Not wearing a seatbelt

[Meg888]

Hi. My partner has received a letter from the police asking to identify himself as the driver of his vehicle not wearing a seatbelt. Of course it was him, and he has admitted as such. He was driving a transit van which he uses for work (it also belongs to him). Can anyone tell me whether this offence comes with points or is it just a fine? Also, I was sure that certain people were exempt; ie van drivers/taxi drivers/ bus drivers etc? I'm obviously wrong, but was this not the case a few years ago maybe? Thanks in advance

[New Judge]

Just a fine - no points.

Among those exempt are taxi drivers and delivery drivers making fequent stops.

[Ethel]

The law for van drivers changed in 2005.

Currently they are exempt from wearing a seat belt only if they are driving 50 metres or less between deliveries and/or collections.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

3 pts and a �60 fine, another new judge load of crap.

[kempie]

Seatbelt offences became endorsable in Northern Ireland on 27th June 2007 but for England, Wales and Scotland they remain non-endorsable (no points), with a fine of �30 by FPN in lieu of prosecution, or a maximum �500 fine upon conviction if contested in court.

[Shadow Man]

Meg, was there a photograph taken of the offence?

Or did an eagle eyed copper see it?

I am a little out of date with police practices but surely they have better things to do then send out forms requesting the ID of non seat belt wearers?

Is there a national crack down or something?

[TEAK36]

I see you are being your normal abusive self Norman, although a little harsh on New Judge.

It looks as though you are the one talking crap this time and New Judge and Kempie are correct.

The standard fixed penaltly for not wearing a seatbelt is �30 (max �500 for adult not wearing seatbelt) and is non endorsable.

[TEAK36]

Attached is the list of Endorsement offences. Driving without a seatbelt is not one of them.

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/media/pdf/leaflets/ins5 7p.pdf

[bob57]

the wearing of seatbelts is exempt if you are driving no further than the size of a football pitch only in the lineof your work :ie a postman or courier on door to door deliveries
if you drive further than the size of a football pitch then you need the seatbelt on
taxi drivers and bus drivers are also exempt from these rules
but coach drivers and hgv drivers are not exempt

[Kleiber]

My son got a �50 fine & no points for not wearing his seatbelt. It was in a car, though, not a van. I don't think you can get points for this, as passengers can also be done for it & some of them won't even have a driving licence!