Buckle up to check your seat belt law knowledge
Here’s a question for all drivers … who is responsible for ensuring a child is wearing a seat belt? The answer may not win you a pub quiz any time soon but it could save you a hefty fine – plus a whole lot more! Since the seat belt law was first introduced in 1983 it’s saved thousands of lives and prevented countless injuries.
But latest official figures show still 5.2 per cent of drivers and 8.5 per cent of back seat passengers were observed not wearing a seat belt.
In most circumstances every passenger and driver is required by law to wear their seat belt. Failure to do so could result in a fine.
Motoring experts at Quotezone.co.uk have researched various laws about seat belts in the UK that they say most drivers are unaware of.
People may not realise the driver is only responsible for children under 14 to be wearing their seat belt as anyone aged 14 and over is accountable for themselves.
You can be fined up to £500 if a child under 14 isn’t in the correct car seat or wearing a seat belt while you’re driving.
But there are certain situations which do not legally require drivers or passengers to wear a seat belt, although it’s always strongly advised.
Owners of classic cars which do not have a seat belt installed are not legally required to get one fitted, drivers therefore exempt from wearing one.
Taxi drivers are also exempt from wearing a seat belt.
“We urge everyone to wear a seatbelt in all situations, even if they are legally exempt, for their own safety and to avoid a hefty fine of up to £500,” said Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk.
“It’s important to make sure you do know the laws surrounding seat belts to stay within the law and avoid any unsafe trips for yourself and your passengers.”
When a driver is reversing, they are legally permitted to take off their seat belt. This also applies to Brits supervising a learner driver who’s reversing.
Motorists driving goods vehicles on delivery rounds don’t need to wear a seat belt if the distance is less than 50 metres between stops.
And doctors can give a certificate to drivers who have valid medical grounds to not wear one.