The wearing of seat belts which are fitted to automobiles has been mandatory in New South Wales, Australia, since October 1971.

The effect of this legislation has been to reduce occupant death rates to some 20% below expected levels.

Public reaction and attitudes towards seat belts and the law have been surveyed, and results compared with a similar study performed before the law was introduced. The main change has been that people now perceive the benefits of seat belts to be higher than used to be the case. One of these benefits is the avoidance of a fine for non-compliance;​ the level of enforcement activity is therefore relevant, and the extent to which social pressures will take over from legal pressures is an important issue. Seat belts must be made more comfortable and convenient to use.