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It is an offence for an individual not to wear a seatbelt if one is available to wear. However, it also the responsibility of the driver to ensure that children under 14 are wearing seatbelts or child restraints where appropriate and where available.
Person | Front seat | Rear seat | Responsibility of |
DRIVER | Must be worn if fitted | Driver | |
Child under 3 years of age | Appropriate child restraint* must be worn | Appropriate child restraint* must be worn if available | Driver |
Child aged 3 to 11 and under, 1.5metres (about 5 feet) in height | Appropriate child restraint* must be worn if available. If not, an adult seat belt must be worn | Appropriate child restraint* must be worn if available. If not, an adult seat belt must be worn if available | Driver |
Child aged 12 or 13 or younger child 1.5metres or more in height | Adult seat belt must be worn if available | Adult seat belt must be worn if available | Driver |
Passengers over the age of 14 | Must be worn if available | Must be worn if available | Passenger |
The usual penalty, however, is a £30 fixed penalty notice fine.