether this is a burden."

One driver, Lisa Taylor, was issued a fine after the AI camera captured her 10-year-old daughter with the sash of the seatbelt under her arm while driving back from a family holiday in Dunsborough on Boxing Day. She contested the infringement, and it was overturned more than eight months later after a police prosecutor said there were no grounds to reasonably prosecute her.

"He said in no circumstances do they want drivers looking around and checking their kids, partners or their friends are strapped in," she said.

Several other drivers whose fines were dropped told the ABC they were not contacted by police, instead receiving letters months later saying no further action would be taken.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The widespread dropping of fines undermines public confidence in AI enforcement systems and raises questions about their accuracy.
Hundreds of drivers faced months of uncertainty and potential financial penalties before fines were overturned.
The review signals potential policy changes in how WA and other states deploy AI traffic enforcement.

Background

AI-assisted traffic cameras have been rolled out across most Australian states to detect mobile phone use and seatbelt violations automatically. The technology captures images of vehicles, and human reviewers then assess potential breaches before fines are issued. Western Australia introduced its system in October 2024, but the volume of contested fines has prompted a review of penalties. The core legal issue is that drivers are responsible for ensuring passengers wear seatbelts correctly, but proving that a driver knew a passenger had adjusted their belt after being properly fastened is difficult.

Key Perspectives

WA Police: Commissioner Blanch argues they are responsibly dropping cases where there is no reasonable prospect of conviction and do not want to waste court time. He says a review of penalties is underway. Drivers/Advocates: Drivers like Lisa Taylor argue the system unfairly penalises motorists who cannot reasonably monitor passengers at all times while driving safely. Over 5,700 fines have been overturned after review. Critics/Skeptics: The high overturn rate and hundreds of dropped fines suggest the AI enforcement system may be issuing too many questionable fines, potentially placing an unnecessary burden on drivers and the justice system.

What to Watch

Outcome of the WA government's review of AI camera penalties
Whether other states with similar systems adjust their enforcement policies
Any legal challenges or calls for reform from motoring or civil liberties groups

Sources

WA police drop AI seatbelt fines amid influx of complaints — Just In