Driver worried $410 fine will hinder job prospects

A young woman from Sydney, Montana Shaw, is worried that a recent driving fine may hurt her job prospects. The 22-year-old received a $410 penalty when her mother, a passenger in her car, accidentally did not wear her seatbelt correctly as they passed a roadside camera. This mistake happened while Montana was driving to an event in September. Montana is a recent law graduate looking for a job in government. She has to disclose this driving fine in job applications. Many of these applications ask about any fines or criminal activity. "It's frustrating because it wasn’t my fault," she said. She fears that ticking "yes" on these applications could prevent her from getting job interviews. Montana's mother paid the fine and thought about changing the penalty to her name, but they learned that the driver must take the responsibility. Montana has not had previous fines and believes the penalty could lead to her being overlooked by recruitment systems. "I am worried that I won't get through all the stages now that that box is ticked," she explained. She will carry the demerit points for five years, which adds to her concerns about future job opportunities.