Seat Belt Advice
Car manufacturers have had to install seatbelts since 1965, but the law requiring all drivers to wear them did not come in to force until January 1983. In 1991 the law made it a legal requirement for adults to wear seatbelts in the back of cars.
If you are involved in a crash a seat belts keep you safe in your seat and likely reduce the chance of serious injury and death. It is also essential that back seat passengers put their belts on too both for their own safety and the safety of other passengers in the vehicle. In a crash an unrestrained back seat passenger can be thrown forward with enough force to kill the driver or front seat passenger if they hit them.
Drivers and passengers aged 17-34 have the lowest seatbelt-wearing rates combined with the highest accident rate. Drivers are legally obliged to ensure that passengers younger than 14 years old wear seat belts and appropriate child restraints in line with current child restraint law.
In order for a seat belt to protect you:
The lap belt should be positioned as low as possible over the hips and the shoulder belt should be lying on the chest and over the shoulder (or have the lap belt flat on the thighs and the shoulder strap between the breasts if pregnant);
- There should not be any slack in the belt;
- You should never use padding or cushions to improve seat belt comfort;
- They must be in good working order.
Seatbelts – The Law
Drivers and passengers who fail to wear seatbelts in the front and back of vehicles are breaking the law. Drivers caught without a seatbelt are normally dealt with by way of a non-endorsable fixed Penalty Notice (This means does not carry points) which has a £100 fine but can carry a maximum fine of £500.
Drivers can be prosecuted for allowing a child to travel in the vehicle unrestrained. Passengers over the age of 14 can also be issued a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt.
Who is responsible for ensuring that occupants of a vehicle wear seat belts?
Front Seat | Back Seat | Responsible | |
Driver | Seat belt must be worn if fitted | Driver | |
Child under 3 | Correct child restraint must be used | Correct child restraint must be used. If one is not available in a taxi, may travel unrestrained | Driver |
Child age 3 up to 135 cms in height or 12 years whichever reached first) | Correct child restraint must be used. | Correct child restraint must be used where Seat belts fitted.* | Driver |
Child 12/13, or over 135 cms in height | Seat belt must be worn if fitted | Seat belt must be worn if fitted | Driver |
Adult Passengers (classed as 14 years or over) | Seat belt must be worn if fitted | Seat belt must be worn if fitted | Passenger |
* Must use adult belt in rear seat if correct child restraint not available:
- In a taxi;- For short distance in an unexpected necessity;
- If two occupied child restraints prevent a third
When don't you need to wear a seat belt?
You don’t need to wear a seat belt if you’re:
A driver who is reversing, or supervising a learner driver who is reversing
In a vehicle being used for police, fire and rescue services
A passenger in a trade vehicle and you’re investigating a fault
Driving a goods vehicle on deliveries that is travelling no more than 50 metres between stops
A licensed taxi driver who is ‘plying for hire’ or carrying passengers
Medical exemptions
Your doctor may say you don’t have to wear a seat belt for a medical reason. They’ll give you a ‘Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing’. You must keep this in your vehicle and Show it to the police if you’re stopped, you’ll also need to inform your car insurer.
You must wear a seat belt if you’re pregnant, unless your doctor says you don’t have to for medical reasons.
You must wear a seat belt if you’re a disabled driver or passenger, unless you don’t have to for medical reasons. You may need to adapt your vehicle.
