Seatbelt Legislation
Seatbelts and Child Car Seats
Here you will find the details of the legal position regarding the requirements for the wearing of seatbelts and child restraints in Public Passenger Vehicles (PPV’s) following the introduction of new legislation on 1st July 2007.
The Department of Infrastructure has issued a guide for the wearing of seatbelts and the use of child restraints in ordinary vehicles and PPV's.
Seatbelt Requirements for Taxis & Private Hire Cars
| Front Seat | Rear Seat | Responsibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child under the age of 3 years in a taxi or Private Hire car | Correct child restraint must be worn (a rear facing child restraint must not be used in a seat protected by a frontal airbag unless the airbag has been deactivated) | No seatbelt or child restraint need be worn (it is generally the responsibility of the parent or passenger with the child to ensure the child's safety) | Driver |
| Child of 3 years or more in a taxi or Private Hire car | Correct child restraint must be worn | Either a correct child restraint or an adult belt must be worn | Driver |
| Adult passengers in a taxi or Private Hire car | Seatbelt must be worn | Seatbelt must be worn | Passenger |
For further clarification please contact the RTLC Office, or the Department of Infrastructure, Highways Division.
Seatbelt Requirements for Buses, Coaches and Minibuses
| Front Seat | Rear Seat | Responsibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | Seatbelt must be worn if fitted | Driver | |
| Adult passenger, i.e. 14 years or over | Seatbelt must be worn if an available seat in the front or rear is fitted with a seatbelt | Seatbelt must be worn if an available seat in the front or rear is fitted with a seatbelt | Passenger |
| Child under 4 years | Correct child restraint must be worn in coaches, goods vehicles and minibuses (a rear facing child restraint must not be used in a seat protected by a frontal airbag unless the airbag has been deactivated) | Correct child restraint must be worn in minibuses (a rear facing child restraint must not be used in a seat protected by a frontal airbag unless the airbag has been deactivated) | Driver |
| Child from 4th birthday who is under the age of 12 years and under a height of 1.35 meters (4 ft 5 ins) | Correct child restraint must be worn in coaches and minibuses | Correct child restraint or adult belt must be worn in minibuses | Driver |
| Child at or over 1.35 meters (4 ft 5 ins) or 12 or 13 years | Correct child restraint or adult belt must be worn in coaches and minibuses | Correct child restrain or adult belt | Driver |
For further clarification please contact the RTLC Office, or the Department of Infrastructure, Highways Division.
Road Transport Licensing Committee
Telephone:+44 1624 651564
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