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The law - seat belts and child restraints

The law requires that drivers and passengers aged 14 and over in cars, vans and other commercial vehicles must wear a seatbelt if available. As a driver you are responsible for ensuring that anyone under the age of 14 wears a seat belt or use an appropriate child restraint as required in the regulations. On 18 September 2006, the law concerning children using seat belts and child restraints changed. Find out more about the new law and your responsibilities as a driver on the link below.

• New laws - using child car seats in cars and goods vehicles Opens new window

Correct use of seat belts and child restraints

Taking time to ensure you use a seat belt or fit a child restraint correctly could help saves lives and reduce injuries in the event of an accident.

• Car seats (parents section)

Wearing a seat belt on a minibus, bus or coach

If you are travelling on a minibus you must wear a seat belt if one is fitted (or a child restraint if available). On a bus or coach, if you are aged 14 or over you must wear a seat belt if fitted. Regulations requiring children aged three to 13 years to use seat belts (or child restraints if available) in buses and coaches will be brought forward as soon as possible.

Exemptions from wearing a seat belt

You may be exempt from wearing a seat belt on medical grounds. Your doctor will issue a 'Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing' if they decide it is not suitable for you to wear a seat belt on medical grounds. This must be produced if the police ask you for it.

• Medical exemption from compulsory seat belt wearing Opens new window

Wearing a seat belt while pregnant

You must wear a seat belt if you are pregnant unless your doctor certifies that you are exempt on medical grounds. Wearing your seat belt safely will help protect you and your unborn child.

• Wearing a seat belt safely through pregnancy Opens new window

More useful links

• Carrying pets safely Opens new window