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Not wearing a seat belt

s.14Road Traffic Act 1988

Driving or riding in a motor vehicle on a road without wearing a seat belt, as required by the seat belt regulations, when aged 14 or over.

Not wearing a seat belt · Road Traffic Act 1988, s.14Card 113 / 195

Points to prove

Drove, or rode in the front or rear seat of, a motor vehicle
On a road
Aged 14 or over
Was not wearing an adult seat belt, as required by the Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993

Key definitions

The requirement – reg. 5 of the 1993 Regulations: every person driving, or riding in a front or rear seat of, a motor vehicle (other than a two-wheeled motorcycle) must wear an adult belt.
Under 14s – s.14(6) and reg. 5(2): the requirement does not apply to children under 14. The driver is responsible for them under s.15.
Only the wearer commits it – s.14(3): no one else, such as the driver, is guilty because an adult passenger does not wear a belt.
Motor vehicle – s.185(1): a mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads.

Defences

Medical certificate – reg. 6(1)(a): a person holding a valid medical certificate is exempt.
Other exemptions – reg. 6 also covers: a driver reversing (or a qualified driver supervising a learner who is reversing); goods vehicle delivery or collection journeys of 50 metres or less; vehicles used for police or fire and rescue purposes or carrying a person in lawful custody; licensed taxi drivers while seeking hire, answering a call for hire or carrying a passenger for hire, and private hire drivers while carrying a passenger for hire; and seats with no adult belt available.
Producing a medical certificate – s.14(4): it must be produced to the constable at the time, or at a nominated police station within 7 days or as soon as reasonably practicable.

Good to know

No penalty points or disqualification. It is a fixed penalty offence.
Six-month time limit for prosecution.

Legislation: Road Traffic Act 1988, s.14 (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Mode of trial: Summary only
Maximum penalty: Fine of up to £500 (level 2)
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Not wearing a seat belt: questions people ask

What are the points to prove for not wearing a seat belt?

1. Drove, or rode in the front or rear seat of, a motor vehicle 2. On a road 3. Aged 14 or over 4. Was not wearing an adult seat belt, as required by the Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993

What is the maximum sentence for not wearing a seat belt?

Fine of up to £500 (level 2)

Is not wearing a seat belt a summary, either-way or indictable offence?

Not wearing a seat belt is a summary-only offence: it is tried in the magistrates’ court.

What Act and section is not wearing a seat belt?

Not wearing a seat belt is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988, s.14.

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