Wearing a safety belt reduces the risk of being killed or seriously injured in a road crash by about 40 percent. If everyone wore their safety belts an estimated 25 lives could be saved from road crashes each year.
Using safety belts
- All modern cars must be fitted with safety belts in the front and back seats.
- Safety belts must be worn in front and back seats if fitted.
- Remember that if you sit in a seat fitted with a safety belt, you must wear your safety belt.
Keeping children passengers secure
The driver of the vehicle is responsible for ensuring all passengers under 15 years are wearing safety belts or age appropriate child restraints.
Children under the age of five must be properly restrained in an approved child restraint.
Hiring or buying a child restraint? Before you do, check out the required standards so you can be sure the restraint is safe.
Want to know more?
Read about rules and requirements for safety belts in The official New Zealand road code.
See the requirements for the fitting of safety belts.
Check our current advertising campaign on safety belts.
Learn about other vehicle features that can protect you in a crash.
