Rear Seat Belt Alarms in Cars is Mandatory, Announcement Likely to be made This Week

Days after an accident that led to the death of former Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry, Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari declared the Centre’s plan to implement new rules for road safety, including compulsory seat belts for rear passengers and executing a heavy fine if the passengers fail to do so. As the government prepares to introduce strict laws, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India (MoRTH) newly announced that a new notification would be framed to make it compulsory for car makers to install an alarm system for back seat belts to implement its use. A media report states that the news is expected to be revealed this week. 

As part of numerous road safety initiatives, the Centre may inform the obligatory features of back seat belt reminder and the three-point seat belt for all front row passengers in the car this week. According to sources mentioned in the media report, manufacturers will be given adequate time to add new safety elements to their new cars. Officials say the alarm rule will make it inappropriate for back seat passengers to ignore seat belts. 

Post the announcement; multiple reports shortened up on ways to provide the system by attaching a clip that can be bought from online/offline merchandise. Nitin Gadkari, taking charge of the situation, demanded the Consumer Affairs Ministry to get the manufacture and sale of these clips claimed illegal. An announcement on this front is still desired. However, the Minister is also thinking of making seat belts mandatory for passengers in inter-city buses, and at least six airbags for eight-seater cars, after October 1.