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Changes To Wearing Of Seat Belt Rules ~ by Singapore Police Force (SPF)
SPF Media Releases
23 Dec 2011
Changes To Seat Belt Rules And Testing Curriculum For Learner Riders
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the road safety of road users, the Traffic Police will be introducing changes to the Wearing of Seat Belt Rules from 1 January 2012 , and the testing curriculum for learner Class 2B motorcyclists from 27 February 2012 .
Changes To Wearing Of Seat Belt Rules
A series of changes to the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles Wearing of Seat Belts) Rules will take effect from 1 January 2012 as described below.
Change in criterion to determine use of child restraints and booster seats
Currently, a child below the age of 8 is required to be properly secured with an appropriate child restraint or use a booster seat cushion to supplement the seat belt while travelling in a vehicle. Those above the age of 8 are required to put on seat belts.
From 1 January 2012 , age will no longer be used as a criterion to determine if child restraints or booster seats are required. Anyone below the height of 1.35m will be required to be secured with a child restraint appropriate for a person of that height and weight, use a booster seat to supplement the seat belt or an adjustable seat belt. Those with a height of 1.35m and above, irrespective of their age, will be required to wear a seat belt. This change in criterion was made in consultation with the Ministry of Health and following a review of international standards and practices. This threshold height is found to be more suitable in deciding the proper fitting of seat belts and also consistent with current practices in countries such as the United Kingdom , Netherlands , Sweden , Finland , and Belgium.
To ensure that those affected by this change have sufficient time to obtain the required booster seats, child restraints and adjustable seatbelts, a grace period of one month will be given. For the month of January 2012, Traffic Police officers on patrol will offer advice to motorists instead of taking enforcement action when they come across those who are below 1.35m who fail to use a booster seat, child restraint or adjustable seatbelt.
Removal of exemption from child safety seat requirements for small school buses
From 1 January 2012 , all school children and passengers travelling on board small school buses shall be required to wear the appropriate child restraints or seat belts. This change is in line with corresponding changes made by the Land Transport Authority that require the mandatory installation of retractable three-point seat belts in small school buses by 31 December 2011 .
Responsibility of bus conductor/attendant on board small school buses
Drivers of small school buses as well as bus conductors or attendants on board small school buses will have to ensure that their passengers are properly secured with the appropriate child restraints or seat belts. If they fail to do so, bus conductors or attendants will be liable to a composition fine of $120/-, while the driver will be liable to a composition fine of $120/- and 3 demerit points. This change recognizes the important role of school bus conductors and attendants in ensuring the safety of school children on board and making sure that their seat belts are properly fastened.
Exemption of Child safety seat requirements for taxis
Taxis will continue to be exempted from child safety seat requirements. This is because it would not be practical for taxis to carry a number or variety of child safety seats which are of different sizes.
However, research has shown that children face a greater risk of injury when travelling in the front seat. As such, a child or person below 1.35 m should only ride in the rear seats to minimise the risk of injury in the event of an accident. Anyone below the height of 1.35m who rides in the front passenger seat of a taxi will be required to use his/her own child restraint or booster seat to supplement the seat belt. For failing to do so, the taxi driver will be liable to a composition fine of $120/- and 3 demerit points. The passenger will also be liable to a composition fine of $120.
Engagement with stakeholders
The Traffic Police have engaged the relevant stakeholders such as the bus associations and taxi companies on the changes. These organisations support the changes in view of the positive impact it would have on overall road safety. Separately, letters have been sent to parents of school going children informing them of the changes to the revised rules. The support of parents are sought to remind their children on the importance of buckling up for their own safety no matter how short the journey is.
Testing Curriculum For Learner Class 2B Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists and their pillion riders remain the most vulnerable group of road users, accounting for almost half of all road fatalities in 2010. Currently, Class 2B learner riders are only required to pass one theory test- the Riding Theory Test, which is a combination of both basic theory and riding theory in a single test. With effect from 27 February 2012 , all learner riders will be required to pass two separate theory tests - Basic Theory Test and Riding Theory Test before they are allowed to take the practical riding test. The Basic Theory Test comprises 50 multiple choice questions (MCQs) and covers traffic signs, traffic rules and regulations. The Riding Theory Test will be revised to focus solely on motorcycle-related riding knowledge. A pass is obtained with 45 or more correct answers for each test.
The new two-tiered theory test structure thus allows for deeper and wider testing of the local traffic rules and motorcycle handling knowledge, before learner riders are allowed on the roads. The aim is to enhance riding competency and reduce incidence of errant behavior and accidents. This test structure will also be consistent with the requirements for Class 3 or 3A driving licences for cars that similarly feature a two-tiered theory test model.
With this change, Class 2B learner riders and Class 3/3A learner drivers will take a common Basic Theory Test. Those exempted from taking the Basic Theory Test will include holders of a valid Class 3, 3A, 4, 4A and 5 Singapore driving licence and those who already possess a pass record for their Basic Theory Test.
To minimise the impact on the current batch of learner motorcyclists, the change in the theory test structure will not affect those who sit for their Riding Theory Test before 27 February 2012 . Following the change, the waiting time for the Class 2B two-tiered theory tests will be closely monitored. Current capacity can be increased to manage any additional demand for theory tests. The Traffic Police will endeavour to keep the waiting time for both tests manageable.
Commander of Traffic Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Cheang Keng Keong said, “The new measures are part of a series of ongoing initiatives by the Traffic Police aimed at improving road safety. I thank the stakeholders involved for their invaluable feedback and would like to urge all parents to educate and remind their school-going children on the importance of wearing seat belts. We all play a part in making our roads safe for our loved ones and fellow road users.”
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