In a swift move, the State Road Safety Commissioner has made wearing seat belts mandatory for all those occupying the front seat and those in the front-facing rear seats in passenger cars plying in the State.

Road Safety Commissioner Rishi Raj Singh, who is also the State Transport Commissioner, said all Regional Transport Officers had been asked to carryout checks to book the offenders. At present, the Motor Vehicle Department and the police were only insisting on seat belts for drivers and occupant on the front seat of passenger cars.

Seat belts were also not insisted by law enforcers on cars registered in the State before 2002.

Mr. Singh said the directive had been issued as per the provision of sub-rule (3) of Rule 138 of Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. The impact can be reduced by 95 per cent if the occupants wear seat belts, Mr. Singh said quoting road safety experts.

The violation of provisions of rule 138 (3) would constitute an offence punishable under Section 177 of the MV Act of 1988 and would attract a fine of Rs.100 for first offence and up to Rs.300 for second and subsequent offence. Those violating the rule will also be booked under Section 184 of the MV Act for dangerous driving.