Mumbai traffic police MANDATES wearing seatbelts for all passengers, strict action against violators

Mumbai Police issued a statement on Friday reinforcing road safety by making it mandatory for drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts when in a four-wheeler from November 1. Based on the statement, if any driver or passenger found without a seatbelt while driving, the driver shall be punished as per law. It is to be noted that the police department has been working towards increasing road safety, and the latest notification adds to the efforts. Announcing the update, Mumbai Police quoted the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, section 194(b)(1), which makes the driver liable for punishment if found not wearing a seatbelt.

The statement from Mumbai Police read, "As per the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, under section 194(b) (1) Whoever drives a motor vehicle without wearing a safety belt or carries passengers not wearing seat belts shall be punishable." In addition, Mumbai Police warned drivers to install seatbelts in their vehicles that do not have the feature already. Such vehicle owners have been given time until 1 November 2022.

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The statement said, "Accordingly, to install seat belt facility in Motor vehicles which do not have seat belt facility for all Commuters, The period is being given till date 01/11/2022." The statement further said, "Therefore, All motor vehicle drivers and all commuters in vehicles, whoever travels on the roads of Mumbai City are hereby informed that, it will be mandatory for drivers and all passengers to wear seat belts while traveling from 01/11/2022. Otherwise, action will be taken under Section 194(B)(1) of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019."

Whoever drives a motor vehicle without wearing a safety belt or carries passengers not wearing seat belts shall be punishable: Mumbai police pic.twitter.com/bqcuJIk6go

— ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2022

As per the provision of the Act, whoever drives a motor vehicle without wearing a safety belt or carries passengers not wearing seat belts shall be punished. Former chairman of Tata Sons Cyrus Mistry was killed in a road accident in adjoining Palghar district last month and a probe into the crash revealed the businessman, who was on the rear seat of the Mercedes car, was not wearing a safety belt. The car was speeding and Mistry died due to the impact of the crash after his vehicle hit the divider of a bridge on the Surya river in the neighbouring district.

Last Month, Union Road Transport and Highway Minister made it mandatory for cars to have seatbelts. The Union Minister said, "It will now be mandatory for all the people sitting in the car to wear a seat belt."

(With inputs from agencies)