Road rules: How to wear a seatbelt correctly in Queensland

RACQ19/05/2026

Wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt is compulsory in Queensland for all motor vehicle occupants.

How to wear a seatbelt correctly

Seatbelts must always be worn correctly to provide maximum protection in the event of a crash.

The shoulder belt must run firmly across your shoulder and chest.
The lap belt must sit securely across your pelvic area, buckled low on your hips.

If you recline your seat

If your seat is reclined, you must ensure the seatbelt remains positioned correctly across your shoulder and chest. Improper positioning reduces the effectiveness of the restraint system.

Driver responsibilities

Drivers in Queensland are responsible for ensuring all occupants are correctly restrained at all times.

The driver and every passenger must wear a properly fitted seatbelt.
Children must use Australian Standard approved child restraints where required.
Each seating position in a vehicle may only be occupied by one person.

Correct and incorect examples of how to wear a seatbelt.

The correct, left, and incorrect ways to wear a seatbelt.

Seatbelt exemptions in Queensland

Seatbelt exemptions apply only in limited circumstances and must meet strict requirements.

You have a valid seatbelt exemption certificate issued by a qualified medical practitioner due to a medical condition or disability.
The vehicle was manufactured without seatbelts and the passenger is aged seven years or older.

Children under seven years of age are not permitted to travel in vehicles without correctly fitted seatbelts or child restraints.

Certain drivers — including bus drivers and taxi or rideshare drivers in specific situations — may be exempt from ensuring passengers are wearing seatbelts.

Why seatbelt safety matters

Wearing a correctly fitted seatbelt significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in a crash.

Proper seatbelt use can reduce the risk of fatal or serious injury by up to 50%.
Unrestrained occupants are several times more likely to be killed in a crash.

Did you know?

Seatbelt use became mandatory in Queensland on 1 January 1972, following Victoria’s world-first seatbelt law introduced in December 1970*.

By 1972, seatbelt laws were implemented nationwide, requiring drivers and passengers to wear a seatbelt where one was fitted.

Early adoption of these laws led to rapid road safety improvements. Victoria recorded approximately a 13% reduction in road fatalities in the first year, encouraging other states to introduce similar legislation.

*Source: MAIC–QUT Road Safety Research Collaboration

Learn more about Queensland road rules

RACQ provides road rules and safety advice to help protect all road users.

For more information about Queensland road rules, visit Transport and Main Roads Queensland or call 13 23 80.

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Things to note

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