KYIV, Nov 25 – Ukraine’s taxi drivers and passengers are now required to fasten seat belts according to new traffic rules that have come into force on Wednesday.

Previously, taxi drivers and passenger were not required to buckle up, but increasing number of car crashes and injuries have forced the government to change the rules.

"This rule obliges taxi drivers to ensure the presence of seat belts in both front and back seats and to remind passengers of the need to use them. Only drivers and passengers with disabilities are allowed not to fasten in settlements, if this is physiologically impossible, as well as drivers and passengers of operational and special vehicles," the Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement.