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If you are the proud owner of a classic car, then depending on which year it was made it may or may not be fitted with seat belts. But what are the laws relating to seat belts in classics? What are the insurance implications? And if you don’t need belts, are there any restrictions to be aware of?

This guide gives answers to all of these questions and more. But before we get started, have you insured your classic car?

Whether you have just purchased a new motor with or without seat belts, or your current policy is due for renewal, look no further than Lancaster Insurance for all of your insurance needs.

We are specialists in arranging classic car insurance, as well as cover for vintage and other classic vehicles. Combining our wealth of experience and industry knowledge, we are able to quote for virtually every classic car available.

Seat belt legislation in the UK

As you are probably aware, here in the UK passengers are required by law to wear seat belts at all times.

There are certain exceptions, though: for instance, a driver is able to remove their seat belt while reversing the car, and drivers who are supervising a learner driver who is reversing can do the same.

Someone in the car may also be exempt from wearing a seat belt for medical reasons. If this is the case, they will need to carry a ‘Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing’ at all times.

This will be signed by a medical practitioner and the police may ask to see it if they pull you over.

Back to the history: the requirement for anchorage points in vehicles was introduced in 1965 in the UK.

Three years later came the requirement to fit three-point belts to the front outboard positions on all new cars and existing cars dating back to 1965.

Governments tried but failed to introduce seat belt legislation throughout the 1970s. While front seat belts were a requirement for all newly registered cars in the UK from 1968, it wasn’t a legal requirement to wear them until 1983.

It was made compulsory to fit rear seat belts from 1986 but, again, it was only made compulsory to wear them years later in 1991.

What about cars registered before these dates?

It has never been a legal requirement for cars registered before the dates above to be fitted with seat belts.

Meaning, if your classic car was manufactured pre-1965 and seat belts were not fitted to the car at the time, you do not need to fit or use them.

My classic doesn't have seat belts – what does that mean for insurance?

Obviously, seat belts are designed to keep everyone inside of the car safe and prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident.

Due to this, if your car does not have seat belts because it was manufactured before 1965, then it can be more difficult to insure, and for a competitive price.

This makes it even more important to go through a specialist insurance provider such as Lancaster Insurance, which takes into account these niche requirements.

Can anyone travel in a classic car that does not have seat belts?

If you don’t have any seat belts in your classic car, then you need to be aware of restrictions when it comes to your passengers.

As the Gov.UK website explains, you are not allowed to carry any children under the age of three in your car if it doesn’t have seat belts. Plus, children over the age of three are only allowed to sit in the back seats.

These rules only apply if your car was originally manufactured without seat belts.

Do you have to wear seat belts in a classic?

If your classic was fitted with seat belts, then yes, you must wear them – and ensure that all other passengers are wearing them as well.

You can be fined up to £500 if you are caught not wearing a seat belt when you should be. If you have young children who ride in your classic car, then when you are driving you must make sure they are:

• In the right car seat for their height or weight until they reach their 12th birthday or are 135cm tall (whichever of the two comes first)
• Wearing a seat belt if they are 12 or 13 years old, or younger and over 135cm tall

Again, you could be fined up to £500 if a child under 14 isn’t in the right car seat or isn’t wearing a seat belt while you are driving (if you have them in your classic car).

You are responsible for all children in the vehicle – for instance, your son or daughter’s friend if they are travelling with you.

Classic car insurance from Lancaster Insurance

The Lancaster Insurance team has been proudly arranging classic car insurance for more than 35 years.

This means we have unparalleled experience in the sector, as well as access to classic car, vintage and classic vehicle insurance schemes.

We work with a panel of carefully selected insurers, which allows us to offer bespoke insurance solutions designed with our customers in mind.

Some of the reasons to choose Lancaster Insurance include:

• Hard-to-insure classics considered
• MOT-exempt vehicles considered
• Static show cover
• History rally cover
• Choice of repairer
• Limited mileage discounts
• Free EU cover up to 90 days
• Two year agreed valuation available for £18

All customers have access to a 24-hour claims helpline and support from our UK-based call centre.

Did you know that Lancaster Insurance also has links with many car clubs around the UK? If you’re a car club member, ask us about possible discounts on your classic car insurance.

So, if you’re interested in covering your classic, call our friendly team today on 01480 484826, or click here and we’ll call you back at a time that’s best for you.

Or, get a quote today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.