RV Seat Belt Laws in the UK – Your Quick Guide

If you’re planning a road trip in a motorhome, the first thing you need to sort out is the seat belt rule. It’s not just a suggestion – it’s the law, and breaking it can cost you money and points on your licence. In the UK, a motorhome counts as a vehicle, so the same seat belt regulations that apply to cars apply to your RV. Below we break down who has to buckle up, what the fines look like, and a few handy tips to keep your journey smooth and legal.

Who Needs to Wear a Seat Belt?

Every driver and passenger must wear an approved seat belt as soon as the vehicle moves. That means anyone sitting in a fitted seat with a belt – even if it’s the back of the motorhome – is covered. If you have a bench seat without individual belts, the rule still applies: you must use the nearest available belt, usually the one attached to the nearest seat. The law also covers people standing while the vehicle is moving; you’re not allowed to walk around or sit on the floor unless the motorhome is parked. So, before you pull out of the campsite, double‑check that everyone has a strap on.

Child‑Seat Rules

Kids under 12 or shorter than 135 cm must use an appropriate child restraint – a car seat, booster, or a seat belt that fits them correctly. The same rules that apply to a standard car apply to your motorhome: you can’t just sling a child across a lap or rely on a loose belt. If you’re travelling with infants, make sure the rear‑facing seat is fitted to a rear seat with a proper anchorage point. Many motorhomes have a dedicated ‘child seat’ anchor; if yours doesn’t, you may need a ISOFIX adapter or a suitable belt‑tightened solution. Ignoring this can lead to a £100 fine for each child and a possible prosecution if an accident occurs.

Fines and What Happens If You Break the Rules

Getting caught without a seat belt in a motorhome carries the same penalty as a car – typically a fixed penalty of £100 plus three penalty points on your licence. The police can stop you at any time and check compliance, especially at motorhome parks, service stations, or during random traffic checks. If you’re caught with a child not properly restrained, the fine can rise to £200 per child, and you could face a court summons. Points on your licence increase insurance premiums, so it’s worth treating the belt rule as seriously as any speed limit.

To avoid these hassles, make seat belt checks part of your pre‑departure routine. Pull the straps, hear the click, and ask each passenger to confirm they’re buckled. Keep a spare seat belt in your kit – they’re cheap and can replace a broken strap on the road. If you’re renting a motorhome, ask the hire company to show you how the belts work before you hit the highway. A quick demo can save you from fines, points, and a lot of stress later.

Bottom line: seat belts in an RV are non‑negotiable. They protect you, your family, and keep you on the right side of the law. Take a minute every time you start the engine, make sure everyone is strapped in, and you’ll enjoy the freedom of the open road without any unwanted detours to the police station.