In the UK, wearing a seat belt in a moving vehicle is a legal obligation if one is fitted in the seat you are occupying. Only one person is permitted per seat equipped with a seat belt. Children must be secured in the appropriate car seat until they reach 135 cm tall or turn 12, whichever comes first. They must wear a seat belt if aged 12 or 13, or younger but over 135 cm tall.
Failing to wear a seat belt when required can result in a fine of up to £500. If you are driving and a child under 14 is not in the correct car seat or wearing a seat belt, you face penalties. Children aged 14 and over, and adults, are responsible for their own seat belts and can be fined if not wearing one. However, there are several exemptions.
Who is not legally required to wear a seat belt?
- A person with a medical certificate stating that wearing a seat belt is inadvisable on medical grounds, including during pregnancy.
- Drivers of vehicles carrying out reversing maneuvers, such as a three-point turn, including a qualified driver supervising a learner driver performing such maneuvers.
- The driver or a passenger in a goods vehicle on a journey of no more than 50 metres for delivering or collecting anything.
- A disabled person wearing a disabled person's belt.
- A person driving or riding in a vehicle for fire brigade or police purposes, or for transporting a person in lawful custody, including the detained individual.
- The driver of a licensed taxi while seeking hire, responding to a call for hire, or carrying a passenger for hire.
- A private hire vehicle while transporting a passenger for hire.
- A person driving a vehicle under a trade licence while investigating or rectifying a mechanical fault.
- A person taking part in a procession organised by or on behalf of the Crown, one commonly or customarily held, or a procession for which a notice under section 11 of the Public Order Act 1986 has been issued.
- A person conducting a driving competence test where wearing a seat belt would put themselves or others at risk.
- A person driving a vehicle where the driver's seat is not fitted with an adult belt.
- A person riding in the front of a vehicle where no adult belt is available for them.
- A person riding in the rear of a vehicle if no adult belt is available for them.
- A person travelling in a small or large bus being used to provide a local service in a built-up area where the entire route consists of restricted roads.
- A person travelling in a small or large bus built or adapted for standing passengers and where the operator permits standing.
- A person riding in an ambulance while providing medical attention or treatment that cannot be delayed due to its nature or the patient's condition.
Failing to wear a seat belt outside any of these exemptions is an offence.
