Wearing of rear seat belts on taxis a must from 2001

The Transport Department reminds taxi passengers that with effect from January 1, 2001, they have to wear rear seat belts on taxis in which rear seat belts are available.

Taxis registered on or after January 1, 2001 will also be required to be fitted with rear seat belts.

A spokesman for the department said today (December 29) that the new requirements were efforts taken by the Government to further enhance road safety.

He said: "The wearing of seat belts will help reduce the number and severity of injuries suffered in traffic accidents.

"In view of this, we have introduced the seat belt legislation through a step-by-step approach."

The seat belt legislation for drivers and front seat passengers of private cars was first introduced in October 1983 and was then extended to cover other types of vehicles in the years after.

In June 1996, the wearing of rear seat belts on private cars became a compulsory requirement.

"This extension resulted in a significant drop of 17 per cent in rear seat casualties in the 12 months after the legislation took effect," the spokesman noted.

"With the encouraging result from the application to private cars, we have further extended the requirement to taxis."

The spokesman pointed out that it was the passenger's responsibility to ensure that he/she is securely fastened to his/her seat by means of a seat belt.

Any passenger who is found not wearing a seat belt when it is provided will be subject to a maximum fine of $5,000 and imprisonment up to three months.

He called on passengers to take note of the new requirement. Taxi drivers are also urged to remind passengers on board to wear seat belts.

End/Friday, December 29, 2000