AI cameras could land you with £500 fine for seatbelt offence without being pulled over

A new trial of AI cameras has been launched that can catch motorists for a number of offences without being pulled over by police - including incorrectly wearing a seatbelt

Motorists could be caught for a range of road offences, including incorrect seatbelt use, without even being stopped by police. A new AI camera technology is currently being tested to detect offences such as poor driving, not wearing a seatbelt or texting while driving.

If caught with a child in the car who isn't wearing their seatbelt, drivers can face a hefty £500 fine, while those not wearing a seatbelt themselves risk an immediate £100 fine, three penalty points and a compulsory online education course which they must pay for. However, even if you are wearing a seatbelt, being strapped in incorrectly could be just as harmful, both financially and health-wise in the event of an accident.

Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, explained how to properly wear a seatbelt, including for pregnant women and children, as well as when it's not necessary to wear one. The expert emphasised that drivers should adjust their seat, not their seatbelt, to ensure it doesn't hinder their ability to drive.

The lap belt should fit snugly across your hips, not your stomach, and the shoulder belt should cross your chest not your neck. The belt must not be twisted as this can be dangerous in the event of a collision.

Motorists have been warned by a safety expert about the potential dangers of keeping items in their shirt pockets while driving. The specialist stressed that items such as keys, pens or phones could be harmful in an accident and advised: "Do not tuck your belt under your arm - this defeats the purpose of wearing the belt and will not provide much protection in an accident.", reports the Mirror.

Pregnant women should make sure the lap part of the seatbelt is worn below the bump, over the thighs, and the diagonal section should go between the breasts and over the collarbone, avoiding the belly.

Importantly, any child under 135cm tall or younger than 12 years must be in a suitable car seat or booster seat. There are only a few exceptions for not wearing a seatbelt, such as when reversing, or for tradespeople troubleshooting faults, but if medical reasons prevent using one, a doctor's Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing is required.