You know these seat belt facts?
If you're not wearing your seatbelt in the car and get caught, you'll have to pay a fine - that's been the case for exactly 40 years today. But there are exceptions to this rule - who are they for? How should you secure animals? And what about classic cars without seatbelts?
Before starting the car, the seatbelt is fastened, of course. Something that's completely self-evident today was the subject of heated debates in Germany a few decades ago. A requirement has existed since 1976, but violations have only been penalized since 1984: On August 1, 1984, the fine for refusing to wear a seatbelt was introduced. Today, 30 euros are due if caught not wearing a seatbelt.
Does the seatbelt requirement always apply?
No, in fact, there are situations in Germany where you don't have to wear a seatbelt in traffic. According to the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMDV), this applies, for example, to so-called door-to-door traffic. People who frequently get in and out of the vehicle, such as when delivering packages, do not have to wear a seatbelt. You also don't have to wear a seatbelt if you're driving at walking speed - for example, when reversing or in parking lots.
For animals
There is no seatbelt requirement for animals, according to Siegfried Brockmann. He is the managing director for traffic safety and accident research at the Bjoern Steiger Foundation, which advocates for improvements in emergency services. "Anyone who loves their pet should ensure appropriate restraint," says Brockmann. There are also seatbelt systems for animal passengers. However, not every four-legged friend will cooperate. Brockmann recommends at least installing a good safety net in the car to prevent the animal from being thrown forward in the event of sudden braking.
Do classic cars need seatbelts?
In older cars, there are sometimes no seatbelts - is that allowed? Yes, if the car was first registered before the seatbelt requirement was introduced. According to the ADAC, the so-called grandfathering clause means that seatbelts do not have to be retrofitted.
But beware: Children under three years old may not be taken in vehicles without seatbelts at all, according to the ADAC. Those who are at least 12 years old or taller than 1.50 meters may ride unbuckled. Children aged 3 and over and under 1.50 meters may ride without a seatbelt, but only in the back seat. The ADAC's advice is clear: for safety reasons, this is not recommended.
Seatbelts during pregnancy
If there's a baby on the way, safety in the car is even more important. Various manufacturers sell seatbelt adapters for pregnant women. However, the ADAC strongly advises against using them. None of the systems tested actually increases safety. In one of four seatbelt systems, for example, the lap belt did not stay below the baby bump.
The safest solution is still the standard three-point seatbelt. If it's fitted correctly: the ADAC advises pregnant women not to wear the lap belt over their belly, but to keep it low on the hip. If pregnant women aren't driving, they should sit in the front passenger seat rather than the back seat. After all, most cars have better restraint systems in the front seats than in the back.
Especially in winter, it's important to remove jackets during the ride. With thick clothing, there's an extra layer that needs to be overcome in a collision before the belt can take effect, says Siegfried Brockmann. For optimal protection, the belt should fit as closely to the body as possible.
In classic cars registered before the seatbelt requirement, the ADAC explains that seatbelts do not need to be retrofitted due to a grandfathering clause. When transporting pets in the car, while there's no seatbelt requirement, Brockmann recommends ensuring appropriate restraint, such as installing a safety net or using a seatbelt system, to prevent animals from being thrown forward in the event of sudden braking.
