What to Do If Caught Not Wearing a Seat Belt?
3 Answers
The penalty for being caught not wearing a seat belt is a fine and points deduction. Below are the specific regulations regarding penalties for not wearing a seat belt as stipulated by traffic authorities: 1. Penalty for driving on urban expressways: When driving on urban expressways, if the driver fails to wear a seat belt as required, a fine of 50 RMB will be imposed along with a 2-point deduction. 2. Penalty for driving on ordinary roads: When driving on roads other than highways or urban expressways, if the driver fails to wear a seat belt as required, a fine of 50 RMB will be imposed without any points deduction. 3. Penalty for driving on highways: When a vehicle is traveling on a highway, if a passenger fails to wear a seat belt as required, a fine of 20 RMB will be imposed. For vehicles traveling on urban roads with speed limits below 50 km/h, if a passenger fails to wear a seat belt as required but corrects the behavior immediately after being pointed out, a verbal warning will be issued.
Last time when I was driving off the highway, I forgot to fasten my seatbelt in a hurry and got caught by an electronic eye. The process was quite troublesome: first, I received a text notification from the traffic department, saying I needed to bring my driver's license and vehicle registration to the local traffic management center or pay the fine via an app. Typically, the fine amounts to a few hundred yuan, and one or two points are deducted from the license. I went to the center in person, where they had me sign to confirm the penalty—no chance to appeal, so I just paid the fine directly. Later, I took a safety awareness course, which reinforced the importance of seatbelts. It reminded me that seatbelts are life-saving straps; they distribute impact forces during crashes, reducing injuries. Now, I make it a habit to buckle up as soon as I get in the car. I also regularly check the seatbelt buckle to ensure it's functioning properly and avoid malfunctions.
If you accidentally get caught by a camera for not wearing a seatbelt, don't panic. The handling procedure is actually straightforward: after receiving the ticket notice, go to the traffic bureau or an online platform within the specified time, just bring your ID and vehicle documents. Generally, you'll face a small fine and points deducted; for repeat offenses, additional penalties or mandatory driving courses may apply. If you want to appeal, you can prove circumstances like vehicle malfunction, but you'll need to provide evidence such as video records, though the success rate is low. I recommend handling it directly and then immediately buckling up. Safety comes first—fastening your seatbelt takes only seconds but can prevent major accidents. Know the rules: the fine amount is related to regional policies, such as differences between city roads and highways. Regularly check your seatbelt to avoid aging issues.
