Mumbaikars, wear a seat belt while driving a car, or be prepared to pay Rs 1,000 as fine from November 1. The Mumbai Traffic Police Department on Friday announced that drivers as well as passengers must wear a seat belt, or pay the penalty. The traffic cops have given the motorists a 15-day period to get seat belts fixed for all seats. Citizens, however, called the move unwarranted, especially within the city limits. Currently, the fine for not wearing a seat belt is Rs 200. The traffic police’s move comes after its failure to enforce mandatory helmets for pillion riders.

The notification issued by the traffic police read, “As per the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, under section 194(B)(1), whoever drives a motor vehicle without wearing a safety belt or carries passengers not wearing seat belts shall be punishable.”