The government of Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering new rules that would give drivers three penalty points for failing to wear seatbelts in England. The proposal is part of the Labour's Road Safety Strategy, with a consultation running from January to mid-May and results expected by August.
Current penalties and proposed changes
Currently, drivers face a £100 fixed penalty notice or a maximum £500 court fine for not wearing seatbelts. The Department for Transport said: "Failure to wear a seat belt is not currently an endorsable offence; that means the offender does not incur penalty points."
Under the new proposals, drivers would receive three penalty points for failing to wear seatbelts or ensure children are properly restrained. The DfT added: "We propose that 3 penalty points should apply to all drivers who fail to wear a seat belt or who fail to ensure that any child in the vehicle wears an appropriate child restraint."
Government warning and 'Fatal Four'
The government warns that "collisions in which drivers or passengers are not wearing seat belts can change and end lives" and that fatalities are preventable.
Not wearing seatbelts is part of the "Fatal Four" offences prioritised by police to reduce road deaths, alongside speeding, drink and drug driving, and mobile phone use.
