Recently, the issue of using safety belts has been brought up again against the background of the implementation of road traffic safety rules and the strengthening of control. In general, wearing a safety belt is considered mandatory when driving a car or traveling as a passenger, and this rule is regarded as one of the main factors in preventing severe consequences of road traffic accidents. At the same time, the legislation provides certain exceptions where the use of seat belts is not required. Which categories these exceptions apply to and under what conditions they are applied are frequently questions of interest among drivers and passengers.
Medianews.az reports that lawyer Vamiq Shukurov told Demokrat.az that when moving in a vehicle equipped with safety belts, the driver must fasten the belt and ensure that passengers also properly use their belts:
“This requirement is considered one of the basic rules of road traffic safety and serves to reduce overall risks. Along with this, certain exceptions are also provided in the legislation. Specifically, children under 12 years old, drivers reversing (maneuvering), pregnant women, and when a learner driver operates a vehicle, the instructor may not fasten their safety belt. At the same time, within residential areas, drivers and passengers of emergency vehicles also have the right not to use the belt when there is an operational necessity. However, these exceptions apply only in cases defined by law and under the appropriate conditions.”
He noted that a separate requirement has been established regarding motorcycles:
“Thus, the motorcycle driver must always properly fasten a protective helmet and ensure that passengers also use motor helmets and that they are properly secured. In general, these rules aim to ensure the safety of road traffic participants and to minimize severe consequences in case of an accident.”