Do private hire taxi drivers need to wear seat belts?
Yes, private hire taxi drivers – like any other motorist on the road – are required to wear seat belts in the UK. However, this only applies in between pickups or when the vehicle does not contain paying customers.
Continue reading if you’re interested in exploring the ins and outs of UK seat belt regulations for private hire drivers and what penalties you could face when caught not wearing one.
What are the seat belt rules for UK private hire drivers?
UK law states that all drivers and passengers over 14 must wear an adult seat belt.
Seat belts reduce the risk of death by 50% when in a collision, even if the vehicle has modern airbag features.
However, a licensed taxi driver of a private hire vehicle – pre-booked taxis, minicabs, chauffeurs, limousines – is exempt from this rule in certain instances.
When wearing a seat belt is not required
- Carrying passengers for hire and reward purposes.
- Plying for hire (or seeking hire services) on the streets or waiting at a taxi rank – only applicable to public hire drivers.
The reason for this is two-fold:
- Taxi drivers must attend to passengers (and their luggage) quickly.
- Taxi drivers are at higher risk of being assaulted when on the job and a seat belt can be a potential hindering factor when a quick getaway is needed.
When wearing a seat belt is required
- When there are no paying passengers in the vehicle (i.e. travelling between pickups).
- Personal driving (i.e. when off duty).
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Get QuotesAre there penalties for not wearing seat belts in the UK?
Yes, anyone caught without wearing a seat belt when they’re supposed to be is liable to a £500 on-the-spot fine, including private hire drivers.
Insurance penalties
Licensed taxi drivers (operating public or private taxi services) are at higher risk of penalties as they are responsible for the safety and security of their passengers. They risk paying higher premiums or voiding their private hire taxi or telematics insurance policy if they do not adhere to road rules and safety regulations.
The law states all UK motorists must have at least third-party car insurance cover to protect third-party persons against injuries and damages.
Having the correct private hire taxi insurance ensures peace of mind, knowing you’re legally and financially covered should accidents or legal disputes arise.
Final thoughts
Private hire drivers don’t have to wear safety belts when carrying passengers from A to B but must wear one when the vehicle is free of customers. To avoid hefty fines, private hire drivers must ensure passengers’ safety at all times, ensuring they are wearing seat belts before the journey starts.
So, buckle up and drive safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Uber drivers don’t need to wear a seat belt in the UK while transporting passengers but are required to wear one when the vehicle does not contain customers.
Limousine drivers, a type of private hire taxi service, must wear safety belts when the vehicle doesn’t have passengers but are not permitted to wear them while carrying clients.