Driving is an act that, to a large extent, is conditioned by knowing the updates of the current regulations. In 2015, the law regarding seat belts was modified. Are you aware of the changes this entails in its use? Antonio Urtiaga, director of Autoescuela Malasaña, present in the Madrid neighborhoods of Malasaña and Chamberí, will clarify the novelties in its obligatory nature.
Seat belts: what the regulations say about their use
- What does the law say about mandatory seat belt use?
The driver and occupants of the vehicles shall be obliged to use, duly fastened, the approved safety belts, both in urban and interurban circulation. This obligation, as far as seat belts are concerned, shall not be enforceable in those vehicles that do not have them installed.
In any case, minors with a height of 135 centimeters or less must use child restraint systems. In this case, it is not
may ride in the front seats. If the child reaches 135cm, he/she may ride in the front seat using the seat belt.
Elderly people under 135cm must use an approved device according to size and weight in any of the seats where they are located.
- Are there any exemptions to the use of seat belts?
- The exemptions are both in and out of town:
If you have a medical certificate stating that its use is counterproductive for any injury, illness or treatment.
If we are reversing or parking the vehicle, since in these circumstances there is no risk of being thrown out of our seat, which is the function of the seat belt.
That an approved device is used to replace its function, for example, a child seat with Isofix or other modern fastening systems that do not require the use of a seat belt in their optimal operation. - Within populated areas:
Taxi drivers in service and their passengers in the rear seats if they do not reach 135cm.
Goods delivery drivers if they carry out loading and unloading operations in places located at a short distance from each other.
Drivers and passengers of vehicles in emergency service.
Those accompanying a student during his driving training or examination.
- What happens if passengers are not wearing their seat belts, whose fault is it and who gets the fine?
If the seat belt is not worn, the penalty is 200 euros and the loss of 3 license points for the occupant of the vehicle who is not wearing the seat belt.
- What restraint system should children use?
Minors of height equal to or less than 135 cm who travel in the vehicle, in addition to traveling with the child restraint system appropriate to their size and weight as required by law, must be seated in the rear seats of the vehicle, except:
1. When the vehicle does not have rear seats.
When all the rear seats are already occupied by other children of the same characteristics.
3. When it is not possible to install all the child restraint systems in these rear seats.
Only in these cases, minors may occupy the front seat of the vehicle, but always using the approved restraint system for their size and weight.
New seat belt regulations
- What is it based on?
Entered on October 1, 2015 the modification of the seat belt.
- What are the changes?
In the front seats, minors who do not exceed 135 cm may not travel except for the following exceptions:
1. When the vehicle has no rear seats.
When all rear seats are already occupied by other minors of the same characteristics.
3. When it is not possible to install all the child restraint systems in these rear seats.
-Who is most affected?
Minors under 135cm tall.
