Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is being investigated for failing to wear a seatbelt while in the back of a moving car.
The prime minister shared a video to social media to mark the launch of the Levelling Up fund, which saw him without a seatbelt.
A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We are aware of the matter and we will be looking into it.”
A Downing Street spokesperson told reporters that Mr Sunak “fully accepts this was a mistake and apologises” and said “it was an error of judgement, he removed it for a short period of time to film a clip.”
The spokesperson added: "The Prime Minister believes everyone should wear a seatbelt.”
Is wearing a seatbelt a legal requirement?
It is the law to wear a seatbelt, with only a few exceptions. Additionally, only one person can sit in a seat fitted with a seatbelt at one time.
Not wearing a seatbelt carries a fine of up to £500.
If someone is caught not wearing a seatbelt, they can be fined £100 on the spot. But this fine can increase to £500 if the case goes to court.
Exceptions:
- a driver who is reversing, or supervising a learner driver who is reversing
- in a vehicle being used for police, fire and rescue services
- a passenger in a trade vehicle and you’re investigating a fault
- driving a goods vehicle on deliveries that’s travelling no more than 50 metres between stops
- a licensed taxi driver who is ‘plying for hire’ or carrying passengers
There are also medical reasons why someone may not be able to wear a seatbelt, but they must get a certificate of exemption from the doctor.
If your car was originally made without seatbelts, (if it’s a classic car, for example), you can’t carry children under three years old, and children over three have to sit in the back.
