The UK government has unveiled a major shake-up of road safety laws, with plans to introduce penalty points for drivers caught not wearing a seatbelt. The proposed change, part of a new Road Safety Strategy published by the Department for Transport (DfT), aims to curb injuries and fatalities by strengthening the consequences for those who ignore the life-saving rule.
Beyond the Fine: A Stricter Sanction System
Currently, motorists caught without a seatbelt face a maximum fine of £500. The new strategy, however, seeks to move beyond this "fine-only" system. Under the proposed measures, offenders would receive penalty points on their driving licence. This shift is designed to deliver a stronger deterrent, as repeat offenders could subsequently face higher insurance premiums and potential licence suspension.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasised the urgent need for action, stating: "Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point. We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone."
The Stark Reality of Non-Compliance
The government's push is backed by alarming statistics. Research from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) revealed that in 2023, one in four car occupants killed in crashes in Great Britain, where seatbelt use was recorded, were not wearing one. This grim statistic remained unchanged in 2024.
Furthermore, real-world data underscores the scale of the problem. Technology deployed by Safer Roads Greater Manchester detected 2,400 people not wearing seatbelts in just 51 days at a single location last year, highlighting widespread non-compliance.
The proposed rules also target drivers who fail in their duty to ensure child passengers are properly restrained, with prosecutions being considered for such lapses.
Part of a Wider Road Safety Reform
The seatbelt measures form a core part of broader reforms outlined in the strategy. These include a crackdown on illegal "ghost" number plates and a potential review of the drink-driving limit. This package represents the most significant proposed overhaul of motoring legislation since the Road Safety Act 2006.
Geoff Collins, Acusensus UK General Manager, commented on the impact of adding penalty points: "This is important because up until now you could habitually choose not to wear a seat belt and if you get caught, you pay the fine and have no further sanction. But now, it will have an effect on your insurance cost and eventually lead to losing your licence, and that's something that people will have to take notice of."
The DfT has launched a formal consultation to gather public and stakeholder views on these proposals. The current exemptions from wearing a seatbelt, which include drivers reversing or supervising a learner reversing, certain emergency service roles, and individuals with a valid medical exemption certificate, are expected to remain in place.
