The Land Transport Authority (LTA) warns taxi and private-hire drivers against keeping seat belts slack by using clips or other devices, saying such practices can undermine the purpose of seat belts. LTA’s warning follows observations reported by The Straits Times. In checks conducted over more than 20 rides between late April and early June, ST found seven drivers with seat belts that appeared modified using clips or other equipment to prevent proper restraint tension. The LTA’s message is that seat belts are designed to protect occupants when properly worn and tightened, and alterations that allow slack can reduce effectiveness during collisions or sudden stops. LTA calls on drivers to ensure seat belts are worn as intended at all times, and it discourages any use of accessories or modifications that change how the restraint system functions. The authority’s position is consistent with broader road safety guidance that seat belts should not be tampered with and should remain fully operational and correctly secured for passengers.