What is the seat belt law in England?

Answer 1

If the vehicle is fitted with seatbelts, they must be worn unless:

• You are reversing
• You are supervising a learner driver who is reversing
• You are driving a vehicle designed for goods and you are travelling less than 50 metres to an place where you will collect or delivery something
• You have a medical certificate of exemption
• Driving a licenced taxi that is driving, seeking or carrying a person for hire
• Driving a private hire vehicle that is carrying a person for hire
• A disabled person wearing a disabled person's belt
• Riding in or driving a police, fire or rescue vehicle
• Riding under a trade licence in order to investigate a mechanical fault in the vehicle
• Riding in a vehicle that is taking part in a procession on behalf of the crown
• A child under 3 years old in the rear of a taxi if the correct restraint is not available.

Children must be in booster seats until they reach 12 years of age or 135cm tall (whichever comes first), the only exceptions are if:

• They are in a taxi where no booster is available
• Travelliung a short distance in unexpected necessity, if the correct booster is not available.
• Where two occupied boosters seats make fitting a third one impossible.

If any of these three apply, the child must ride in the back with an adult restraint.

If you are not wearing your seatbelt when you're supposed to be, you can face £100 fixed penalty fine (up to £500 if you go to court).

If a passenger is under 14, the driver of the vehicle is responsible for ensuring the child is using their seatbelt and will be liable to further fines if they are not.

Passengers who are 14 or over are responsible for themselves and will be fined if they are not wearing their seatbelts.