Seat Belts
You must wear a seat belt in cars and goods vehicles where one is fitted. There are very few exceptions to this. The driver is liable to prosecution if a child under 14 years does not wear a seat belt or child restraint as required.
Children up to 135cms tall must use the appropriate child restraint for their weight (not age) when travelling in the front or back seat of any car, van or goods vehicle. There are very few exceptions. ‘Child restraint’ means baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion.
A child can use an adult belt when they reach 135cm or their 12th birthday, whichever comes first.
In buses and coaches with seat belts fitted, passengers aged 14 years and above must use them.
If you are not wearing a seat belt, you can be prosecuted. The fixed penalty for not wearing your seat belt is £60, but if you are convicted in court the fine can be up to £500.
In 2007, of the 1,432 car occupants killed in the UK, research indicates that some 34% were not wearing a seat belt. You are twice as likely to die in a crash if you don’t wear a seat belt.
Did you know?
Seat belts save lives. In a crash at 30 mph, an adult is thrown forwards with a force of 3.5 tonnes. That’s the weight of an elephant!
