Penalties could possibly be greater than only a fantastic (Image: Kmatta through Getty Images)
With the Government placing ahead stricter punishments for motorists who neglect to put on seat belts, recent analysis from MoneySuperMarket has revealed that 5.9 million British drivers (14%) admit they routinely drive with out fastening their belts.
According to figures from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), in 2023, 1 / 4 of car occupants (25%) who perished in crashes in Great Britain, the place seat belt standing was recorded, weren’t carrying one.
In response to this, Alicia Hempsted, automotive insurance coverage professional at MoneySuperMarket, is urging motorists that, until exempt or in particular conditions, driving with out carrying a seat belt is illegitimate and will result in a fantastic of as much as £500 below present laws.
The recent survey by MoneySuperMarket found that, while 7.6 million motorists (18%) admitted they’ve pushed and not using a seat belt, simply over a 3rd (32%) of these have been fined up to now 5 years for one of these offence. Additionally, 14% (5.9 million) confirmed they recurrently drive and not using a seat belt.
Motorists should at all times put on a seat belt, until medically exempt or reversing. If exempt, you need to hold your certificates of ‘exemption from obligatory seat belt carrying’ in your automobile always and replace your insurer.
At the second the offence isn’t endorsable (Image: west through Getty Images)
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Alicia stated: “Seat belts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce injury and save lives on the road, so it’s concerning that a significant number of UK drivers admit to not wearing them when behind the wheel. Because insurers use penalty points as a measure of risk, the proposed changes could leave drivers facing more than just a fine. Points on a licence may also push up premiums when it’s time to renew.
“There are a restricted variety of exceptions to this legislation, resembling when reversing, those that are licensed taxi drivers of a personal rent automobile in particular circumstances, sure supply drivers, and people who find themselves medically exempt. Should you be medically exempt, you need to at all times hold your certificates in your automobile, in addition to replace your insurer of your exemption. For most drivers although, the message is easy: carrying a seat belt is not nearly avoiding fines, it is about saving lives.”
UK Government’s proposed seat belt law change
In its consultation proposals, the Government explained: “It has been necessary since 1991 for drivers and passengers to put on a seat belt when travelling in any motorized vehicle until medically exempt, or below specified circumstances, resembling a driver reversing their automobile or a taxi driver plying for rent. It can also be necessary for drivers to make sure that kids below the age of 14 of their automobile put on a seat belt or are secured with an acceptable youngster seat or restraint.
“The sanction for failing to do so is a fixed penalty notice of £100 or, if the case goes to court, a maximum fine of £500. Failure to wear a seat belt is not currently an endorsable offence; that means the offender does not incur penalty points. This section asks the public’s view on whether drivers and passengers failing to wear a seat belt, and drivers who fail to ensure children travelling in the vehicle are suitably restrained, should receive three penalty points on their driving licence.”
It added: “We propose that three penalty points should apply to all drivers who fail to wear a seat belt or who fail to ensure that any child in the vehicle wears an appropriate child restraint.”
Current seat belt laws
Present laws stipulate that “drivers must wear a seatbelt if one is fitted in the seat they are using, with only a few exceptions. You’re also only allowed one person per seat fitted with a seatbelt”.
Furthermore, “you must make sure that any children in the vehicle you are driving in are in the correct car seat for their height or weight until they reach 135 centimetres tall or their 12th birthday, whichever is first. And ensure they are wearing a seatbelt if they’re 12 or 13 years old, or younger and over 135cm tall”.
Methodology
MoneySuperMarket carried out a ballot via Censuswide, questioning 1,000 UK motorists aged 17 and over who maintain a full driving licence. The analysis passed off between January 20, 2026 and January 23, 2026. DVLA figures reveal that 42,120,966 people presently maintain a full UK driving licence.
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https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/2175225/uk-drivers-face-tougher-penalties-seat-belt-rule-change