Seat Belts, Pregnancy, Child Seats and UK Law
If you are pregnant, then you must still wear a seat belt while in the front or rear seat of any vehicle. To fit the strap as comfortably, cross it over the breast bone and between the breasts with the lap belt crossing the thighs and not your bump. The strap should transverse the pelvis rather than the bump. Tighten the belt as much as possible.
In some medical circumstances it is possible you may be exempt, although pregnancy is normally an exception in itself. It is up to your Doctor to authorise exemption. Click here for information on exemptions.
Get the “Buckle Up For Baby And You” leaflet here.
The Law Surrounding Children In Cars
In essence, all children under 135cm tall or under the age of 12 in front or rear seats must wear the correct child restraint for their weight with a few exceptions. This also applies to overseas visitors and their cars while travelling in this country. If this is a hire car, then seats should be booked in advance with the rental company.
Exceptions are limited and differ slightly depending on whether the child is over or under three years of age.
1. In a licensed hire car or taxi if the correct restraint is unavailable they may only travel in the rear seat; if over three they should wear the adult belt and if under three, they can be unrestrained as the adult belt would work at all.
2. In a genuine emergency, and over a short distance, a child over three years may travel in the rear using an adult seat belt. This does NOT apply to children under three, regular trips or those planned in advance.
3. When there is only room to fit two child restraints on the rear seat, and, if the front seat is already occupied, a child over three may use an adult belt (lap only or full). If the front seat is empty, they must use this and the correct child restraint for their age.
4. If the vehicle has no rear seat belts as is common with older vehicles, a child over three may travel unrestrained.
Download a copy of the “Seat Belts And Child Restraints” leaflet as it also provides current UK laws on child seat belts and who is responsible for ensuring a child is secured in a vehicle.


