New rules could see people not wearing seat belt receive points

In the House of Commons, Barry Sheerman, Labour MP for Huddersfield, questioned whether there could be ‘merits’ to introducing penalty points for people who fail to wear a seat belt. Katherine Fletcher, who was parliamentary under-secretary for the Department for Transport until October 27, provided an answer.The Conservative MP for South Ribble highlighted that in 2021, seat belts were not worn in 30 percent of all car occupant fatalities recorded.She added: ‘This is unacceptably high, and we have been considering options to tackle this including the potential merits of introducing penalty points. ‘This might form part of the Department for Transport’s planned call for evidence on motoring offences.’According to Rule 99 of the Highway Code, seat belts must be worn in cars, vans and other goods vehicles if one is fitted.READ MORE: New E10 petrol changes to be introduced today New driving law changes could see people receive penalty points for not wearing seat belt. (Image: Getty) Currently, drivers can receive a £100 fine. (Image: Getty)Adults, and children aged 14 years and over, must use a seat belt or child restraint, where fitted, when seated in minibuses, buses and coaches. Exemptions are allowed for the holders of medical exemption certificates and those making deliveries or collections in goods vehicles when travelling less than 50 metres (approx 162 feet).If someone is caught travelling in a vehicle without wearing a seat belt – and none of the exemptions apply – they could be hit with an on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notice of £100.The driver is responsible for children aged up to 14 and they could be fined for each child passenger without a belt.DON’T MISSCar headlights are a ‘significant road safety risk’ [WARNING]Major E10 petrol changes to be introduced next week [INSIGHT]UK motorists warned of driving law changes in November [SHOCKING] Most dangerous UK cities to drive in. (Image: Express)In some extreme cases where the case goes to court, the fine could increase to £500.It’s been a legal requirement in the UK for seat belt anchorage points to be fitted in the front of all new cars since 1965, and for front seat belts to be fitted to all cars since 1967.By 1987, all new cars sold in the UK legally had to have rear seat belts fitted too – but most manufacturers were already fitting them as standard.Rule 100 also outlines that the driver must ensure that all children under 14 years of age in vehicles wear seat belts or sit in an approved child restraint where required.If a child is under 1.35 metres (approx four feet and five inches) tall, a baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion must be used suitable for the child’s weight and fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions.