Safe Speed Forums

I have never been pregnant, but don't seat belts go under the baby bump?

They get a bit unhappy about kids without seatbelts don't they?

Women who are heavily pregnant are exempt from wearing seat belts.

Think you've hit the nail on the head Adam.
Not only was the youngest not belted in, but the OP also admits there was no booster seat either (that is 2 seperate offences).

2. Are there any exemptions?

There are a few specific exceptions:

A. in a licensed taxi/private hire vehicle, if the right child restraint is not available
It is impracticable to expect the right child seat or booster to be available in a taxi unless a parent or carer has brought it with them. There is therefore a qualified exception which says that, if child restraints are not available in a licensed taxi or licensed private hire vehicle:

a child under 3 years old may travel unrestrained but in the rear only - this is the only exemption for a child under 3 years old;
a child aged 3 years and above must use an adult belt in the rear seat only.
Remember that any child up to 135 cms in a front seat of any vehicle must use the correct child seat or booster.

The driver of the vehicle is responsible for ensuring that children under 14 years use the seat belts or child restraints available (except in a taxi with a fixed partition).

B. unexpected necessity over a short distance
If there is an 'unexpected necessity', a child of 3 years or more may use an adult belt on a short journey when no appropriate child seat is available. This is not intended to cover regular school runs or other journeys that are planned in advance. This exemption is not available for children under 3 years old.

C. where two occupied child seats in the rear prevent the fitment of a third child seat
In many cars, there is not room for three child seats across the rear seat. If two occupied child seats or boosters prevent the fitting of a third, and the front seat is not available, a third child aged 3 years and over may then use just an adult belt in the rear. This may be a lap belt [see Q. 8B]. It would be safer for the third child to travel in the front seat and use the correct child seat or booster but see below about air-bags [see Q. 15] in front seats.

D. vehicles being used by the emergency services
There is an exemption for children of all ages being carried in a vehicle being used by the emergency services, such as police, ambulance and fire services. These services will of course do everything practicable to carry children safely and use appropriate restraints wherever possible.