Wearing
a seat belt and exemptions
Every
driver should know the law about the wearing
of a seatbelt in the front and back seats
of a vehicle and who should ensure that
the driver, child or adult passenger wears
a seat belt. There are also exemptions from
wearing a seat belt while driving.
The
law
The
law requires that as a driver it is
your responsibility to ensure:
- that
you wear a seat belt if one is
fitted
- a
child under three years of age
wears an appropriate child restraint
in the front and rear seats
- a
child of three to eleven years
of age and under one and a half
metres (approximately five foot)
in height wears an appropriate
child restraint if available in
the front and rear seats; wears
an adult seat belt in the front
and if available an adult seat
belt in the rear
- a
child of twelve or thirteen years
of age or a younger child one
and a half metres (approximately
five foot) or more in height wears
an adult seat belt in the front
and rear seats, if available
The
law requires that an adult passenger
aged fourteen and upwards is responsible
for wearing a seat belt in the front
and rear seats if one is available.
Vehicles
affected
Front
seats of all vehicles, including cars,
vans, coaches, buses and goods vehicles
where seat belts are fitted. Rear seats
of cars and small buses where seat belts
are fitted. Whilst the law does not
presently require seat belts to be worn
in the rear seats of larger minibuses
or coaches, they should be used if fitted.
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Exemptions
from wearing a seat belt
Very
few drivers or passengers should not wear a seat belt.
However, one reason for not doing so may be on medical
grounds. If you think you should not wear a seat belt
on medical grounds, please consult your doctor. He or
she will decide and, if warranted will issue you a formal
Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing.
This must be produced if the police ask you for it.
For
more information please contact:
Department
for Transport
Zone
2/11, Great Minster House
76
Marsham Street
London
SW1P
4DR
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