What is the penalty for not wearing seatbelt?

What the Law Says

The penalty for not wearing a seatbelt in India is prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act, as amended in 2019. The law applies to drivers and passengers seated in the front row of motor vehicles.

Under Section 194B of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (as amended by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019), failure by the driver or a front-seat passenger to wear a seatbelt is a punishable offence.

The law mandates that every person occupying the front seat of a motor vehicle must wear a seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion. This requirement applies to all motor vehicles equipped with seatbelts.

The penalty is monetary only — no imprisonment — but repeat offences attract higher fines and may lead to disqualification of driving licence under broader enforcement discretion.

Statutory Text

If the driver of a motor vehicle does not wear the safety belt, he shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to one thousand rupees; and if any other person, being a passenger in the front seat of a motor vehicle, does not wear the safety belt, he shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.

— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 194B — Failure to wear safety belt

Statutory Text

On second or subsequent conviction, the offender shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to two thousand rupees.

— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 194B — Failure to wear safety belt

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