Seatbelt Use
- 1/17Who is responsible for ensuring children under 15 wear seat belts?
The driver.: In New Zealand, the driver is legally responsible for passengers under 15 wearing seat belts.
From what age are passengers responsible for wearing their own seat belts?
15 years and over.: Passengers aged 15+ must ensure they wear seat belts themselves.
Do you need to wear a seat belt in a vehicle not originally fitted with one?
No.: Seat belts are only required if the vehicle was originally fitted with them.
Children under 7 must use
An approved child restraint.: NZ law requires approved child seats for kids under 7 years old.
Children aged 8–14 must wear a seat belt if
One is available.: If no belt is available, they must sit in the back seat.
Is it legal to drive without a seat belt when delivering mail at under 50km/h?
Yes.: This is a specific exemption under NZ seat belt law.
Must seat belts be in good condition?
Yes.: Damaged belts can cause the vehicle to fail its Warrant of Fitness.
Can you be exempt from wearing a seat belt for medical reasons?
Yes.: A certificate from a doctor is required for this exemption.
Are seat belts required on motorbikes or ATVs?
No.: These vehicles are generally not equipped with seat belts.
Do campervans built after 1 October 2003 require seat belts?
Yes.: They must have as many seat belts as there are sleeping berths.
What kind of seat belts must the front driver and passenger have in a campervan?
Three-point retractor belts.: These are the safest and required by law.
When reversing, are you allowed to remove your seat belt?
Yes.: Only if the belt prevents you from turning to see behind.
Is it mandatory for all passengers in modern cars to wear seat belts?
Yes.: If belts are fitted, all passengers must use them.
Are sideways-facing seats in campervans allowed to have only lap belts?
Yes.: Diagonal upgrades are recommended only for forward-facing seats.
Can enforcement officers be exempt from wearing a seat belt?
Yes.: Only if wearing it is considered impractical or dangerous on duty.
What is the cost to apply for a seat belt exemption from NZTA?
$27.20.: The fee is non-refundable, regardless of the decision.
In a vehicle over 2000kg without seat belts, must you install them?
No.: Heavy goods vehicles without seat belts may be exempt.