Shanghai is Now Fining People $7 for Not Wearing Their Seat Belts

Car riders who are not wearing their seat belts while driving around Shanghai will now be fined, according to a new traffic law that took effect in the city this weekend.

The rule penalizes drivers and passengers alike with a 50 yuan ($7) fine, Shanghai Daily said.

On Saturday, the rule’s first day of enforcement, police officers caught about 450 people not wearing their seat belt.

At Wujiaochang in Yangpu District alone, over a dozen back-seat passengers were caught without seat belts in just 90 minutes of inspection.

Meanwhile, officers stationed in Songjiang District said it was “common” that back-seat passengers claimed ignorance of the fresh rule.

The new law also requires that children under the age of four must be seated in safety seats. In addition, those who make or receive calls and browse mobile devices will be fined 200 yuan ($29) and given two demerits on their driving licenses.

Furthermore, drivers changing two or more lanes at one time will be fined 200 yuan as well.

Shanghai police recorded 20,000 traffic offenses until 3 p.m. on Saturday, up by 10.6% compared to March 25, 2016.

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