Be careful with your seatbelt: this weekend traffic cameras start issuing fines

For the past two months, the cameras installed by the DGT on many Spanish roads have been recording images of drivers who are not wearing their seatbelt while driving. This has resulted in the issue of many warnings by postcard, which recipients have received as cautions but not as the corresponding fines. This is because during this period, offenders have not been fined, only warned. But that changed from 11 November.

That day was set as the start of issuing the corresponding fines to everyone detected without this safety feature. During this informational period, drivers have learned that this type of technology exists, a means of control that allows the use of the seatbelt, or its non-use, to be detected. Now, in addition, they will receive a fine of 200 euros and the deduction of 3 points from their licence. Something to keep in mind.

Currently there are 50 cameras of this type installed on the Spanish road network, of which 60% are located on conventional roads, which is where the highest number of accidents occur. Over the coming months, more cameras of this type will be installed, reaching a total of 227 cameras across the national territory, checking that everyone wears their seatbelt correctly. These new cameras will also have that two-month grace period during which they will only inform offenders.

Viewing and interpreting the images

For the time being, the cameras only identify whether the driver is wearing the seatbelt, not the other occupants of the vehicle. The images will pass to the Automated Complaints Processing Centre, where software carries out the first screening. The system automatically discards those in which the seatbelt is clearly being worn. Those that raise any doubt are reviewed manually to rule out errors. From there they pass to the corresponding Provincial Traffic Headquarters, where they are reviewed again.

Once any possibility of error has been ruled out, the corresponding fine is issued, and if it turns out the driver is not the owner of the car, another request is made to determine who the driver was. If the driver is not identified, the owner may face another penalty for failing to do so. So, although we already know that beyond the possibility of receiving a fine, we can suffer serious consequences in the event of an accident, it is best to make sure we have it on properly before setting off and avoid scares and complications.