To prevent road traffic accidents with severe consequences, a Unified Road Safety Day will be held on 26 July 2024, under the slogan "Buckle Up" (promoting the use of passive safety devices such as seat belts, helmets, and child restraint systems).

In addition to preventing road traffic accidents, the campaign promotes the use of seat belts and child restraint systems.

Many vehicle drivers complain that wearing a seat belt makes them feel uncomfortable while driving and hinders their ability to control the vehicle. However, there are also those who, conversely, feel discomfort and insecurity when not wearing a seat belt. People who consider their safety begin to strictly adhere to the requirements of the Traffic Regulations. And when it becomes a habit, their actions become automatic.

A driver not wearing a seat belt, even in a minor accident where the vehicle sustains no serious damage, can suffer life-threatening injuries or become disabled.

According to clause 178 of the Traffic Regulations, the transportation of children in a passenger car equipped with seat belts must be carried out using:

  • child restraint systems appropriate for the child's weight and height – for children up to five years of age;
  • child restraint systems appropriate for the child's weight and height, or other devices (booster seats, seat cushions, additional seats) that allow the child to be safely fastened using the seat belts provided by the vehicle's design – for children aged five to twelve years.
Children under twelve years of age may be transported without the use of the devices specified in the first part of this clause, if the child's height exceeds 150 centimetres.

It is prohibited to transport children in the front seat of a passenger car using child restraint systems appropriate for the child's weight and height, with the backrest facing the vehicle's windscreen, if the front seat is equipped with an airbag, unless the front airbag mechanism is deactivated.

The use of not only so-called "child seats" but also other devices that allow a child to be safely secured using the standard seat belts is permitted.

As part of the Unified Road Safety Day, traffic police officers will primarily focus on violations of the Rules by drivers and passengers regarding the use of seat belts. 

Please note that for this violation, according to Part 3 of Article 18.11 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus, a fine of up to 1 base unit may be imposed on the driver. If the driver is prosecuted again within a year after a penalty has been imposed for the same offense, the fine amount increases from 2 to 5 base units. 

For violation of the rules for transporting children, in accordance with Part 6 of Article 18.13 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus, an administrative penalty in the form of a fine of up to 4 base units shall be imposed on the driver.