Law in the UK Regarding Seat Belts! In the UK, taxi drivers who carry passengers or ‘ply for hire’ are not legally required to wear seatbelts. Sounds confusing, doesn’t it? British law prohibits taxi drivers from wearing seat belts for their safety. Most of the time, the goal is to prevent robberies. Also, drivers find it difficult to escape dangerous riders quickly when wearing a belt. There is a higher risk of assault among seatbelt-wearing drivers. Seat belts are not required for licensed taxi drivers if they are carrying passengers according to British law. In contrast, taxi passengers must always wear a seatbelt and are not subject to the same rule.
Under the following circumstances, seat belts are not required:
UK law states that a seatbelt is required by law for drivers and passengers aged 14 and older in cars, vans, and other commercial vehicles. Drivers are responsible for ensuring children under 14 wear seat belts or use the right child restraint.
Based on statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts effectively reduce serious crashes-related injuries and deaths by half. When a crash occurs, seat belts are the most practical way to reduce deaths. Whether you are a driver or traveling companion, you should always wear seatbelts since they reduce the risk of severe injuries by 45% to 50%. When a vehicle crashes, seatbelts protect the most vulnerable organs in the body from severe damage. A passenger’s seat belt keeps them in their seat and reduces the speed of their body if they are in an accident. This effectively protects vital organs.
Seatbelts and the use of mobile phones while driving are prohibited under several passenger safety laws in the UK. Passengers who do not wear seatbelts will be taken to court. A penalty of up to £500 can be imposed. Fines are also imposed on child passengers who don’t wear car seats for children.
Under British law, taxi drivers are not supposed to wear seat belts since there have been many cases of robberies and damages caused by wearing seat belts. A taxi driver who doesn’t wear a seat belt is less likely to be robbed since they can easily escape. Assaults against drivers who wear seatbelts are more likely to occur. This is why the British government restricts taxi drivers from wearing seat belts. In contrast, passengers are now required to wear seat belts for their safety—the fines for not wearing a seat belt for a passenger range from £100 to £500.
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