Seat belt laws, fines and who is exempt from wearing one in the UK?

Rishi Sunak has found himself under scrutiny from the police after admitting he forgot to wear a seat belt while filming to film a social media clip, but it is not just Prime Ministers with seat belt problems. Here we look at who should be wearing a seat belt, who doesn't have to - and how much the fine is (and who has to pay it).

We will also look at how the law around seat belts affects pregnant women, children, taxis and even pets.

What are the penalties for not wearing a seat belt and when you are allowed to drive without one on.  (Credit: Pxhere)

Do you have to wear a seat belt

If the vehicle has a seat belt fitted, then you will need to wear it – unless you are exempt. We will look at the reasons this may be the case further down this page.

What is the fine for not wearing a seat belt?

Drivers who do not use a seat belt while driving can be fined up to £500.

Can I share a belt with someone – such as a child?

No. A fitted seat belt can only be used for one person. Doing otherwise is illegal and extremely dangerous.

Do children need to wear a seat belt when travelling with parents?

Children will need to wear a seat belt when travelling in a car with their parents or any adults.

Younger kids will also need to be strapped in using a child seat that is correct for their height and weight.

Children must use an appropriate child seat until they reach 135 centimetres tall or their 12th birthday, whichever is first.

When children reach 12 years old, or a height of 135cm tall, they must then be strapped into the car using a fitted seat belt.

What about children in travelling in a taxi without a child seat?

If the taxi driver fails to provide the correct child car seat, children are allowed travel without one but only if they are on a rear seat and wear an adult seat belt if they are three years old or olderl or without a seat belt if they’re under 3

What happens if my child does not wear a seat belt?

Aside from putting the child at risk, the person driving the car can be fined up to £500 for offence.

What if an adult passenger refuses to wear a seat belt – who is fined?

The following table from the RAC shows who would have to pay the fine if a seat belt is not worn.

Type of traveller	Front seat	Rear seat	Responsibility
Driver	Pets	N/A	Driver
Child under three	Approved child restraint needed	Approved child restraint needed (exceptions listed below)	Driver
Child aged 3-12 or smaller than 135cm	Approved child restraint needed	Approved child restraint needed (exceptions listed below)	Driver
Child aged 12 or 13 or taller than 135cm	Seat belt must be worn if fitted	Seat belt must be worn if fitted	Driver
Passengers aged 14+	Seat belt must be worn if fitted	Seat belt must be worn if fitted	Passenger
Pregnant women	Seat belt must be worn if fitted unless with a doctor’s note	Seat belt must be worn if fitted unless with a doctor’s certificate	Passenger
Pets	Animals must be suitably restrained to prevent injury	Animals must be suitably restrained to prevent injury	Driver

Do pregnant women need to wear a seat belt?

Pregnant women must wear a seat belt when in a car as normal – unless she has been told not to and provided with a Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing – see below for more information.

When am I allowed to drive without a seat belt on?

Aside from medical exemptions, you can also drive in the following circumstances when you are not wearing a seat belt.

• a driver who is reversing, or supervising a learner driver who is reversing in a vehicle being used for police, fire and rescue services
• a passenger in a trade vehicle and you’re investigating a fault
• driving a goods vehicle on deliveries that is travelling no more than 50 metres between stops
• a licensed taxi driver who is ‘plying for hire’ or carrying passengers

Alongside the reasons above, medical exemptions can also excuse those who qualify from wearing a seat belt when driving.

There is not a definitive list of exemptions, but if you think that your medical condition prevents you from being able to drive safely while wearing a seat belt, then speak to your doctor who will be aware of the requirements to qualify for an exemption certificate.

If a doctor issues a ‘Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing’ you must keep it in your car and show it to the police if required to do so.

You should also tell your insurance company about being a holder of such a certificate.

You will need to wear a seat belt if you do not have a Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing or are exempt due to the other reasons listed above.

My vehicle does not have seat belts – what should I do?

If a vehicle does not have fitted seat belts, a classic car for example, you are not permitted to carry any children under 3 years old in it.

Children over 3 are only permitted to sit in the back seats.

These rules only apply if the car or other vehicle was originally manufactured without seat belts – and not because they have been removed at a later stage.

Do dogs and other large pets need to wear seat belts?

Yes – dogs and large pets need to be suitably restrained when travelling in a car.