Transport Department, Government of Sikkim, on Wednesday has issued a notification mandating wearing of seat belts from June 1, 2024.
As per the notification, wearing of seatbelts shall be mandatory for drivers & passengers and is applicable to Light Motor Vehicles (LMV), Transport Vehicle (Taxis and Commercial Vehicles) and non-transport vehicle (Private and Government Vehicles).
According to the Department, the step has been taken with an aim to “mitigate the risk of accidents and to safeguard the well-being of all road users”.
“Seatbelts and safety headgear are fundamental safety features that significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of injuries in the event of collisions or sudden stops”, reads the notification.
“Whoever drives a motor vehicle without wearing a safety belt or carries passengers not wearing seat belts shall be punishable under Section 194 B (1) of the CMV Act 1988”, notification reads.
Along with seatbelts, wearing of protective headgears for motor cycle riders while in public places shall also be mandatory, notifies the Department.
“Every person driving or riding motor cycle (two wheelers) shall while in public place, wear protective headgear confirming to the standards of Bureau of Indian Standards conferred to section 129 of CMV ACT 1988”, reads the notification.
“Whoever drives a motor cycle or causes or allows a motor cycle to be driven in contravention of the provisions of section 129 or the rules or regulations made thereunder shall be punishable under section 194 C of CMV Act”, adds the notification.
