This law initially was scheduled for enforcement since January 1, 2003, but drivers were given warnings and were told to have their vehicles adequately equipped with seatbelts to ensure compliance.

"We wanted to give drivers some time to have the seatbelts in place and we are here to ensure that lives are saved and the seatbelt is one way this can be achieved," said Minister of Home Affairs Ronald Gajraj in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Drivers were given a six-month period, to acquire and affix seatbelts, especially for older model cars.

Minister Gajraj said that he had heard some comments about the expenses involved to acquire the restraining device fitted in vehicles for children's safety and he declared.

"I want to ask this question: how expensive is the life of a child?"

In May 2002, the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2002 was passed in Parliament. The Act describes 'seatbelt' as any arrangement or assembly of straps with a security buckle, adjusting devices and attachments anchored to the motor vehicle in accordance with section 45A (7) and is designed to diminish the risk of injury to its wearer in the event of a collision or abrupt deceleration of the vehicle by limiting body movement of the wearer.

Gajraj also disclosed that the professionalism of the Traffic Police must be maintained at all times in the way they execute their duties.

"If anyone who chooses to infract the law you as a law enforcement officer must ensure with all courtesy but with all firmness, that the taw is complied with," said the Minister.

Commissioner of Police Floyd Mc. Donald said the exercise is not aimed at harassing or inconveniencing drivers but to make the road a much safer place.

"I would have preferred if everyone had worn their seatbelts," said Mc Donald.

He also appealed to the public to support the Guyana Police Force in its campaign to enforce the seatbelt law.

"Research has shown that persons who were involved in accidents who were not wearing seatbelts, are more likely to be injured," said Mc. Donald.

The penalty for first offenders is $7,500 and no less than $10,000 and in the case of a second or subsequent offence, a fine of $10,000 and no more than $15,000.

A driver who conveys a child and fails to ensure that the child wears a seat belt or is conveyed in a child restraining system, if found guilty, will have to pay a fine not exceeding $10,000.

Meanwhile, motorists who do not use helmets would also be placed before the court. Traffic Chief Michael Harlequin explains what would be the outcome of breaking the law.

"The Magistrates of recent are finding the offenders of the helmet law sometimes in excess of $ 10,000," disclosed Harlequin.