<P> In the UK , a requirement for anchorage points was introduced in 1965 , followed by the requirement in 1968 to fit three - point belts in the front outboard positions on all new cars and all existing cars back to 1965 . Successive UK Governments proposed , but failed to deliver , seat belt legislation throughout the 1970s . Front seat belts were compulsory equipment on all new cars registered in the UK from 1972 , although it did not become compulsory for them to be worn until 1983 . Rear seat belts were compulsory equipment from 1986 and became compulsory for them to be worn in 1991 . However , it has never been a legal requirement for cars registered before those dates to be fitted with seat belts . In one such attempt in 1979 similar claims for potential lives and injuries saved were advanced . William Rodgers , then Secretary of State for Transport in the Callaghan Labour Government ( 1976 -- 1979 ) , stated : `` On the best available evidence of accidents in this country - evidence which has not been seriously contested - compulsion could save up to 1000 lives and 10,000 injuries a year . '' </P>
<P> In the UK , a requirement for anchorage points was introduced in 1965 , followed by the requirement in 1968 to fit three - point belts in the front outboard positions on all new cars and all existing cars back to 1965 . Successive UK Governments proposed , but failed to deliver , seat belt legislation throughout the 1970s . Front seat belts were compulsory equipment on all new cars registered in the UK from 1972 , although it did not become compulsory for them to be worn until 1983 . Rear seat belts were compulsory equipment from 1986 and became compulsory for them to be worn in 1991 . However , it has never been a legal requirement for cars registered before those dates to be fitted with seat belts . In one such attempt in 1979 similar claims for potential lives and injuries saved were advanced . William Rodgers , then Secretary of State for Transport in the Callaghan Labour Government ( 1976 -- 1979 ) , stated : `` On the best available evidence of accidents in this country - evidence which has not been seriously contested - compulsion could save up to 1000 lives and 10,000 injuries a year . '' </P>
when did it become law to wear seat belts in the uk
when did it become law to wear seat belts in the uk
1983
1983