We all know that wearing a seat belt in India is mandated, but how many of us actually abide by the rule? This is not just a legal requirement in India but also prevents a life hazard.
As per the official report submitted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, 4,61,312 road accidents were reported in 2022. The numbers are staggering and hence call for us to act more responsibly. Many of these accidents could have been prevented, or their impact minimised if seat belts had been consistently worn and a hefty “without seat belt fine” was levied strictly.
As a matter of fact, a simple click of the seat belt can mean the difference between walking away from a collision unscathed and enduring severe injuries or worse.
Fine for not wearing a seatbelt in India
Wearing a seat belt in India is mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. The implementation of The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act in India has led to an increase in penalties for various traffic violations, including not wearing a seat belt. Following are some of the critical aspects that you, as an Indian citizen, should be aware of:
Earlier, for driving without a seat belt, the fine amount was just INR 100. However, to implement this law better, the fine for not wearing a seatbelt has been increased to INR 1000. This escalation aims to serve as a stronger deterrent and encourage greater compliance with seat belt regulations.
Another thing that we must note is that the law not only applies to front seat occupants but also to passengers in the rear seats. Rule 138 (3) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules explicitly states that “without a seat belt fine” in the rear seats is also INR 1,000.
Conclusion
The stark numbers are compelling for us to recognise the gravity of the issue and act accordingly. While we’ve highlighted fines for not wearing a seatbelt, it’s also essential to consider other aspects of responsible driving. One such aspect is your car insurance policy, which can immensely help. Ensure that you have the right accidental insurance coverage in place for a more secure journey.
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