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UAE: Passengers not wearing seatbelts? Why drivers will be fined for traffic violation
Since July 1, 2017, UAE law has required all passengers —both in the front and back seats — to wear seat belts
- PUBLISHED: Mon 21 Jul 2025, 4:45 PM UPDATED: Tue 22 Jul 2025, 11:33 AM
A driver of a vehicle is responsible for traffic violations committed by passengers in the vehicle. Road safety expert Thomas Edelmann, Founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, emphasised that the responsibility falls squarely on the person behind the wheel.
His comments come in response to new data revealed by the Ministry of Interior, which recorded 44,018 fines last year for passengers failing to wear seat belts, according to Emarat Al Youm.
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"It is the responsibility of the driver to look after everybody in the vehicle. It’s similar to the role of a captain in an aircraft, the captain takes full responsibility for everyone onboard, and the same applies when we are driving a car," said Edelmann.
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Since July 1, 2017, UAE law has required all passengers — both in the front and back seats — to wear seat belts. The law also mandates that children be secured in age-appropriate restraint systems. Despite this, however, enforcement remains challenging, especially in the back seat, where many passengers continue to ignore the rules.
Edelmann warned drivers not to overlook unsafe behaviour by their passengers. “If there’s misbehaviour of the passengers, of the people in our vehicles, the motorist needs to be fined. The person behind the wheel is responsible for setting the rules and making sure everybody follows them,” he explained.
Life-saving protection
Seat belts dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death in accidents. Edelmann noted that seat belts save lives in 40 to 60 per cent of crashes for adults, depending on the type of impact, and for children, proper restraints can prevent up to 80 per cent of fatalities or severe injuries.
Edelmann pointed to several studies conducted by RoadSafetyUAE, revealing that around 20 per cent of drivers and front-seat passengers neglect to wear seat belts, while more than half of backseat passengers fail to buckle up.
"In taxis, limousines, or even when friends give us a ride, it’s common for adults to skip the seat belt in the back. This habit needs to change,” he said.
Even more concerning, Edelmann said, is the lack of proper child safety. “About 30 per cent of parents with children aged zero to four do not own child seats, which is required by law. And of those who do own child seats, around a third don’t always use them properly,” Edelmann added.
As the UAE continues its push for safer roads, experts are calling for greater public awareness and stricter enforcement to ensure all drivers and passengers follow the law.
“Ultimately, it’s the driver who will be held accountable,” Edelmann stressed. “That’s why it’s critical for motorists to take charge, remind their passengers, and make sure everyone is buckled up every trip every time.”
Azza Al Ali is a reporter from Ras Al Khaimah, dedicated to sharing stories that bring the community’s voices to life. She’s passionate about connecting with people and highlighting what truly matters to them.