Drivers issued £500 warning for pressing red button in front of a police officer

Motorists have been issued a £500 warning over using a common safety feature built into cars. All new cars in the UK must be equipped with seat belts.

It was made legal for all front seat occupants, including the driver, to wear seat belts in 1983. While for rear seat passengers, the law came into effect in 1991.

Cars feature seat belts for each seat. The belts themselves are made from polyester, with the fabric being tightly woven, while ends feature a steel tongue that clips into a buckle.

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Occupants in cars can undo their seat belts by pressing the buckle release button, which is usually red. The buckles are located near the base of seats, with the seat belts stretching down across the torsos of occupants.

However, drivers can be fined £500 for not wearing a seat belt and issued three penalty points if caught by the police. Meanwhile passengers can be fined £500 and issued two penalty points.

Warnings have been made to drivers, particularly parents transporting children, about the importance of seatbelts. The advice was issued by experts at BigWantsYourCar.com.

A spokesperson said: "Parents are responsible for making sure all passengers, especially those under 14, are wearing seatbelts. Failing to do so could result in a £500 fine for every child without a seatbelt.

"Kids can sometimes unbuckle their seatbelts out of curiosity or restlessness, which can be extremely dangerous. That’s why drivers and adults need to stay alert and teach children about seatbelt safety. Before setting off, make sure everyone in the car – kids and adults – is securely fastened in their seats.

"Passengers aged 14 and over who aren’t wearing a seatbelt can face an immediate £100 fine. Drivers must also ensure that children use a proper car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first.

"If a child does manage to undo their seatbelt, the driver should pull over safely as soon as possible and fix the issue. Never continue a journey until everyone is properly secured. This isn’t just about avoiding fines – it’s about keeping everyone in the car safe.

"To prevent young passengers from tampering with their seatbelts, parents can offer distractions like books, toys, or electronic devices. If that doesn’t work, having an adult in the back seat to keep an eye on them can help. Taking these steps could make all the difference in protecting your passengers – because their safety is worth everything."