The UK Government is considering introducing stricter penalties for drivers who fail to wear seat belts, following concerning research from MoneySuperMarket revealing that 5.9 million drivers—about 14% of UK motorists—regularly drive without buckling up. Data from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) highlights the serious consequences: in 2023, a quarter of car occupants killed in collisions in Great Britain, where seat belt status was known, were not wearing seat belts.
Alicia Hempsted, a car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, warns drivers that unless exempt or in specific situations, not wearing a seat belt is illegal and carries a fine of up to £500 under current laws. The company’s recent survey found that while 18% of drivers admitted to driving without a seat belt at least once, only 32% of those had been fined for the offence in the past five years. Notably, 14% consistently neglect to wear seat belts.
Drivers are required to wear seat belts except when medically exempt or reversing. Those exempt must carry a valid certificate in their vehicle and notify their insurer.
READ MORE: Loss-making Carlton Street Car Park at Risk of Collapse Under Weight of Electric Vehicles
READ MORE: 24 New Homes Near A303 Left Empty for Nearly a Year Amid Legal Delays
Hempsted emphasizes, “Seat belts are among the simplest and most effective lifesaving measures on the road. It’s alarming that many drivers still neglect them. Beyond fines, proposed changes could add penalty points to licences—potentially increasing insurance premiums.”
Current exceptions include reversing, licensed taxi and private hire drivers under certain conditions, some delivery drivers, and medically exempt individuals who must always carry their exemption certificate.
The Government’s consultation document states seat belts have been mandatory since 1991 for all vehicle occupants unless exempt or under specific circumstances. It also mandates that drivers ensure children under 14 are properly restrained in appropriate child seats or belts.
Presently, the penalty for not wearing a seat belt is a fixed £100 fine or up to £500 if prosecuted in court, with no penalty points assigned. The Government is now seeking public views on introducing three penalty points on drivers’ licences for adults and children not properly restrained.
Legislation clarifies that each seat fitted with a seat belt must only seat one person. Children must use the correct car seat for their height or weight until they reach 135 cm or turn 12—whichever comes first—and those aged 12 or 13, or younger children over 135 cm, must wear a seat belt.
The MoneySuperMarket survey, conducted by Censuswide in January 2026, involved 1,000 UK drivers aged 17 and over. According to DVLA data, over 42 million people hold full UK driving licences.