Seat belts mandatory for all expressway passengers from Sept. 20

In an effort to curb traffic fatalities and improve commuter safety, authorities have declared that the wearing of seat belts will be mandatory for all occupants of vehicles travelling on expressways starting September 20. The mandate covers every seat in automobiles, dual-purpose vehicles, and intercity buses equipped with restraint systems.

Police headquarters announced that traffic officers stationed at expressway interchanges will conduct rigorous checks before vehicles are permitted through toll gates. Drivers carrying unrestrained passengers will face spot fines, and repeated violations may lead to vehicle impoundment and legal action.

Highway safety analyses have demonstrated that unrestrained rear-seat passengers account for a significant portion of severe trauma injuries and ejections during high-speed collisions on the expressway network. Authorities emphasized that seat belt adherence drastically reduces the severity of impacts.

Transport associations and private motorists have been urged to ensure that all seat belt mechanisms are fully functional ahead of the deadline, as zero tolerance will be observed once the enforcement period commences.