MEDIA STATEMENT

BUCKLE UP OR PAY THE PRICE

Legislative changes, coupled with the alarming number of drivers being prosecuted for seatbelts places a lot of responsibility on the driver of a motor vehicle to ensure that all persons (including children) wear seatbelts.

The seatbelt regulation deals with adult and children separately. Adults are 15 years and older or 1,5m and taller and children are between 3-14 years unless taller than 1,5m. An adult must wear a seatbelt if one is available on the row of seats on which he/she is seated.

Children under 3 years do not have to wear a seatbelt. Child restraints are not compulsory to these little bodies, however drivers should have this device in their vehicles during travel to ensure the safety of children.

Children 3 years to 14 years must be seated in a seat with a seatbelt, if one is available. If the driver and a child are driving in a vehicle and the front seats are equipped with seatbelts, but the rear seats are not, the child must sit in the front seat and wear the seatbelt. The driver will be charged if a child under 14 years is not wearing a seatbelt in a motor vehicle , and a seat with a seatbelt is available in the vehicle.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport will not tolerate the non-compliance of this legislation. Children in particular are human missiles with detrimental consequences in the event of crashes. The current fine for not using a seatbelt is R100-00 per person. This is being reviewed and a certain increase is imminent.

Drivers are warned to comply with this legislation, as law enforcement agencies will be vigilant towards the compliance with a zero tolerance attitude.

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