Drivers and all front seat passengers must wear seat belts while driving in Tonga, under a new Traffic Act 2020. New penalties will be enforced from October 1.

Tonga Police said the Traffic Act would  improve road safety. The law came into effect on August 31. Police have issued a 'Blue Notice' for drivers, introducing the new offences and increase in penalties. 

There is a legal requirement that all drivers and front seat passengers (12-years and above) must wear their seat belts, while on the road.

In addition, a driver holding a mobile phone in hand is also an offence.

From August 31 to September 30 Tonga Police are running a public awareness campaign on national radio and television, to inform the public of what's to come.

“These notices gives road users time to adapt to the new law. However, starting October 1 any person in violation will be issued an infringement notice.”

The penalty for not wearing a seatbelt or a driver holding a mobile phone, while driving is $500 each. 

Driving causing loud noise is $1,000 (for each subsequent offence); failure to produce driver’s licence is $300 (first time offence) and $500 for each subsequent offence. Unlicensed driving constitutes a $500 penalty.

Providing false information to a police officer is $300 (first time offence) and $500 for each subsequent offence, among other penalties.