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Seat Belt Laws when Driving Abroad

When driving abroad the driver and passengers must wear a seatbelt, where one has been fitted. The driver of the car is responsible for any passengers under the age of 18. These passengers should have the correct safety restraint, car seat if required, when travelling. For passengers over the age of 18 it is their responsibility to ensure they are wearing a seatbelt.

seat belt law

When you are in your hire car and on holiday it can be easy to overlook safety issues, however please be aware that it is the law to wear a seat belt in your rental vehicle, just as it is back home. Some countries may even fine passengers for not wearing a seat belt. For example, in Germany a fine of €30 may be imposed and up to €40 if a child is found to be unsecured.

Introduction Dates of Seat Belt Laws

seat belt laws
It is true that some countries may have a more relaxed attitude to seat belt wearing, however it remains law that seat belts are worn and common sense to do so. It is estimated that 50% of road traffic accident deaths are recorded where the victim(s) are not wearing a seat belt.  Seat belt laws have been in place for a long time now and the reality is, they save lives. The table below illustrates when the seat belt laws came in to place for a range of destinations. The range in dates is quite astonishing, with rear passengers being required to wear seat belts from a much later date.
 
Country
Driver compulsory wearing since
Rear passenger compulsory wearing since
Australia
1970
1986
New Zealand
1972
1989
Finland
1975
1987
Sweden
1975
1986
Spain
1975
1992
Germany
1976
1984
Hungary
1976
1993
Netherlands
1976
1992
France
1979
1990
Ireland
1979
1992
Hong Kong
1983
1996
United Kingdom
1983
1991
USA*
1984
1984
Italy
1989
1990
Czech Republic
1990
1990
European Union
1993
1993
Thailand
1996
2009
South Africa
1996
1996
Brazil
1997
1997

* USA laws are governed at State level, New York was the first state to introduce seat belt laws, see more on seat belt laws in the USA here.
Kellie Hodge
Posted: August 08, 2017 by Kellie Hodge
About the Author -

Travel writer, customer service guru, Kellie knows the ins and outs of car rental and always happy to share her knowledge on our blog. Favourite country to visit: Spain.

Last updated: Wednesday, June 24, 2020
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