Drivers with children warned they could face £1,000 fine over naughty behaviour

Drivers of vehicles where children unbuckle their seatbelts are being warned they face a £1,000 fine (Image: Getty)

Drivers whose children unbuckle their seatbelts are being warned they face a fine of £1,000 if caught in motion.

By law, drivers are responsible for making sure any passengers, and especially children, remain securely buckled up throughout journeys.

Failure to enforce the rule not only puts young passengers at serious risk, but could also lead to severe financial penalties and even points on their licence, according to car travel and compliance experts at Tollwayr.

Road safety experts warn that unrestrained children in vehicles are at a significantly higher risk of injury or even death in the event of an accident.

One in four child car passengers involved in crashes were not properly restrained, suffering preventable injuries, according to data from the Department for Transport (DfT).

Drivers are legally responsible for making sure their passengers wear seatbelts (Image: Getty)

Seatbelts reduce the risk of serious injury by up to 60%, making it a non-negotiable safety measure.

Experts warn that even a momentary lapse, such as a child undoing their belt, can lead to catastrophic consequences and advise drivers to remain vigilant.

They also urge parents to educate their children on the importance of staying buckled up during the whole journey.

Under the law, children under 12 or less than 135cm tall must use an appropriate child car seat.

Children aged 12 or over, or who are taller than 135cm, must wear a seatbelt in front and back seats.

If a child is found unrestrained while a car is moving, the driver is held accountable and could face a fine of up to £1,000, with three penalty points added to their driving record.

Failing to comply with seatbelt regulations not only leads to financial penalties but could also affect insurance claims in the event of an accident, potentially invalidating coverage, according to Tollwayr's experts.

They say parents are not alone in struggling to keep their little ones securely fastened during car journeys.

Children aged 12 or over and more than 135cm tall have to wear a seatbelt (Image: Getty)

Common reasons children undo their belts include discomfort, curiosity or simply boredom. A practical tip to prevent this risky behaviour includes using childproof seatbelt buckles. These are special child-lock mechanisms which can prevent younger children from accidentally undoing their belts.

Another tip is to teach children the importance of staying buckled up and offer rewards for good behaviour and to ensure seatbelts are properly fastened before and during a journey.

Keeping children engaged with games, music or videos can help to minimise fidgeting while adults consistently wearing seatbelts should mean children are more likely to follow suit.

If you notice a child has undone their seatbelt mid-journey, it's crucial to take immediate action: Pull over safely as soon as possible to re-buckle the seatbelt and calmly explain to the child the dangers of riding unrestrained. Also, ensure the belt isn’t too tight or causing discomfort, which could prompt them to undo it.

With tougher enforcement and increasing awareness of road safety laws, it is essential for drivers to stay informed and proactive in ensuring compliance. Experts recommend regular checks and discussions with young passengers to instil the habit of staying buckled up at all times.

They conclude that by staying vigilant and making seatbelt safety a priority, drivers can avoid hefty fines and protect their precious cargo from harm.