Rear Seat Belt Reminder Mandatory from April 1, 2025: New Rule to Enhance Passenger Safety

Auto manufacturers will be required to include a ‘seat belt reminder’ feature for all rear seats. This is because, starting April 1, 2025, it will be mandatory for all cars sold in the country to have a ‘rear seat belt alarm’ installed. The government has issued a notification to companies regarding this road safety rule. Previously, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (NHAI) released a draft in March of this year and sought public opinions on the new rule.

Seats in Buses Must Be Installed by April 1, 2026

According to a CNBC-AWAAZ report, this rule will apply to all passenger cars manufactured after April 1, 2025. The Central Motor Vehicle Rules will be amended for this purpose. Under this, the use of seat belts, restraint systems, and seat belt reminders will be mandatory. Additionally, from April 1, 2026, the rule to install safety seat belt assemblies in buses and other heavy vehicles will also be implemented.

Seat Belts Protect Passengers from Injuries in Accidents

The seat belt alarm is an essential feature. This safety feature alerts the passenger with a beeping sound to wear the seat belt, and the sound does not stop until the passenger fastens the seat belt. This helps protect passengers from injuries during accidents.

Penalty of ₹1,000 for Violating Rules

Currently, an in-built seat belt reminder is mandatory for the driver and front seat passenger. Under Rule 138(3) of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), passengers on the rear seat who do not wear seat belts are fined ₹1,000.

Most people are either unaware of this rule or ignore it. Traffic police rarely impose fines on rear passengers for not wearing seat belts.

Government Takes Action After Cyrus Mistry’s Death

Previously, the ministry issued a draft notification to make three safety features mandatory in cars following the road accident death of former Tata Group Chairman Cyrus Mistry. The proposal included company-fitted seat belts, seat belt alarms, and 6 airbags in cars. However, the proposal for 6 airbags did not materialize, and the entire suggestion was eventually withdrawn.

In the car accident, apart from Mistry, his friend Jahangir Pandole (49) also lost his life. Cyrus and Jahangir were seated in the rear seats and neither of them was wearing seat belts. In the accident, the woman driving the car, Dr. Anahita Pandole, and her husband Darius Pandole were seriously injured.