New AI cameras could leave drivers with £500 fine for not wearing seatbelt

You could also be caught out for bad driving and texting behind the wheel

Drivers not wearing their seatbelt properly could be caught without even getting pulled over by police. New AI camera technology is currently being trialled to spot iffences including bad driving, not wearing a seatbelt or texting behind the wheel.

Motorists driving with a child who is not wearing their seatbelt can get a hefty fine of £500, while drivers not strapped in properly while behind the wheel face £100 on-the-spot fines. They also face three penalty points and a mandatory online education course - which you will have to pay for yourself too.

According to Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, there is a correct way to wear a seatbelt. This is not just for your safety but also for your health.

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There are some exceptions to wearing your seatbelt in the car. The expert said that drivers should adjust their seat, not their seatbelt, to ensure it does not affect 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 which can be dangerous in the case of a collision.

If your shirt has a pocket it should not contain anything that could cause damage in an accident such as keys, pens or phones. He said: "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."

Pregnant drivers and passengers must ensure the lap belt is underneath their baby bump, lying across their thighs to avoid pressure on their stomach. The shoulder belt should rest on their collarbone and belly, settling between their breasts.

Children under the age of 12 or shorter than 135cm must be strapped into a child car seat or booster seat. There are some times when you do not need to be wearing a seatbelt.

This includes a driver who is reversing, a passenger supervising a learner who is reversing, people in a vehicle being used for police, fire and rescue services and passengers investigating a fault in a trade vehicle. Goods vehicle drivers travelling no more than 50 metres between stops for deliveries and licensed taxi drivers who are searching for customers are also reportedly exempt.

You must be carrying a Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing provided by a doctor if you have a health condition which stops you from wearing a seatbelt.