Abstract
In 1976 belt usage was made compulsory for front seat passengers in the Federal Republic of Germany. Since 1984, non-compliance incurs a fine of DM 40. In 1984 belt usage was also made compulsory for back seat passengers (non-compliance not being fined) . Following the introduction of the fines, the usage rates both for drivers and front seat passengers increased from about 60% to more than 90%.