Motorhome Seat Belt Laws – How to Stay Safe on the Road

Motorhomes are a brilliant and diverse way to travel around the UK and whilst they are a safe method of travel for the most part, it’s important to understand the relevant motorhome seat belt rules. These laws are in place to protect you and your passengers, and in this blog, we’ll explore the seat belt rules and answer questions like “Can you travel in the back of a motorhome without seatbelts in the UK?”.

If you want to get on the road in your own motorhome, discover motorhome finance available at Auto Finance Online.

Do motorhomes have seatbelt rules?

Just like any other vehicle, motorhomes have seatbelt laws that must be followed in the same way as cars and any other motor vehicle. Seat belts are used primarily for the safety of passengers in a vehicle should there be an accident or collision. Modern seat belts are designed to reduce the risk of injury in accidents and fatalities in more serious crashes.

Because a motorhome has a layout that differs greatly from that of a standard vehicle, seatbelt laws can differ and many motorists are unaware of the rules and regulations surrounding the use of seat belts in motorhomes. To keep yourself safe and avoid fines or legal troubles, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these laws before getting on the road. 

UK motorhome seatbelt laws 

When it comes to seat belts, motorhome rules for passengers can vary greatly depending on when your motorhome was made.

Made after 2006

If your motorhome was built after 2006 you must follow the standard seatbelt laws implemented across the UK. Any seats that have been designated for driver and passenger travel must have seatbelts and these must be worn at all times when the vehicle is moving. 

Specified passenger seats and the driver’s seat must have 3-point seatbelts but any other travel seats can have 2-point belts. 

Made after 1st of October 1988 

The seat belt rules are similar to those of a motorhome manufactured after 2006, the main difference is that these rules only apply to forward-facing passengers. Again, these belts must have three points but the rest of the belts in the vehicle can be two-point belts. Seat belts must be worn by drivers and designated passengers whilst the vehicle is in transit.

Can you travel in the back of a motorhome without seatbelts in the UK? 

The answer to this question is again dependent on when your vehicle was made. If your motorhome was built before 1st October 1988 the driver and designated front passenger must wear a seatbelt, but any passengers in the back seats do not have to wear a seatbelt by law.

Whilst it isn’t required to wear a seat belt in these older motorhomes, we’d always recommend wearing one to ensure the safety of everyone on board your vehicle. 

Any vehicles built after 1988 must follow the above laws and cannot legally have passengers in the back or other designated passenger seats without a seat belt when in motion. 

Other important motorhome seatbelt rules 

There are some more general motorhome rules for passengers and seatbelt laws in the UK that are important to address. 

Side facing seats 

These types of seats are not recommended for use in motorhomes anymore and are usually only present in older models. With these seats, you don’t need to wear a belt but using them when travelling is not recommended as they have been found to increase the risk of injury should a crash occur. Whilst these seats cannot be used as designated travel seats, they are still a suitable place for passengers to relax when the vehicle is stationed. 

Children travelling in a motorhome 

Following the same rule as cars and other vehicles, all children under the age of 12 or the height of 4 ft 4 must use a child booster seat in a passenger seat and a three-point belt. 

Regardless of the laws on forward, side, or backwards seats, whichever seat a child sits in must have a three-point seatbelt fitted. 

Pets

Travelling with your dog can be a fun experience for all parties but they need to be safely secured when driving. All pets must be suitably restrained using a seat belt harness, pet carrier or dog cage that is secure when a motorhome is in transit. This is to prevent distractions and ensure the safety of all passengers and your furry friends. 

For more tips and safety information on travelling with pets, check out our blog on the best motorhome dog accessories so you can be road-ready with your pets.  

Are the any seatbelt law UK exemptions? 

There are a few ways in which you can be exempt from using motorhome seat belts. Seat belt exemptions can include:  

Medical exemptions 

In some circumstances, wearing a seat belt may not be possible or can cause you more harm if you have a specific disability. If you are in this situation your doctor will issue you a medical exemption certificate. This certificate must be with you at all times to prove to legal parties like the police that you are legally permitted to be without a seat belt. 

Historic vehicles 

Vehicles that were built before 1965 are not required by law to have seatbelts, however, if seatbelts get fitted in the vehicle you are expected to wear them. 

Keep your finances secure with an Auto Finance motorhome loan

By now you should be familiar with the laws surrounding motorhome seat belts, and if that’s the case then you’re ready to get started with a motorhome loan from Auto Finance!

With our vehicle loan calculator, you’ll be able to see how much you’d be expected to repay monthly, helping to keep your finances safe and prevent overspending on your motorhome. 

Once you’re ready to pick your perfect vehicle, get in touch with our finance experts and we’ll get your loan process started. 

Or look at campervan finance options if you’d prefer a smaller mobile home.