UK Seat Belt Laws :
A Guide to Safety and Responsibility
THE UNIVERSAL RULE :
IF IT'S FITTED , WEAR IT .
You MUST wear a seat belt in cars , vans , and other goods vehicles wherever one is installed .
LEGAL EXEMPTIONS
MEDICAL REASONS ( Medical Exemption Certificates )
PUBLIC TRANSPORT RULES : Passengers aged 14 and over MUST use a seat belt or child restraint in minibuses , buses , and coaches if they are fitted .
DELIVERY DRIVERS ( Traveling < 50 metres between stops )
CHILD RESTRAINT REQUIREMENTS
CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS OLD
Must use a correct child restraint in both front and rear seats ; exception for unrestrained travel in rear of a taxi if restraint unavailable .
CHILDREN AGED 3 TO 12 ( OR UNDER 1.35M )
Must use a correct child restraint ; if unavailable in taxi or short- distance " unexpected necessity , " adult belt must be used .
THE 1.35 METRE RULE ( OR 12TH BIRTHDAY ): Once a child reaches 1.35 metres in height or their 12th birthday ( whichever comes first ) , they may transition to an adult seat belt .
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY MATRIX
PASSENGER CATEGORY
FRONT SEAT REQUIREMENT
REAR SEAT REQUIREMENT
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE ?
Driver
Must be worn if fitted
Correct child restraint
Child ( Under 3 )
Correct child restraint MUST be used
MUST be used ( Unrestrained in taxi only )
Child
( 3 to 12 OR < 1.35m )
Correct restraint if fitted ; aduit belt in specific exceptions
( 12 , 13 , or > 1.35m )
Adult seat belt MUST be worn
Adult ( 14+ )
Adult seat belt MUST be worn if available
Passenger