The Government is considering introducing penalty points for drivers caught not wearing seat belts after statistics show that it is the main cause of a large percentage of road incidents and fatalities

Katherine Fletcher, (former Roads Minister for the Department for Transport) stated “We know that in 2021, 30% of all car occupant fatalities recorded, seat belts were not worn. This is unacceptably high, and we have been considering options to tackle this including the use of issuing penalty points on your license.   .”

This consideration is part of a call for evidence on all motoring offenses that the DfT has promised to publish soon. IAM Road Smart will be responding to the publication in due course.

At present, drivers and passengers caught failing to wear a seat belt face an on-the-spot fine of £100, and, if prosecuted, can face a maximum fine of £500.

You must wear a seat belt if one is fitted in your seat, with only a single person per seat belt. You must make sure that any children in the vehicle are either in the correct child seat for their height or weight until they reach 135 centimeters tall or their 12th birthday, whichever is first, or are wearing a seat belt if a child seat isn’t necessary.

As the driver, you can also be fined up to £500 if a child isn’t in the correct car seat or not wearing a seat belt whilst you are driving.

Seatbelt Exceptions

In very few circumstances, you’re not required to wear a seat belt. Those being:

• 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 traveling no more than 50 meters between stops
• a licensed taxi driver who is ‘plying for hire or carrying passengers

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