ICYMI: Passengers have to 'buckle up'

Thursday 14 March 2019

Guernsey Police have issued a reminder to all motorists that seat belts have to be worn by all rear seat passengers from the end of this month.

As reported by Express in December, the law will come in as part of Guernsey's adoption of the Vienna Convention.

Guernsey Police issued this reminder regarding the wearing of rear seatbelts, as first reported by Express HERE in December. 

As agreed by the States at the end of last year, the Vienna Convention is being adopted as part of the island's preparations for the UK leaving the EU. Brexit means we will need a form of MOT style testing before our cars can be driven on the European mainland.

That law will see cars tested every three years once they reach five years old. Some public service vehicles will need testing more frequently.

Speaking to Express after the debate, Deputy Barry Brehaut, the President of Environment and Infrastructure, also confirmed that "rear seatbelts will become compulsory" under the new rules. 

Pictured: Some of the 'General Rules' for driving under the Vienna Convention. 

Currently, adult passengers only have to wear a seatbelt in the front seat of cars, while children and young adults have to wear one by law in the back too. 

It will become a legal requirement for all passengers to wear a seatbelt in the rear of the car by the end of this month, with the whole of the Vienna Convention being introduced in full in Guernsey by 2023.

Jersey had already agreed to adopt the Vienna Convention too, meaning the two largest Channel Islands will join the UK which is already under the Convention. The Isle of Man won't be joining the other Crown Dependencies though, with Deputy Barry Brehaut saying it doesn't need to. 

"The Isle Of Man sits between Ireland, which is a member of the EU and has existing higher standards and the U.K. who are ratifying Vienna. Jersey have ratified so it would make sense for the Channel Islands to be seen as one compliant area."

Deputy Brehaut also reiterated that Guernsey will not be introducing full MOT's as enforced in the UK. Rather, we will have MOT style tests.

He said they will be a 'periodic inspection', for cars from when they are five years old, every three years and that drivers should be able to add it on to their annual service when necessary.

'Pavement surfing' which is already illegal under Guernsey's 1929 motoring law, will continue to be an offence under the Convention. The Guernsey law states that drivers can mount the pavement to allow another vehicle to pass, but there are often concerns raised about drivers mounting and continuing to drive along the pavement, sometimes at speed. 

Pictured top: Rear seatbelts for adult passengers will be compulsory under new motoring laws being introduced in Guernsey.