The UK Government has launched a campaign emphasising the importance of wearing a seatbelt, particularly for younger drivers.
In 2022, 30% of car deaths among 17-29-year-olds were not wearing seatbelts; most were male. The new campaign, CLICK, aims to bring a partnership of key groups, including taxi firms and Uber drivers, together to support the message of wearing a seatbelt, regardless of how short or familiar the drive is. Football clubs are also getting involved with local clubs and county football associations emphasising the importance of wearing a seatbelt on matchdays.
What is the law around seatbelt usage?
Wearing a seatbelt has been a legal requirement since the 1980s. In a nutshell, if there are seatbelts in a vehicle, you have to wear them. As a result, the only time you are likely to get away with NOT wearing a seatbelt is if you are in a vehicle that was made in the ‘60s or earlier, as every car manufactured since 1967 has seat belts fitted as standard.
Children under three should be in an approved car seat; this may be forward or rear-facing depending on the age and size of the baby or toddler.
Children aged 3-12 and under 135cm in height should still use an approved car seat or booster seat.
Children aged 12-13 and over 135cm in height are not required to use a booster seat but should wear a seatbelt if one is available.
Pets should be suitably restrained.
All of the above can sit in the front or back, provided the guidance on seat restraints is met. They are also the responsibility of the driver.
The following passengers are responsible for their own safety:
Passengers 14 and over, who must wear a seatbelt if there is one available, and:
Pregnant women, who must wear a seatbelt if there is one available, unless they have a doctor’s note prohibiting them from doing so.
What is meant by a suitable pet restraint?
According to the Highway Code: "A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”
What about if you travel in a minibus or coach?
Since 2001, most coaches and minibuses have seatbelts fitted. If there are seatbelts available, they must be worn. Similarly to car drivers, coach and minibus drivers are responsible for the safe strapping in of all passengers under the age of 14.
What is the penalty for not wearing a seatbelt?
People may think that not wearing a seatbelt is a minor offence, but in the event of a collision, it can mean the difference between life and death. If a driver is caught in a vehicle where they or passengers under 14 are not wearing seatbelts, they could be issued a fixed penalty notice – a £100 fine with no fixed penalty points. Passengers over the age of 14 will be liable for their own fine. If the case goes to court, this could rise to £500.
Tempting as it might be to not buckle up, especially for a short journey, it is important that we continue to remind ourselves of the rules so that we can keep ourselves and other road users safe. For more advice, follow Trust A Garage on Facebook or X.