My AutoPlace

Seatbelt reminder light: what it means and what to do

Red person with a belt across them.

Keep an eye on itNot urgent. Check it, and book a look if it stays on.

Someone in the car is not wearing their seatbelt, or the car thinks so. Buckle up and it goes out. If it stays on with every belt fastened, a sensor or buckle needs a look.

What it means

Seat sensors and buckle switches tell the car who is seated and who is buckled. A heavy bag on a seat can set it off. A light that stays on or comes on by itself usually means a worn buckle switch or sensor.

Can I keep driving?

Only with everyone buckled. Seatbelts are required by law.

What to do now

  1. Make sure every seat that is occupied has its belt fastened.
  2. Remove heavy bags from seats, or buckle them in.
  3. If the light stays on with all belts fastened, have the buckle and seat sensor checked.

Common causes

  • A belt not fastened
  • A heavy item on a seat
  • A dirty or worn buckle switch
  • A seat sensor fault

Shops near you that can check this

Closest first. Your location stays on your phone.

Car Lab

Auckland CBD

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

CallSee shop

M Tech

Henderson

Mechanics

Free written quote, or call to book

See shop

AZ Autos

Papatoetoe

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

See shop

AB Autos

Panmure

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

See shop

Fredco

Kingsland

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

CallSee shop

VIRLTD

Onehunga

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

CallSee shop

See all mechanics in this suburb

Questions drivers ask

Can I drive with the seatbelt reminder light on?

Only with everyone buckled. Seatbelts are required by law.

What does the seatbelt reminder light mean?

Someone in the car is not wearing their seatbelt, or the car thinks so. Buckle up and it goes out. If it stays on with every belt fastened, a sensor or buckle needs a look.

What should I do when the seatbelt reminder light comes on?

Make sure every seat that is occupied has its belt fastened. Remove heavy bags from seats, or buckle them in. If the light stays on with all belts fastened, have the buckle and seat sensor checked.

Need a tow? Call now

If anyone is hurt or you're in danger, call 111 first. Get off the road and wait behind the barrier.

Call AA Roadservice 0800 500 222

Members and non-members can call. Have your location and rego ready.

Other numbers to try

  • Your insurer's roadside line. Many policies include a free tow, and it's on your policy card or app.
  • Your car maker's roadside assistance, if the car is new enough.
  • A local tow company. Search "tow truck" with your suburb, and ask the price before you agree.

Need it fixed after? Find a shop near you and call them.

Book

What for?

Free to book. The shop texts to confirm, and gives you a written quote before any work.