Driver's $395 fine after mobile detection camera catches rude act: 'It's ridiculous'
While the driver feels she was targeted, it was her passenger's illegal act that seems to have resulted in the fine.
An Aussie driver fined $395 claims they were “targeted” by road authorities after performing a rude act towards a mobile detection camera. Victorian motorist Abbey shared a photo of her impolite gesture caught on camera to social media to the stunned surprise of Aussies.
Many quickly pointed out her fine was not for 'flipping off' the camera — gesturing with her middle finger — but instead for her passenger illegally wearing their seatbelt incorrectly. Despite that, Abbey feels authorities targeted her because of gestures at the cameras. The penalty for not wearing a seatbelt correctly is a $395 fine, and three demerit points — something Abbey says is “ridiculous”.
“Definitely was targeted for putting the finger up,” she told Yahoo News Australia of the incident which took place in the Melbourne suburb of Pakenham. “I think it’s ridiculous you lose three points for it plus $400.”
While new detection cameras used to snap drivers on their mobile phones or failing to wear a seatbelt came into place in Victoria over a year ago, they only came into force in NSW earlier this month. The cameras use artificial intelligence, as well as high-definition lenses to capture drivers doing the wrong thing.
Since the cameras were installed, over 52,000 drivers and passengers in Victoria have been caught out as of May this year — around 5,000 offenders per month — a figure police officials have deemed “shocking”.
Aussies point out illegal act in photo
Aussies who viewed Abbey's photo were quick to express their shock at the image, with many pointing out her passenger's obvious seatbelt act as the reason behind the fine, not her defiant act.
"Hope you gave the passenger the fine to pay," said one Aussie. Abbey admitted to Yahoo that while she won’t fight the fine, she will ask her passenger to “pay half”.
Others admitted they too made gestures towards the cameras. "I flip off the mobile phone camera every time I pass it," said another.
What's the penalty for not wearing your seatbelt?
While penalties vary from state to state, in Victoria, drivers caught by these cameras will cop a $395 fine for not wearing a seatbelt correctly, and three demerit points.
In Queensland, seatbelt detection cameras could see those breaking the law hit with a whopping $1161 fine and four demerits.
Failure to wear a seatbelt while driving or ensuring that your passengers are properly buckled up in NSW can result in a fine of $387 and three demerit points, and double demerits apply at certain times of the year. Other states are yet to use the new AI technology, but penalties still apply.
Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety weighs in
A spokesperson for Victoria's Department of Justice and Community Safety said the cameras do not target anyone specifically for making a gesture.
"Failing to wear a seatbelt correctly is extremely dangerous and can significantly increase your risk of serious injury in the event of a crash," the told Yahoo News Australia. "Every driver has an obligation to do the right thing on the roads and to not put themselves or others at risk."
Images deemed likely to contain an offence, such as incorrect seatbelt use, are verified by trained personnel and Victorian Government departments are required to adhere to strict privacy and data security policies, the spokesperson explained.
They added that that a passenger can get a fine for not wearing a seatbelt if the offence is detected in person by a police officer, for example if the car is pulled over.
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