Central govt makes rear seat belts mandatory in vehicles from 2025

In a significant move to enhance road safety, new regulations mandating seat belts for rear passengers will be implemented starting April 2025. This update extends to eight-seater vehicles and includes the introduction of stricter quality standards for seat belts and their accessories.

Under the new norms, Indian standards for seat belts and anchors will replace the current Western standards. Automakers are required to adhere to these standards during vehicle production. Although seat belts have been mandatory for rear seat passengers, enforcement has been lax, with inspections and AI cameras primarily focusing on front-seat compliance. The new regulations will also cover quadricycles, which are categorized as four-wheeled vehicles.

The push for these changes gained momentum after the tragic death of industrialist Cyrus Mistry in a car accident in Palghar, Maharashtra. This incident highlighted the need for rear seat passengers to wear seat belts, prompting increased awareness campaigns by central and state governments, as well as the police and motor vehicle departments.

According to Section 138(3) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, seat belts are mandatory for both front and rear seat occupants, with non-compliance resulting in fines up to Rs 1000. However, enforcement has been inconsistent, with rear seat belt use often overlooked during inspections.

Vehicles manufactured in India are equipped with seat belt alarms for rear passengers, a feature that has been mandatory for front seats since 2019. This new legislation may also be linked to ongoing proposals to make six airbags compulsory, as airbags are designed to function effectively only when seat belts are worn.