English Seat Belt Law?

Question

My car has four seats, but three may fit in the back, although there is no middle seat belt.

Would it be illegal if I gave someone a lift and they had no seatbelt if they are over 14?

Please don't lecture me about this being dangerous. I'm just curious.

Answer 1

illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal illegal

Answer 2

What state are you driving in?  That could make a difference since some state laws are stricter than others.  I THINK that as long as the person in the back seat is over 18 it would not be illegal, just unwise.  I don't know about age 14, or why you chose that age.  No one under 12 can be in the front seat of a car, particularly those equipped with airbags.  As far as I knew, seat belts were not required for back seat passengers, but highly recommended.  Those laws, however, may have changed over the years and can vary by state.

There should be a AAA site or Dept of Transportation site for the state you are living/traveling in that would have more correct information.

As long as you are never in an accident, your question is moot.  It is the off chance of an accident, or being pulled over for suspicious activity, that raises this issue.  The likelihood of a police officer pulling you over for having 3 well-behaved teens in the back seat of your car just to inspect for seat belts is next to none.  However, if in your state there is a law on the books and you were in an accident, no matter how minor, you could very well be cited, if the attending officer noticed that your model car was not equipped with an extra passenger belt.

Answer 3

yes its legal, but dispite the fact that the person is over 14....the passengers in the car are the responsibillity of the driver alone, except the passenger in the front seat.

Answer 4

It is illegal for all ages not to wear a seat belt and that includes under 14's and the middle passenger in the back seat.

Answer 5

It is illegal, but I think over the age of 14 they themselves are responsible and would have to pay the fine. (Or is it 16? Not too sure on the exact age).

Answer 6

if there over 14 they get the fine, if dere under you do.

Answer 7

First of all, this comes down to the "Construction and Use" regulations.  If the vehicle was specifically advertised as a five-seater and was not fitted with a middle seat belt, you are under no obligation to fit one, so you cannot be prosecuted for not having or using it.

However, I would suggest that you make certain that there is not a middle seat belt (possibly tucked under the seat squab), as it may be just a lap belt. If the car is only a four-seater then you are not allowed to carry a fifth person (other than an infant in an approved infant restraint seat) and you are likely to be prosecuted for overcrowding as well as the seat belt offence.

Answer 8

I'm Australian so I'm no expert on british law but here nobody is aloud to ride without a seat belt. you can always buy one at a wreckers for a few bucks/ pounds.

Answer 9

who cares is not like a police is gonna stop u