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Seatbelts

Answer

The exemptions to wearing a seatbelt are:

  • A person who has a medical certificate, which states that on medical grounds it is not advisable for them to wear a seatbelt (including for pregnancy).
  • Drivers of vehicles performing manoeuvres which include reversing (three point turn). This includes a qualified driver supervising a learner driver performing manoeuvres including reversing.
  • Users of vehicles which have been adapted for the use of delivery of goods or mail to consumers or addressees, whilst engaged in making local rounds of deliveries (postman, milkman) as long as they do not drive for more than 50 metres.
  • A disabled person who is wearing a disabled person's belt.
  • A person driving a vehicle for fire and rescue or police purposes.
  • A licensed taxi whilst on duty.
  • A private hire driver whilst it is carrying passengers.
  • A person driving under a trade licence whilst driving the vehicle investigating or fixing a mechanical fault.
  • A person involved in a procession organised by or on behalf of the Crown.
  • A person conducting a test of competence as to whether wearing a seatbelt would endanger himself or any other person.
  • A person riding in a small or large bus which is being used to provide a local service in a built-up area (where the entire route consists of restricted roads); or
  • A person riding in a small or large bus which is constructed or adapted for the carriage of standing passengers and on which the operator permits standing.

Failure by any other person, who does not fit within these exemptions, will be liable for a fine.

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Answer

Yes, it is compulsory to wear a seatbelt in the rear of cars.

If the car is an old car and does not have seatbelts it is not compulsory to have them fitted. Any adult who fails to wear a seatbelt in the front or rear of a motor vehicle will be liable for a fine.

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Children up to 3 years old
 
Front seat - correct child restraint MUST be worn
Rear seat - correct child restraint MUST be worn
 
NOTES: Children under 3 years MUST use an appropriate child restraint in ALL cars, vans and goods vehicles. The ONLY exception is in the rear of a taxi. Rear-facing baby seats MUST not be used in a seat where there is a frontal airbag UNLESS it has been deactivated.
 
Children from 3 years up to 135cm (approx 4'5") OR 12th birthday
 
Front sear - correct child restraint MUST be worn
Rear seat - correct child restraint MUST be worn
Exceptions: Adult belt can be worn ONLY if
in a licensed taxi/private hire vehicle
for an unexpected necessary journey of a short distance
if there are 2 occupied child restraints fitted that prevent the fitting of a third

NOTE: If no seatbelts at all in the rear then children over 3 may travel unrestrained in the rear of a vehicle.
 
Children over 135cm (approx 4'5") or 12 or 13 years old
 
Front seat - seatbelt MUST be worn (if available)
Rear seat - seatbelt MUST be worn (if available)
 
Children over 14 years old and adults
 
Front seat - seatbelt MUST be worn (if available)
Rear seat - seatbelt MUST be worn (if available)
 
The driver is responsible for ALL passengers up to the age of 14 years old. The details of appropriate child seats can be found at any specialist baby shop or see related website for further information.
 
In relation to backless booster seats, please see the link in the 'Questions' section in the right-hand margin.

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The UN have notified the Department for Transport that there are new rules for the manufacture of backless booster seats. The new rules mean that manufacturers aren 't allowed to introduce new models of backless booster seats for children shorter than 125cm or weighing less than 22kg.

However, it's important to realise that the change doesn't affect existing models of seats or cushions and it certainly doesn't mean they're unsafe or illegal. Therefore, if you have such a seat, you can still use it and you won't be breaking the law if you continue to use it. The change has been brought about because research indicates that high-backed booster seats offer better protection than backless booster seats, especially in side impacts.

Note that if you're about to buy a booster seat there may still be some of the older models available for sale. So if you want the new specification high-backed booster seat, make sure you read the label and know what you're buying. We would suggest you only buy from a reputable source and seek clarification from the shop if you need it.

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