What Are the Seat Belt Rules in Singapore? | DirectAsia Insurance
Guilty of not wearing your seat belt when driving? Here’s why you should always wear your seat belt when on the road in Singapore.
The Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Wearing of Seat Belts) Rules of 2011, states that the driver of the vehicle must ensure that the passengers are wearing seat belts. It is compulsory for all passengers to wear seat belts or child restraints when applicable in the vehicle you are travelling.
Who should comply with Singapore’s seat belt rules?
- All vehicles registered in Singapore on or after January 1, 1973, must observe front seatbelt rules.
- It is compulsory for all vehicles registered in Singapore on or after January 1, 1993, to observe rear seatbelt rules.
- Vehicles that have been registered before January 1, 1993, and which have rear seat belts must comply with seat belt rules as well.
It’s important to note that it’s illegal to remove factory-fitted rear seat belts. Also, damaged seat belts must be repaired as soon as possible.
Age or height limit of seat belt rules or child restraints/seats
The seat belt rule does not apply to passengers below 1.35 metres in height; or are medically exempted from wearing a seat belt.
Passengers below 1.35 metres in height should be properly secured by an approved child restraint appropriate for a person of that height and weight.
Taxis are exempted from the child restraint requirement as it is deemed impractical for public service vehicles to carry a variety of child seats of different sizes that are suitable for children of different ages. Children or persons below the height of 1.35m shall only ride in the rear of the taxis.
Front seat belt rule in Singapore
All cars in Singapore are required to have front seat belts. The front seat belts must be designed for the driver, front passenger, or any other passengers in the front.
Front seat belts must always be worn by the driver and all the passengers.
Should back-seat passengers wear seat belts?
Research has proved that wearing seat belts even whilst in the rear is beneficial and can save lives. During collisions or sudden breaking, passengers on the rear seat are more likely to be overthrown from their seats.
By law, vehicles in Singapore who can carry not more than 2 rear passengers are required to have seat belts for each rear passenger. Vehicles who can carry more than 2 rear passengers are required to either have seat belts for all or at least 2 and lap belts for each of the others.
Are pregnant women required to wear seatbelts?
Pregnant women are not exempt from seatbelt rules in Singapore. It is potentially safer for a pregnant woman to wear a seatbelt as it better protects mommy and baby in case of an accident.
Women in advanced stages of pregnancy are advised to tuck the lap belt just below their stomach for added comfort and safety.
Can I apply for an exemption if I am pregnant or have a medical condition that does not allow me to wear a seatbelt?
Yes. An application for exemption from the seat belt rule can be submitted through a registered medical practitioner with supporting medical reasons and evidence to Singapore’s Deputy Commissioner of Police.
What is the penalty for not wearing a seatbelt while driving in Singapore?
Adult passengers who fail to belt up can be fined S$120 in Singapore. On the flip side, drivers who fail to wear their seat belts can receive a composite fine of S$120 and three demerit points. In addition, drivers who fail to ensure that their passengers are strapped with seat belts will receive the same penalty.
If charged in court and convicted, the penalty will be a fine not exceeding S$1,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months. And in the case of a second or subsequent offense, the driver will be fined not exceeding S$2,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months
Top Questions on Seat Belt Safety
- Won’t I run the risk of being trapped in a burning or submerged car if I wear a seat belt?
Statistics have shown that less than one percent of injury-inducing collisions involve submersion or fire. In fact, wearing a seat belt even in these situations can save your life!
If you are involved in a collision without your seat belt, you could be left unconscious or stunned from the impact of hitting some part of the car’s interior. Wearing your seat belt makes you more likely to be unhurt, and alert.
- What about child restraints in situations where I need to get my child out of the car quickly?
Most child restraints have ‘quick-release’ buckles that can be quickly unfastened by an adult.
- Why would I need a seat belt in the rear seat?
Research has shown that wearing a seat belt even when sitting in the rear can save lives. Rear seat passengers who do not wear a seat belt are very likely to be flung forward in a collision if they get into an accident on Singapore roads. The force at which they are hurled forward can also injure the front seat passengers very seriously.
Ensure You and Your Passengers Wear Seat Belts
There is no compromise in the seat belt rule in Singapore. A road accident can turn fatal if the driver or passengers are not wearing a seat belt, so it’s crucial that you ensure your passengers are buckled up safely.
Also bear in mind that your car insurance provider would be more than happy to underwrite you a good quote if you are a good driver and follow all the traffic rules. Get a quick quote online or call DirectAsia Insurance at 6665 5555 for more information.
