Wearing a seat belt is mandatory not only for drivers of four-wheelers, but also for the co-passengers occupying the front seat.
The Mysuru City Police, which was penalising only the driver for not wearing a seat belt, has now begun collecting fines from passengers seated next to the driver without wearing a seatbelt.
As per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, both the driver and his co-passenger on the front seat have to wear a seat belt when the vehicle is in motion.
During a recent drive in the city, the police booked several cases against drivers and co-passengers of four-wheelers found to be travelling without wearing seat belts. A total of 189 cases were booked just in two hours, and a penalty of Rs. 18,900 was collected from the offenders.
A release by the police has cautioned the public towards wearing seat belts for their own safety. The police has warned that similar drives would be conducted in future.
Road safety experts say wearing seat belts reduces the impact of a crash and protects passengers.
