Britain: It is a must for drivers and passengers. Kids under three must use child restraints. A 2004 report said that 93 per cent of drivers and front-seat passengers and 83 per cent of those in the back seats belt up. Fines range from &pound30 to &pound500 (S$80 to S$1,340).

United States: Almost all states have rules, some only for front-seat passengers. All have laws for children. Compliance levels are at 82 per cent. Fines for first-time offenders are US$20 to US$250 (S$27 to S$340). Fines for flouting child-passenger laws are US$10 to US$200 and may include demerit points.

Australia: All must belt up. Kids up to age seven must use child restraints. A survey some years ago showed a 96 per cent compliance rate. An unbelted driver with four passengers without belts could be given a A$1,245 (S$1,605) fine and nine demerit points.

Japan: Drivers and front-seat passengers must belt up and children up to age five must use child restraints. From next month, those at the back must buckle up. An estimated 94.3 per cent of drivers and 79.8 per cent of front-seat passengers belt up. The figure is 26.5 per cent for rear-seat passengers. Drivers with unbelted passengers get penalty points.

Malaysia: Drivers and front-seat passengers must belt up. From next month, those at the back must also do so. Those who do not are fined RM120 (S$51) and three demerit points.