Only one country in Europe doesn’t have a seat belt law – and it’s not the country you think

While every other country in Europe has introduced mandatory seatbelt use, Monaco remains the last stronghold without such a requirement in cars.

A new legislative proposal has sparked a heated debate in the small principality’s parliament, but the proposal was rejected during its first reading.

The initiative came from four female members of Monaco’s National Council, the Conseil National, who proposed making seatbelt use mandatory in vehicles.

According to them, it is a necessary measure, particularly in light of the ongoing traffic safety issues in the country.

-If it means sacrificing a bit of our freedom to save lives, we should at the very least be able to discuss it, said council member Nathalie Amoratti-Blanc during the debate.

She particularly emphasized the need for increased traffic safety in the evenings, when intoxicated drivers are often on the roads.

A Country Known for Speed

Monaco is internationally known for its Formula 1 track, luxury cars, and exclusive addresses.

But despite its image as a car-focused nation, the small country has yet to implement seatbelt regulations.

This is despite the fact that the speed limit throughout Monaco is 50 kilometers per hour.

-Even at lower speeds, accidents can happen, which is why we should address this issue, said Amoratti-Blanc.

Her viewpoint was shared by several members but faced opposition from the parliamentary majority.

Parliament President Thomas Brezzo stated that while the debate had been raised, it did not have majority support.

He pointed out that the proposal had backing from only a few members and did not reflect the council’s overall stance.

Proposal Rejected

Christine Pasquier-Ciulla, another council member, remarked that it is paradoxical for a country known for high speeds and racetracks to still lack seatbelt rules.

-We are a country known for racetracks and high speeds, she said during the debate.

Despite the initial defeat, the proponents have no plans to abandon the issue.

According to Mathilde Leclerc, traffic safety should not be seen as a collection of isolated measures, but rather as a comprehensive approach.

-This will be a recurring discussion, she said, indicating that the seatbelt issue will be raised again in future sessions.

The four members now hope to mobilize public support and put pressure on their parliamentary colleagues so that Monaco does not remain the last European country without a legal seatbelt requirement.