While new safety camera technology is being introduced to the state, a caution notice period will apply.
From 26 January 2025, drivers detected by new safety cameras committing a mobile phone or seatbelt offence will receive a caution notice.
The caution notice will show details of the offence detected and encourage the driver to change their dangerous driving behaviour.
No payment is required, and no demerit points will be incurred.
Q&As
Why is there a caution notice period?
In WA, the rollout of new safety camera technology is being supported by a caution notice period like other Australia jurisdictions where similar technology has been introduced.
The purpose of a caution notice is to
- inform the community about the capabilities of the new type of safety camera technology;
- remind drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and not wearing a seatbelt; and
- give drivers an opportunity to change their dangerous driving behaviour before camera enforcement commences.
From 26 January 2025, caution notices will be issued for all mobile phone and seatbelt offences detected by new safety camera trailers operating state-wide and fixed safety cameras on the Kwinana Freeway.
Caution notices will not be applied for speeding offences caught by the freeway cameras. Speeding offences will continue to result in infringements as is currently the case.
Does the caution notice period apply to both metropolitan and regional areas?
Yes. Further caution notice periods may be conducted in regional areas prior to the commencement of infringements and demerit points being issued.
Why isn’t speeding included in the caution notice period?
The capability to detect speeding offences using technology has been a part of the automated traffic enforcement regime in WA for many years.
Caution notices are only being issued for traffic offences that are new to this type of enforcement.
Will a caution notice be recorded on my driving record?
Caution notices will not be recorded against an individual or business.
Information regarding the traffic offences detected will be collected during the caution notice period. No personal information will be retained.
Where will the safety cameras be located?
The safety cameras will operate in locations that meet set criteria and ensure geographical spread of deterrence. Criteria will include prevalence of crashes or relevant crash types and advice from WA Police Force, including locations that may be difficult to enforce using existing police resources.
The fixed safety cameras on the Kwinana Freeway are installed at Gentilli Way (Salter Point) and Mill Point Road (South Perth).
How long after an offence will a caution notice be issued?
Caution notices will be issued by the Road Safety Commission.
Every effort will be made to ensure a caution notice is issued and delivered promptly to the recipient. Due to varying factors this is expected to take place between 7 and 14 days from the date of the offence.
How is my privacy protected?
The Road Safety Commission, the Department of Transport and WA Police Force - the agencies responsible for the management and administration of safety camera programs and infringements - have strict obligations to ensure the personal information of WA road users is protected in accordance with statutory requirements.
Safety camera operating requirements ensure only the minimum amount of data required to detect and enforce offences is retained.
How do the safety cameras work?
Images captured by the safety cameras are reviewed automatically by artificial intelligence software. Those which do not contain evidence of an offence will be permanently and irretrievably deleted.
When a potential offence is detected, images are reviewed three times by an authorised human adjudicator, prior to a decision being made to issue a caution notice.
Like other WA traffic camera enforcement systems, strict data security measures apply.
Where can I find more information about the safety camera program?
The aim of the safety camera program is to increase road safety by utilising the latest technology to deter and detect unsafe driving.
The roll out of new safety camera technology is a key part of the State’s 10-year Road Safety Strategy, Driving Change.
More information about the program is available on the safety cameras webpage.
Where can I learn about the associated offences and penalties?
Mobile phone use: Any off-road glance lasting two seconds or longer is risky, irrespective of the nature of the task. The safest option is not to use your mobile phone at all while you're driving. Learn more about driver distraction and penalties associated with illegal mobile phone use here.
Seatbelts: Over the past five years, 20% of people who died in a crash on WA roads were not wearing a seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt is one of the easiest ways to protect drivers and passengers in a vehicle. Learn how to secure your seatbelt and the penalties associated with improper use here.
Speeding: The faster you travel, the longer it takes to stop and the larger the risk of serious injury. Find out more about the impacts of speeding and the associated penalties here.
