Rear seat belt alarm to be mandatory in cars from April 1, 2025

Rear-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts by law. Failing to do so can attract a fine of Rs 1,000.

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has issued a draft notification that mandates all cars manufactured from April 1, 2025, to have a ‘rear seat belt alarm’.

The ministry had issued a draft notification regarding the same earlier. The government had mandated 3-point rear seat belts, a rear seat belt alarm and 6 airbags, following the death of former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry. However, the notification lapsed after the proposal for the mandatory fitment of 6 airbags could not go through.

According to a government official, the latest notification is only for the rear seat belt alarm and there is no other new provision.

Rear-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts by law. Failing to do so can attract a fine of Rs 1,000 under the Motor Vehicle Act.