Rear seat belt ruling waived for foreign cars

With regard to the rear seat belt ruling, foreign cars will not be affected, according to Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat. He was referring to vehicles from Thailand, Singapore and Brunei on Malaysian roads. Foreigners who drive Malaysian-registered vehicles will have to adhere to the law.

He said the Government has no plan now to impose the law on the vehicles as it would involve various complications.

However, foreigners driving vehicles that had rear seat belts are urged to use them when driving in the country as they could help to protect them in case of emergency.

The rear seat belt ruling took effect on Jan 1. Those not wearing rear seat belts can be given compound notices for RM300 now, and fined RM2,000 from July 1.

Vehicles without rear seat belts registered after Jan 1, 1995 have three years to get their vehicle retrofitted with the safety feature. It is not mandatory for cars registered before Jan 1, 1995.

Source: The Star