Seatbelts again, but not the usual...

[the_lone_wolf]

Hi all

Quick question for knowledgable people, was just watching "Emergency Bikers" and they were doing a blitz on seatbelts, and during the section they gave some valid reasons for not wearing one, such as...

• "If you have a valid medical exemption"
• "If you're only driving less than 50m"
• "If you're reversing"
• "If you're part of a procession for the Queen"

Now, I knew about medical reasons and the Queen one is interesting, but I wasn't aware that you were exempt for reversing or only driving a very short distance

Anybody care to comment? Anybody used one of these exemptions? I suppose the programme makers have done the research...

[john2443]

I knew about reversing, but not about the 50m or the queen, not that I'm very likely to use the queen exemption!

[Dr Interceptor]

There are exemptions for people like delivery drivers (posties, milkmen etc) who might drive a vehicle say 20 yards, then stop again.

Here's the complete list:

You don’t need to wear a seat belt if you’re:

1. a driver who is reversing, or supervising a learner driver who is reversing
2. in a vehicle being used for police, fire and rescue services
3. a passenger in a trade vehicle and you’re investigating a fault
4. driving a goods vehicle on deliveries that is travelling no more than 50 metres between stops
5. a licensed taxi driver who is ‘plying for hire’ or carrying passengers

[ohtari]

AFAIK, going "a short distance" is not definable by law, and as such it's still an offense to drive forwards without one.

[TheTurbonator]

Bus drivers are exempt too.

[Six Fiend]

Knew all except the Queen and have used 50m / short distance when doing drops as a courier, reversing in vehicles which were a pain to see out of.

Qualify for the medical exemption but willing to take the discomfort instead

Edited by Six Fiend on Thursday 20th December 11:46

[pattieG]

Why the queen one?

[the_lone_wolf]

Interesting thread people, thanks for the knowledge...

[rigga]

pattieG said:

Why the queen one?

In case you need to get out of your car sharpish if an incident should occur. ?

[kambites]

rigga said:

pattieG said:

Why the queen one?

In case you need to get out of your car sharpish if an incident should occur. ?

What, like a corgi attack?

[ofcorsa]

If she tries to do a runner without paying.

[SMGB]

I was told that "while completing a manouver" was a reason. I suppose doing a 12 point turn with a big car in small space could be bit difficult otherwise.

[anonymous-user]

What if part of a procession for the Queen wants to reverse 50m?

[rigga]

kambites said:

rigga said:

pattieG said:

Why the queen one?

In case you need to get out of your car sharpish if an incident should occur. ?

What, like a corgi attack?

Was thinking more like terrorist but ill goes with yours ....

[Ozzie Osmond]

pattieG said:

Why the queen one?

So that you can stand on the back seat with your head out of the sunroof.....

[Loplop]

I remember when I was doing my lessons last year, my driving instructor asked me "What is the one time you can take your seatbelt off while driving?" Being the smart arse that I am I replied 'Never'. Much to my surprise I was then doing reversing maneuvers without a seatbelt on...

[anonymous-user]

Ozzie Osmond said:

pattieG said:

Why the queen one?

So that you can stand on the back seat with your head out of the sunroof.....

Not sure it includes Prince Harry.