In a casual conversation between a five-year-old girl and her mother, the child asked, “Mom, how does this ‘Mickey Mouse’ plug into the seatbelt base?†The mother replied, “This is a clip that replaces the seatbelt. When you plug it in, the car won’t beep.â€
The “Mickey Mouse†referred to here is commonly known as a seatbelt mule buckle or seatbelt mute. If someone doesn’t want to wear a seatbelt, they can insert this device onto the seatbelt base, which disables the car’s warning sounds or lights. This allows the driver to avoid the constant reminders of seatbelt use. But is this a clever trick, or just self-deception?
Many people find the idea of “eliminating the hassle of not wearing a seatbelt†appealing. A quick search online reveals countless sellers offering these silent buckles. They come in various forms—cartoon designs, cloth, rubber, and even imitation car logos. Some are sold individually, while others are sold in pairs, with prices ranging from a few dollars to hundreds. Cartoon models like Mickey Mouse, Pleasant Goat, and Big Big Wolf dominate the market, while more expensive options like the “Magic Diamond-shaped Stereo†can cost over 300 yuan. Many online stores promote these products as ideal for short trips, claiming they help drivers avoid the inconvenience of wearing a seatbelt, especially in the front seat. Some listings show thousands of units sold.
Beyond the internet, these devices are also popular in auto markets and even large supermarkets. In Wuhan's Wuchang Nanhu Zhongbai Storage Supermarket, a variety of seatbelt buckles are displayed among automotive supplies. One pair of cartoon-style buckles branded “Wancheng†costs 15 yuan, while another labeled “Chengda Guangming†is marketed as a “car seatbelt stereo letter buckle.â€
However, the use of silent buckles poses serious risks. Every time a person uses one, they’re less likely to wear a seatbelt. A recent random check by Hubei Provincial Public Security Department Expressway Police at the Wuhan West Tollgate station found two vehicles using seatbelt muting devices. According to surveys, many private car owners use these for convenience—some don’t care about seatbelts, others find it too annoying during frequent trips, and some feel the seatbelt interferes with their clothing.
In reality, these devices aren’t just about cheating the car—they can be dangerous. Different cars have varying seatbelt dimensions and pre-alarm systems. Using an unauthorized mute buckle could damage the vehicle’s electronic system. A staff member from an automobile 4S store explained, “It’s risky to use these without understanding the system.â€
One tragic incident in Zhengzhou on September 17, 2010, highlighted the dangers. An Audi car knocked down an electric scooter rider and then rolled forward after the driver left the seat. The police later discovered that the driver had used a seatbelt mute, which prevented the car from engaging the electronic handbrake. This led to the vehicle moving again after the driver exited.
“This is ironic,†said a 4S shop employee. “Car manufacturers invest heavily in safety features, and buyers pay a lot for their vehicles. Yet a small clip costing just a few yuan can negate all that effort.†What’s even more surprising is that some 4S dealers still sell or give away these devices as free gifts with new cars.
While these silent buckles may seem harmless, they represent a dangerous disregard for safety. Drivers should remember that seatbelts are there for a reason—and bypassing them can lead to serious consequences.
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