Seat belts mandatory in heavy vehicles, including KSRTC buses, from November 1

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: From tomorrow (November 1), seat belts will be mandatory for drivers of heavy vehicles such as buses and lorries and those sitting in the front seats. The reform, which had been in plans since September, was extended for fixing seat belts in such vehicles. Belt is mandatory even in KSRTC buses. The government had directed to ensure installation of seat belts in 5200 KSRTC buses in the state. The government had also proposed to ensure seat belts in all heavy vehicles by October 31.

There was strong opposition from many quarters against the proposal to make seat belts mandatory for driver of heavy vehicles. Cameras and seat belts are mandatory for heavy vehicles from tomorrow to avail fitness certificate. Driver must wear seat belt as per applicable central law in this regard. According to government directives, all vehicles except two-wheelers and three-wheelers must have seat belts. At present, most heavy vehicles have seat belts attached to the driver's seat , but the drivers do not wear them or remove them within days.