Fines for no seatbelts to increase by nearly $50 in Alberta

A person is seen buckling up their seatbelt. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The fine for not wearing a seatbelt while driving in Alberta is set to increase from $162 to $211 on Friday.

Alberta RCMP say they issued 2,338 tickets for seatbelt and restraint-related offences last year in a Tuesday news release detailing the change.

“Breaking occupant restraint laws may not only cost a ticket but your life,” reads a statement from Sgt. Darrin Turnbull. “While airbags offer protection in collisions, they are designed to supplement the safety features provided by seatbelts.”

Police ask drivers to always wear a seatbelt and make sure their passengers are as well, with the lap belt positioned low across the hips and shoulder belt across the centre of the chest.

The seatbelt shouldn’t be twisted as its width is necessary for spreading the force of a collision across the body, RCMP said. Seatbelts are also required for off-road or recreational vehicles.

Legally, drivers are responsible for both themselves and any passengers under 16 years old when it comes to wearing a seatbelt.

Learner or probationary drivers can also get two demerit points if they’re found to be driving with more passengers than there are seatbelts.