Seat Belt Medical Exemption Requests

We receive only a small number of requests for seat belt exemption certificates each year.

Although some GP’s at other practices may issue these, our practice does not.

Our reasons for this are:

  • DVLA guidance highlights “overwhelming evidence that seat belts prevent death and serious injury in road traffic accidents.”
  • There are no medical conditions, including pregnancy, that justify automatic exemption.
  • Adapted seat belt devices are now widely available for people with disabilities, stoma sites, or chest problems.
  • These allow safe use of seat belts without the need for exemption.

Further information can be found by clicking the link below:

Medical exemption from compulsory seat belt wearing: guidance for medical practitioners – GOV.UK

Date published: 18th September, 2025
Date last updated: 3rd July, 2026