{"id":4567,"date":"2023-04-26T07:05:32","date_gmt":"2023-04-26T07:05:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theukrules.co.uk\/?page_id=4567"},"modified":"2023-09-13T13:15:02","modified_gmt":"2023-09-13T13:15:02","slug":"seat-belts-and-child-restraints","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.theukrules.co.uk\/rules\/driving\/highway-code\/seat-belts-and-child-restraints\/","title":{"rendered":"Seat Belts and Child Restraints Highway Code Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"

HIGHWAY CODE SEAT BELT<\/strong>: This guide provides the latest information on wearing seat belts and child restraints.<\/p>\n

RULE 99<\/strong>: Adults, and children aged 14 years and over, MUST<\/strong> use a seat belt or child restraint, where fitted.<\/p>\n

This seat belts rule also applies when seated in minibuses, buses, and coaches.<\/p>\n

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Seat Belt Medical Exemption<\/h2>\n

Holders of medical exemption certificates and those making cargo deliveries or collections in goods vehicles when travelling less than 50 meters (approximately 162 feet) are exempt from the Highway Code seat belt rules in the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n

This table summarizes the seat belt responsibilities and main legalities for driver and occupants wearing seat belts in cars, vans and other goods vehicles.<\/p>\n

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Highway Code Seat Belt Requirements<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Occupant<\/th>\nFront Seat<\/th>\nRear Seat<\/th>\nLiable<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Driver<\/strong><\/td>\nMust<\/strong> be worn (if fitted)<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nDriver<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Child<\/strong> (under 3 years of age)<\/td>\nCorrect child restraint Must<\/strong> be used<\/td>\nCorrect child restraint MUST<\/strong> be used (may travel unrestrained in a taxi if not available)<\/td>\nDriver<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Child<\/strong> from 3rd birthday up to 1.35 metres in height (or 12th birthday, whichever they reach first)<\/td>\nCorrect child restraint Must<\/strong> be used<\/td>\nCorrect child restraint MUST<\/strong> be used where seat belts fitted. MUST<\/strong> use adult belt if correct child restraint is not available in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle, or for reasons of unexpected necessity over a short distance, or if two occupied restraints prevent fitment of a third.<\/td>\nDriver<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Child<\/strong> over 1.35 meters (approx 4ft 5ins) in height or 12 or 13 years<\/td>\nSeat belt Must<\/strong> be worn if available<\/td>\nSeat belt MUST<\/strong> be worn if available<\/td>\nDriver<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adult<\/strong> passenger aged 14 and over<\/td>\nSeat belt Must<\/strong> be worn if available<\/td>\nSeat belt MUST<\/strong> be worn if available<\/td>\nPassenger<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Driver Responsibilities<\/h2>\n

Rule 100<\/strong>: As you can determine from the table above, the driver’s responsibility means he or she MUST<\/strong> ensure that all children under 14 years of age in cars, vans and other goods vehicles wear a seat belt.<\/p>\n

A baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion<\/a> MUST<\/strong> be used which is suitable for the child\u2019s weight and fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions if a child is under 1.35 meters (approx 4 feet 5 inches) tall.<\/p>\n

This Highway Code ruling means that the driver should be sure that a child uses a suitable restraint which is correctly adjusted.<\/p>\n

Note<\/strong>: It is also required that small children sit in an approved seat restraint where required.<\/p>\n

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Rear-facing Baby Seats<\/h2>\n

Rule 101<\/strong>: A rear-facing baby seat MUST NOT<\/strong> be fitted into a seat which is protected by an active frontal airbag. Current safety standards have determined that airbags may cause serious injury or death to the child in the event of a car crash.<\/p>\n

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Children in Vehicles<\/h2>\n

Rule 102<\/strong>: Drivers who are carrying children in cars, vans and other goods vehicles should also ensure that:<\/p>\n