Not Wearing Seatbelt
Driver or any passenger in a motor vehicle not wearing a seatbelt.
Fine (1st)
₹1,000
What the Law Says
The Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019 extended the seatbelt requirement to rear passengers in addition to the driver and front-seat passenger. Section 194B(1) prescribes a fine of ₹1,000 for driving without a safety belt or carrying passengers not wearing seat belts; the section does not itself state that the fine multiplies per occupant, though enforcement practice varies between states. A separate ₹1,000 fine under Section 194B(2) applies where a child under 14 is not secured by a safety belt or child restraint system. Seatbelts reduce the risk of death in a frontal crash by 45–50% for front occupants and 25% for rear occupants.
"Whoever drives a motor vehicle without wearing a safety belt or carries passengers not wearing seat belts shall be punishable with a fine of one thousand rupees." — Sec. 194B(1), MV Act (as amended 2019)
Consequences
- ₹1,000 fine under Sec. 194B(1)
- Driver liable for passenger non-compliance
- Separate ₹1,000 fine under Sec. 194B(2) where a child under 14 is unrestrained
State-Specific Fines
Delhi
₹1,000
Mumbai
₹500
Karnataka
₹1,000
Tamil Nadu
₹500
How to Avoid This Violation
- ✓Make buckling up the first thing everyone does before the car moves
- ✓Seatbelts must be worn even on short trips — most accidents happen close to home
- ✓Ensure rear seatbelts are functional during vehicle servicing
- ✓Use child safety seats for children under 4 years
What to Do If Caught
- 1.Pay the fine via Parivahan e-challan portal
- 2.Fines apply per passenger — ensure all occupants buckle up before driving
Key Facts
45%
reduction in front-seat fatality risk with seatbelt
25%
reduction in rear-seat fatality risk with seatbelt
₹1,000
fine per unbelted occupant
Legal Reference
Section 194B, MV Act
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 194B; MV (Amendment) Act, 2019
Related Violations
Information sourced from Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 194B; MV (Amendment) Act, 2019. For awareness only — consult a legal professional for specific advice.