Passengers, loads and animals
Everything and everyone you carry changes how your car behaves, and in some cases you are legally responsible for them. A loose bag, a dog on the back seat or a child without the right seat can all turn a small bump into a serious injury.
Getting people, loads and animals settled safely is part of getting ready to drive.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can make sure every passenger is wearing a seat belt or the right child restraint.
- You can explain who is legally responsible for passengers of different ages.
- You can load the car so that nothing blocks your view or moves about.
- You can carry a pet so that it cannot distract you or be thrown forward.
What you need to know and understand
- You must wear a seat belt if one is fitted, and only one person may use each seat belt.
- The driver must make sure children under 14 use the correct child restraint or seat belt.
- Passengers aged 14 and over are responsible for wearing their own seat belt.
- Children must use the correct child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first.
- A rear-facing baby seat must not be fitted in a seat with an active frontal airbag.
- You must not overload your vehicle, and any load must be secure and must not stick out dangerously.
- Seat belt offences can lead to a fine of up to 500 pounds.
Who is responsible for which seat belt
As the driver, you are responsible for your own belt and for every child under 14. Adults and young people aged 14 and over who do not belt up can be fined themselves. Even so, a good driver asks everyone to belt up before moving off, because an unbelted rear passenger can be thrown forward into the people in front.
Children under 135cm, about 4 feet 5 inches, need a baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion that suits their height or weight, fitted as the maker says. Let children get in and out on the pavement side.
Loading the car
- Put heavy items low down and as far forward in the boot as you can.
- Do not pile things on the parcel shelf or so high that you cannot see out of the back window.
- Use a roof box, roof bars or straps for anything on the roof, and check it is tight before and during the journey.
- Extra weight means longer braking distances and slower acceleration. Your handbook may tell you to raise tyre pressures and adjust the headlights for a heavy load.
- If you tow a trailer, your licence must cover the combined weight, and the load must be spread properly.
Travelling with animals
Pets must be restrained so they cannot distract you or be hurt, or hurt you, if you have to stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are all suitable. A dog loose on someone's lap or with its head out of the window is a distraction and a risk.
On warm days never leave an animal in a parked car, as the inside can heat up very quickly.
Passengers who distract
Friends in the car can make you show off, rush or lose focus. As a learner, keep extra passengers to a minimum. Once you pass, it is fine to ask passengers to keep the noise down when the driving gets busy.
Common mistakes
- Moving off before checking that rear passengers have belted up. Ask before you start.
- Putting a rear-facing baby seat in the front with the airbag active. Check the airbag is switched off, or use the back seat.
- Leaving shopping or bags loose on the back seat. Put them in the boot or footwell.
- Letting a dog roam free in the car. Use a harness, crate or dog guard every time.
Test yourself: Passengers, loads and animals
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Highway Code rules 98 to 102 (gov.uk); Highway Code rule 57 (gov.uk); Highway Code Annex 5 penalties (gov.uk); Seat belts: the law (gov.uk). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the DVSA.