The reason behind these exemptions is two-fold. You're less likely to be assaulted. A passenger can't hold the belt and pin you to your seat while they assault or rob you. It's easier for the driver to move in and out of their vehicle to guide passengers and to help them with their luggage.

In 2026, many jurisdictions like the UK and the Netherlands still provide a legal exemption for taxi drivers regarding seat belt use, primarily for driver safety and security. The rationale is that a seat belt can be used by an aggressive passenger to restrain or "trap" a driver during an assault or robbery. Being unbelted allows the driver to make a swift exit from the vehicle if they feel threatened. Additionally, the exemption accounts for the practicality of their profession; drivers in dense urban areas frequently enter and exit the vehicle to assist with luggage, open doors, or process payments. While this "occupational safety" exemption exists, many modern taxi fleets still encourage belt use on high-speed motorways where the risk of a high-impact collision far outweighs the statistical risk of a passenger assault.