Road traffic
Seat belt offences
Road Traffic Act 1988, s.14 / regulations
England & Wales. Elements, mode of trial, maximum and defences — not a charging or outcome predictor.
- Triable
- Summary only
- Maximum penalty
- Level 2 fine
Actus reus
- Contravention of regulations made under RTA 1988, s.14 requiring wearing of a seat belt. s.14 is the enabling power — the charged regulation is what must be proved.
Mens rea
- Driving or riding while not wearing the required belt, subject to the exceptions in the regulations (medical exemption, reversing, etc.).
Defences
Exception in the regulations · Belt was worn · Not a driver/rider to whom the requirement applied
Sentencing Council
Sentencing Council guideline effective 04 August 2008. Offence range: Discharge to Band A fine Starting point: Band A fine This offence is non-endorsable and does not attract penalty points.
At the police station
Ask for the exemption certificate if one is claimed. Child-restraint is s.15, not s.14.
When to involve a rep or solicitor
Police station advice is free under legal aid and is not means-tested.
Authoritative sources for this page
Statute plus Sentencing Council (and CPS where listed) are the two primary sources we used for mode of trial, maximum and elements. Case links are from our verified registry only.
- Statute:Road Traffic Act 1988, s.14 / regulations ↗
- Sentencing Council:Sentencing Council definitive guideline ↗
- CPS:CPS — Drink and drug driving ↗