All UK drivers will have to ‘take notice’
The government is putting forward plans to hand out penalty points to motorists caught not wearing a seatbelt as part of efforts to improve safety and put a limit to injuries and deaths on roads across Britain. Published last week by the Department for Transport (DfT), the new Road Safety Strategy also proposes prosecuting drivers who fail to ensure children are properly buckled up.
The proposed changes go further than the existing fine-only approach, aiming to strengthen the message and tackle the high death toll associated with those who view seatbelts as optional. Repeat offenders could face higher insurance premiums and potential licence suspensions.
These seatbelt measures form part of wider reforms, including cracking down on “ghost” number plates and possibly reducing the drink-driving limit. The scale of the problem was highlighted by Safer Roads Greater Manchester, whose technology detected 2,400 people not wearing seatbelts in just 51 days at a single location last year, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Meanwhile, research from PACTS revealed that in 2023, one-in-four car occupants killed in crashes across Great Britain, where seatbelt use was recorded, were not wearing one. The figure remained unchanged in 2024, with 25% of car occupant deaths involving unbelted passengers when collisions took place.
The DfT is currently collecting views on these proposals through a formal consultation as part of the new strategy.
This review marks the most significant overhaul of motoring legislation since the Road Safety Act came into force in 2006. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed her concern over road safety, and said: “Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled.
“This strategy marks a turning point. We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone.” Geoff Collins, Acusensus UK General Manager and Chair of ITS UK’s Enforcement Forum, spoke to Highway News about the implications of the new measures.
He said: “This is important because up until now you could habitually choose not to wear a seat belt and if you get caught, you pay the fine and have no further sanction. But now, it will have an effect on your insurance cost and eventually lead to losing your licence, and that’s something that people will have to take notice of.”
Current UK punishment if caught not wearing a seatbelt
The GOV.UK website states that people driving or travelling in a car must wear a seat belt if one is fitted in the seat you’re using. There are only a handful of exceptions where a person would not face a fine of up to £500.
You do not 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 looking for customers either by being hailed in the street or by waiting at a taxi rank (known as ‘plying for hire’)
- a licensed taxi driver or a driver of a private hire vehicle who is carrying passengers
A doctor may say you do not have to wear a seat belt for a medical reason and should give people a Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing which must be kept in the vehicle and available to show it to the police if you’re stopped.
