UK PM Rishi Sunak fined for failing to wear seatbelt

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been fined 100 pounds for not wearing seatbelt in his government car.

The incident took place while he was filming a video, to promote the government campaign. The video was posted on Sunak’s Instagram account on Thursday. It went viral when netizens spotted the UK prime minister without seatbelt.

Rishi Sunak said it was an “error of judgement”, apologized for the incident. The PM removed his seatbelt to film a small clip. He fully accepts this was a mistake and apologizes about it,” Sunak’s spokesperson said. “The Prime Minister believes everyone should wear a seatbelt,” the spokesperson added.

UK Road Traffic Act 1988

According to UK Road Traffic Act 1988, passengers aged 14 and over are responsible for ensuring they wear seat belt in cars, vans and other vehicles if one is fitted and drivers are responsible for passengers under 14. Exemptions include having a doctor’s certificate for a medical reason or being in a vehicle used for police, fire or other rescue services.

Under British law, if a passenger in UK is caught failing to wear a seatbelt while in a car can be imposed on-the-spot fine of 100 pounds, increasing to 500 pounds if the case goes to court.

A fixed penalty notice is sanctioned in the UK for breaking the law and the fine needs to be paid within 28 days or contested for review. The police would review the case and decide whether to withdraw the fine if someone chooses to contest the penalty.

Lancashire Police said it had issued the 42-year-old man in London with a conditional offer of a fixed penalty.

This was the second fine for Rishi Sunak while being in the government. Earlier, Mr. Sunak was fined along with then Prime Minister Boris Johnson and wife Carrie for breaking COVID lockdown rules in April 2022. He was then the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

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