When can you drive without wearing your seatbelt? Laws explained

WEARING a seatbelt became law in 1983, and has protected millions of drivers from severe injuries.

Here are all the rules regarding seatbelts, including the fine for not wearing one.

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When can you drive without wearing a seatbelt?

There are rare scenarios when wearing a seatbelt isn't a legal requirement.

According to , you don’t need to wear a seat belt if you’re:

• 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

Your doctor may say you don’t have to wear a seat belt for a medical reason. They’ll give you a "Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing".

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You must:

• keep this in your vehicle
• show it to the police if you’re stopped

You’ll also need to tell your car insurer.

What are the laws around wearing a seatbelt?

You must wear a seat belt if one is fitted in the seat you’re using unless you are one of the exceptions listed above.

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You’re also only allowed one person in each seat fitted with a seat belt.

You must make sure that any children in the vehicle you’re driving are:

• in the correct car seat for their height or weight until they reach 135 centimetres tall or their 12th birthday, whichever is first
• wearing a seat belt if they’re 12 or 13 years old, or younger and over 135cm tall

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.

Do passengers legally have to wear a seatbelt?

It is a legal requirement for passengers to wear a seatbelt.

This is not only to ensure your safety, but the safety of the other occupants in the vehicle.

If you are travelling in a coach with seatbelts, you must wear it.

What is the fine for not wearing a seatbelt?

You can incur a fine of up to £500 if you do not wear a seatbelt when you're supposed to.

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It is the passenger's responsibility to belt up when in a car, whereas it is a driver's responsibility when dealing with children under the age of 14 and pets.

Those over 14 are responsible for their own actions - so if you’re caught not wearing a belt as a passenger, you could be hit with a £100 fine.