New Seat Belt Regulations
This change to the wearing of seat belt legislation has been brought about by EU Directive 2003/20/EC which requires member states to introduce legislative arrangements for seat belts to be worn, where fitted, in buses and coaches by passengers aged 3 years and above. The Directive also requires child restraints rather then adult seat belts to be worn in cars and goods vehicles by children up to age 12 or 135 cms in height.
In order to implement this Directive the new regulations will take effect in Northern Ireland from 27th February 2007 and they will mirror those introduced in GB on 18th September 2006.
The law in Northern Ireland from 27th February 2007 is as follows;
- You must wear a seat belt in cars and goods vehicles where one is fitted. There are very few exceptions to this. The driver of the car is liable to prosecution if a child under 14 years does not wear a seat belt or child restraint.
- You must not carry an unrestrained child in the front seat of any vehicle.
- ·Children up to 135cms in height must use the appropriate child restraint when travelling in any car, van or goods vehicle - there are very few exceptions.
- A child may use an adult belt when they reach 135cm or the age of 12.
- In buses and coaches with seat belts fitted, passengers aged 14 years and above must use them. Passengers on vehicles used as a local service on routes consisting of restricted roads or where provision has been made for standing passengers and the operator permits standing. are exempt. (The subject of who is responsible for passengers aged 3 to 13 on large buses will require further consultation which will take place UK wide and will include N.I. A decision will be announced later on this aspect only)
The law is summarised in the table below.
|
Front seat |
Rear seat |
Who is responsible |
| Driver |
Seat belt must be worn if fitted |
|
Driver |
| Child under 3 years of age |
Correct child restraint must be used |
Correct child restraint must be used. If one is not available in a taxi, may travel unrestrained |
Driver |
| Child from 3rd birthday up to 135cms in height (approx 4'5") (or 12th birthday, whichever they reach first) |
Correct child restraint must be used |
Correct child restraint must be used where seat belts fitted. Must use adult belt in rear seat if correct child restraint not available:
- in a taxi; or
- for a short distance in an unexpected necessity; or
- if two occupied child restraints prevent fitting of a third |
Driver |
| Child 12 or 13, or over 135cms (approx 4ft 5ins) in height |
Adult seat belt (or child restraint) must be worn if fitted |
Adult seat belt (or child restraint) f must be worn if fitted |
Driver |
| Adult passengers |
Seat belt must be worn if fitted |
Seat belt must be worn if fitted |
Passenger |
With effect from May 2008
- the use of older design child restraints will be prohibited.
Additional information is also available on;
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