The Karnataka state government is mandating the wearing of seatbelts for all passengers. Vehicles failing to do so will be penalised with a charge of Rs 1,000 per person. The order was issued by the government on Tuesday and it comes into effect immediately. The recent order is following the central government’s order dated 19 Sept 2022 that makes the use of seatbelts mandatory in all passenger vehicles. Frequent offenders will be charged Rs 2,000 for the same.
Last month such same notice was issued by Mumbai Traffic Police, mandating the wearing of seatbelts for all passengers from 1 Nov 22. The notice stated that all passengers sitting in front and back seats of the PV will be required to wear seatbelts and not wearing a belt will be a punishable offense and can be penalised Rs 1,000. As per the notice those who don't have seatbelts for all commuters have to get them fitted before the deadline.
Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced the Centre’s plans to implement new rules for road safety including mandatory seatbelts for rear passengers and imposing a fine for violating the rules if a passenger failed to do so. These actions came after the accident of former Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry on 4 Sep 2022.