“If you’ve been summonsed for failing to wear a seatbelt, it is important to contact an experienced lawyer without delay. We have an excellent record in defending prosecutions for all types of motoring offences.”
David Thompson, Managing Partner
The Department of Transport states that approximately 10% of drivers and front seat passengers do not wear seatbelts whilst up to 40% of rear seat passengers fail to use them. The law can be summarized as follows:
1. You must wear a seatbelt, unless you have a medical exemption. Failing to wear a seatbelt will normally result in a fixed penalty fine but some police forces seek a licence endorsement of 3 penalty points.
2. Children, seatbelts and car seats. You must not carry an unrestrained child in the front seat of any vehicle. Children under 3 years travelling in the front of any vehicle must be carried in an appropriate child restraint. The adult seatbelt may not be used. If an appropriate child restraint or seatbelt is available for use in the front but not in the rear, children aged between 3 and 11 and under 1.5 metres in height must use the front restraint or seatbelt.
3. Child age. As far as motoring law is concerned an adult passenger is aged 14 or over. A driver is only responsible for ensuring that passengers under the age of 13 are correctly “belted up”.
4. Accident claims. If you are involved in a road traffic accident when not wearing a seatbelt, and if you claim for compensation, any award made is likely to be reduced.
5. Delivery drivers. It is a common misconception that delivery drivers are exempt from wearing seatbelts – some are, but many are not.
Moore Blatch has an excellent record in defending all manner of motoring offences. If you have received a summons, please contact us without delay.