Why taxi drivers are not required to wear seatbelts whilst working and is this law likely to change?
In the UK, taxi drivers are legally exempt from wearing seatbelts while carrying passengers or seeking fares. This exemption, set out in The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993, is designed to protect drivers and allow them to carry out their work more efficiently.
Unlike regular motorists, taxi drivers are permitted to drive without a seatbelt when operating for hire or reward. However, this only applies while they are working. If they are off duty, driving without passengers, or using their vehicle for personal travel, they must wear a seatbelt like any other driver.
Why Are Taxi Drivers Exempt?
The primary reason for this exemption is driver safety. Taxi drivers, particularly those operating in busy towns and cities, are at greater risk of assault or robbery. Allowing them to remain unrestrained means they can react quickly if a situation arises. A seatbelt could make it harder to escape from an aggressive passenger or prevent them from moving freely if attacked.
There is also a practical consideration. Taxis, especially those in urban areas, frequently stop and start to pick up and drop off passengers. Repeatedly fastening and unfastening a seatbelt would slow them down and make their work less efficient.
While taxi drivers are allowed to drive without a seatbelt, the same rule does not apply to their passengers. Seatbelts must be worn by adult passengers where fitted and the responsibility for doing so falls on the passenger. In taxis, the driver must remind passengers of their obligation to wear a seatbelt.
Does This Exemption Apply to Private Hire Drivers?
Yes, private hire drivers also benefit from the exemption when they are carrying passengers. The same principles apply—safety and practicality. However, when driving without passengers or for personal use, private hire drivers must wear a seatbelt as required by law.
Will the Law Change?
The seatbelt exemption for taxi drivers has been in place for decades, with little political or industry pressure for change. While some road safety campaigners argue that seatbelts should be mandatory for all drivers, the trade has long maintained that the exemption is necessary for driver protection.
For now, the law remains unchanged, ensuring that taxi drivers across the UK can continue to work with both efficiency and security.
