Royal family members reportedly don’t have to adhere to laws requiring them to wear seatbelts. A security expert reveals why the clan does not have to follow this basic safety rule if they choose not to.
Why doesn’t the royal family wear seatbelts?
The royal family can choose whether or not they wish to adhere to a United Kingdom driving requirement, designed to keep its residents safe. All of the country’s residents must comply with wearing seatbelts, or face around a $650 fine per gov.uk.
However, security expert Michael Chandler told The Daily Mail that the king, queen, and other royal family members don’t have to comply with this mandate. And there is a very specific reason why.
“The main reason royals might not wear security belts is because of security considerations. As you might imagine, there are concerns about extracting a principal from a vehicle as quickly as possible,” Chandler explained.
Chandler revealed that, like every aspect of a royal outing, the decision on whether King Charles wears a seatbelt is likely planned. The security expert explained that multiple factors are carefully considered before the king even steps into a vehicle.
“It’s likely there’s a risk-based approach. There’ll be a risk assessment. The outcome of which will determine whether or not there needs to be extra precautions,” he explained.
Why else wouldn’t the royal family wear seatbelts?
Security expert Michael Chandler explains that the royal family is exempt from seatbelt laws for what is considered a practical reason. During official outings, it often comes down to accessibility.
“The other element that may be less obvious is the one around convenience,” the security expert said. “If they’re in and out of a vehicle, royals will be less inclined to fit their seatbelt every time they get out of the car.”
Additionally, when attending high-profile events, the royals are frequently photographed. Seatbelts can wrinkle their carefully tailored outfits.
Of course, this choice is controversial, especially given the risks. But for the royals, it seems that tradition, appearance, and security sometimes outweigh standard road safety rules.
Historically, royals are often passengers in chauffeur-driven cars. Although seatbelt use is a legal requirement for most people, the royals have a certain level of flexibility in following these rules, particularly when traveling in official vehicles.
However, there are times Chandler says when the royals do wear seatbelts. “On those occasions where they’re traveling relatively quickly through London or on motorways, they will certainly wear seatbelts,” he explained.
Is King Charles exempt from this rule?
King Charles doesn’t have to wear a seatbelt if he so chooses. As the reigning monarch, Charles is exempt from prosecution for not following this driving rule under sovereign immunity.
Per The Sun, Charles and other royal family members are also above the law in other ways. Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act, the king and other royal family members can drive as fast or as slow as they please when they are escorted by police officers on official royal business.
This practice has sparked debate, especially after the tragic 1997 car crash that took Princess Diana’s life. Reports suggest she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
Should royals should set an example by following road safety laws more strictly? Let us know your comments below.
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