From the new year onwards, all passengers in a car whether sitting in the front or back have to buckle up or face a RM300 fine. This only applies if the passenger is over 17 years old, but if you are younger, the driver of the car is the one who will be punished as according to Road Transport Director-General Datuk Solah Mat Hassan, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure the safety of the minors that they are driving.
This new seatbelt ruling includes the rear seatbelts, but excludes the following:
- Cars registered before 1st of January 1995
- Cars registered after the 1st of January 1995 but not equipped with rear seatbelt anchorage points
- Commercial vehicles such as taxis and rental cars
- Vehicles with more than 9 seats including the driver’s
- Transport vehicles with capacity above 3.5 tonnes
Wait, that’s not all. The RM300 fine will be in effect only within a “grace period” of between the 1st of January 2009 to the end of June 2009. From the 1st of July 2009 onwards, this fine will be upped to RM2,000 and you could even go to jail for up to 1 year. Yes, it may seem harsh… but if you buckle up, you won’t have to worry. It’s for your own safety anyway.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express mixed feelings about the RM300 seatbelt fine introduced in 2009. Many agree it promotes safety, emphasizing that seatbelts are crucial for passenger protection and should be worn at all times, even at the back. Some believe enforcement will reduce fatalities and injuries, while others see the law as a revenue-raising move or as unnecessary, citing enforcement issues and questioning its effectiveness in preventing accidents. Critics also mention potential corruption, harsh penalties like jail terms, and exemptions for older vehicles, feeling these undermine the law's purpose. Several comments highlight the importance of road safety, better infrastructure, and driver responsibility, advocating for a systemic approach rather than relying solely on fines and laws. Overall, the sentiment balances safety advocacy with skepticism about enforcement and intentions.