The seven cases in which you are not obliged to wear a seatbelt

The seatbelt is one of the main elements that protect us from injury in the event of an accident. That is why it is compulsory to use it both on urban journeys and on interurban routes. But although it must always be worn, there are some circumstances in which you are not obliged to wear it, and it is perfectly legal not to do so. That said, although these exceptions mean you do not have to face penalties, the DGT recommends that it be worn at all times.

These exceptions to the rule requiring the seatbelt to be worn at all times are regulated by law, and don’t think they are very common. They relate to specific jobs, extraordinary situations and special vehicles. By the way, that old rule under which pregnant women are exempt from wearing a seatbelt no longer applies, and they must now wear one.

These are the seven exceptions provided for by law to not wearing a seatbelt:

• Drivers performing a parking manoeuvre or reversing are exempt from wearing a seatbelt, on all roads.
• People with a physical disability or a serious illness, duly certified, may also travel without using a seatbelt.
• Taxi drivers on duty travelling on urban roads are likewise not obliged to use a seatbelt, although if they are providing an interurban service they must wear it in their seat.
• Hauliers carrying out successive loading and unloading operations at nearby points.
• Drivers and passengers of emergency vehicles are also not obliged to use a seatbelt.
• Driving school instructors and traffic examiners do not need to wear a seatbelt while on duty, that is, during practical driving lessons or official examinations.
• The last case covered by these exceptions to the seatbelt requirement concerns users of urban buses, provided they hold authorisation for this type of transport.

All other users of vehicles travelling on any road are obliged to wear a seatbelt at all times. It should be remembered that it is a fundamental safety element and that using it can save your life in the event of an accident, as well as preventing serious injury in any chance collision.