50 years later: not wearing a seatbelt still a deadly mistake

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Ontario seatbelt law turns 50, OPP still fighting non-compliance

OPP target 'Big Four' driving offences over Easter weekend

It’s been 50 years since Ontario first passed its seatbelt law requiring everyone in a vehicle to be buckled up. Police are using the opportunity to remind motorists of the impact.

“In general, I think stats show that most people do or most drivers do and/or most vehicle occupants do (comply),” said Acting Sgt. Martin Thibault, with Ontario Provincial Police’s North East Region.

But even after five decades of the safety measure, provincial police still must enforce the legislation.

Across Ontario in 2025, OPP laid a total of 13,560 charges to those not wearing a seatbelt. Provincial police also said that of the total road fatalities their officers investigated last year, not wearing a seatbelt was a contributing factor in 41.

“(Wearing a seatbelt) saves not only lives but also serious injuries at times as well,” said Thibault.

“It just prevents occupants from being either ejected or possibly getting injured even more severely inside the vehicle during an impact, during a collision.”

OPP said parents need to make sure children are buckled up and in the right car seat for their weight, height or age.

“Not only are you protecting yourself but you’re also ensuring that there’s no tragedies and your family doesn’t have to deal with the aftermath of you losing your life over not wearing a seatbelt,” Thibault said.

This Easter weekend, the OPP will be conducting its annual seatbelt campaign, checking that drivers and passengers are buckled up.

“Please ensure you’re wearing your seatbelt the way it was designed to be worn. Not under your arm and not behind your back. Both of those variations can result in you receiving a ticket for wearing your seatbelt improperly,” said OPP Sgt Kyle Arnold in a social media post.

In Ontario, failing to wear a seatbelt carries a fine of between $240 and $1,000, plus two demerit points – other consequences could be even more deadly.