Skip the Northern Ireland Government Bar|



Get Word Viewer - This link will open a new browser window.
Download Adobe Reader

In Car Safety


Seatbelts save lives!
No Seat Belt - No Excuse
Each year on Northern Ireland’s roads, many people are killed or seriously injured – some of which could have been prevented had the individuals been properly restrained. It is essential that everyone travelling in the car is properly restrained by an adult seatbelt, with children up to the age of 11 years required to be seated in an appropriate child restraint, if available.
If a child is taught early in life the importance of being properly restrained and staying in this position while the car is moving, it is likely that this will result in a positive habit being formed for life. Many adults do not wear seatbelts in cars, yet they somehow expect children to learn for themselves. Remember, children follow your example! Always wear a seatbelt and insist on everyone travelling in the car being properly restrained before moving off.

Important information that you may find useful:

The Law:

  • you MUST wear a seat belt if one is fitted. There are few exceptions to this and the driver is liable to prosecution if a child under 14 years does not wear a seat belt.
  • 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 belt may not be used.
  • if an appropriate child restraint or seat belt is available for use in the front, but not in the rear, children between 3 and 11 and under 1.5m in height must use the front seat restraint or seat belt.
  • Downloadable Seatbelts/Child Restraints leafletPDF DocumentOpens new Window(860kb)
  • More information on Seatbelts and Child Restraints
  • Information on the current seatbelt campaign