Seat belts are not required for licensed taxi drivers if they are carrying passengers according to British law. In contrast, taxi passengers must always wear a seatbelt and are not subject to the same rule.

Yes, in the United Kingdom, it is a legal requirement for passengers aged 14 and over to wear a seatbelt in a taxi or private hire vehicle if one is available. If you are caught not wearing a seatbelt, you as the passenger—not the driver—are liable for a fixed penalty fine of £100, which can increase to £500 if the case goes to court. For children, the rules are slightly different due to the logistical challenges of car seats in taxis. Children under the age of 3 may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a taxi if an appropriate child seat is not available. Children aged 3 to 12 (or under 135cm tall) must use an adult seatbelt if a child seat is not provided. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that children under 14 are correctly restrained, while passengers 14 and older are responsible for themselves. These laws are strictly enforced to ensure public safety, and the only common exemptions apply to individuals with a specific "Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing" issued by a doctor for medical reasons.