The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993

PART II E+W+S ADULTS IN THE FRONT OR REAR OF A VEHICLE

General E+W+S

4.  This Part of these Regulations shall have effect for the purpose of section 14 of the Act.

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 4 in force at 2.2.1993, see reg. 1(1)

Requirement for adults to wear adult belts E+W+S

5.—(1) Subject to the following provisions of these Regulations, every person—

(a) driving a motor vehicle (other than a two-wheeled motor cycle with or without a sidecar);

(b) riding in a front seat of a motor vehicle (other than a two-wheeled motor cycle with or without a sidecar); or

(c) riding in a rear seat of a motor car or a passenger car which is not a motor car;

shall wear an adult belt.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to a person under the age of 14 years.

Commencement Information

I2 Reg. 5 in force at 2.2.1993, see reg. 1(1)

Exemptions E+W+S

6.—(1) The requirements of regulation 5 do not apply to—

(a) a person holding a medical certificate;

[F1 (b) the driver of or a passenger in a motor vehicle constructed or adapted for carrying goods, while on a journey which does not exceed 50 metres and which is undertaken for the purpose of delivering or collecting any thing;]

(c) a person driving a vehicle while performing a manoeuvre which includes reversing;

(d) a qualified driver (within the meaning given by [F2 regulation 17 of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999]) who is supervising the holder of a provisional licence (within the meaning of Part III of the Act) while that holder is performing a manoeuvre which includes reversing;

(e) a person by whom, as provided in [F3 the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999], a test of competence to drive is being conducted and his wearing a seat belt would endanger himself or any other person;

(f) a person driving or riding in a vehicle while it is being used for [F4 relevant authority (as defined in section 6 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 5))] [F5 or, in England, fire and rescue authority] [F6 or, in England or Wales, fire and rescue authority] or police purposes or for carrying a person in lawful custody (a person who is being so carried being included in this exemption);

(g) the driver of—

(i) a licensed taxi while it is being used for seeking hire, or answering a call for hire, or carrying a passenger for hire, or

(ii) a private hire vehicle while it is being used to carry a passenger for hire;

(h) a person riding in a vehicle, being used under a trade licence, for the purpose of investigating or remedying a mechanical fault in the vehicle;

(j) a disabled person who is wearing a disabled person’s belt; or

(k) a person riding in a vehicle while it is taking part in a procession organised by or on behalf of the Crown.

(2) Without prejudice to paragraph (1)(k), the requirements of regulation 5 do not apply to a person riding in a vehicle which is taking part in a procession held to mark or commemorate an event if either—

(a) the procession is one commonly or customarily held in the police area or areas in which it is being held, or

(b) notice in respect of the procession was given in accordance with section 11 of the Public Order Act 1986(1).

(3) The requirements of regulation 5 do not apply to—

(a) a person driving a vehicle if the driver’s seat is not provided with an adult belt;

(b) a person riding in the front of a vehicle if no adult belt is available for him in the front of the vehicle;

(c) a person riding in the rear of a vehicle if no adult belt is available for him in the rear of the vehicle.

Textual Amendments

F1 Reg. 6(1)(b) substituted (1.3.2005) by The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/27), regs. 1, 2(2)

F2 Words in reg. 6(1)(d) substituted (1.3.2005) by The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/27), regs. 1, 2(3)

F3 Words in reg. 6(1)(e) substituted (1.3.2005) by The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/27), regs. 1, 2(4)

F4 Words in reg. 6(1)(f) substituted (S.) (2.8.2005) by The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Modifications and Amendments) (No. 2) Order 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/344), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 13; S.S.I. 2005/392, art. 2

F5 Words in reg. 6(1)(f) inserted (E.) 30.12.2004) by The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (Consequential Amendments) (England) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3168), arts. 1(1), 29

F6 Words in reg. 6(1)(f) inserted (W.) (25.10.2005) by The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (Consequential Amendments) (Wales) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/2929), arts. 1(1), 30,

Commencement Information

I3 Reg. 6 in force at 2.2.1993, see reg. 1(1)

(1)

1986 c. 64.