Can I get fined for adjusting my car seat while driving?

THERE is nothing worse on a long drive than feeling uncomfortable, so it can be tempting to give your seat a shuffle.

Driving with poor posture can put pressure on your knees, back and neck, but can you get fined if you adjust your seat while driving?

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Can I get fined for adjusting my car seat while driving?

There is no specific road law that means you will be fined for adjusting your seat while driving.

However, it does fall under the “careless and inconsiderate driving” offence so you could wind up with a fine of up to £5,000.

Motorists should avoid anything that could be considered as distracting while driving.

You can make small changes when behind the wheel but larger alterations should be done when the car is stopped.

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This is because changing your seat position can be fiddly and result in a lack of concentration, and if anything goes wrong, could result in not being able to reach the pedals or being too close to the steering wheel.

Anything that seriously distracts you from driving, if caught, could mean you end up with a fine and even points on your licence.

There are lots of things that fall into the category of distracted driving and could result in a fine.

Using a phone or other electronic device, eating and drinking or even arguing with a passenger can all land you in hot water.

What is the correct seat position for a driver?

The correct driving position is not one size fits all as your seat needs to be adjusted for your height.

Many modern cars also have an adjustable steering wheel too so this needs to be easily reachable and not obstructing your view of the dashboard or the road.

Make sure your seat is high enough that you can see the road clearly and also have clearance above your head – your hips should be at least level with your knees.

Sit far forward enough that you can push the pedals down fully but there is no pressure on your knees.

Angle the back of the seat so you can sit without craning your neck forward.

If there is any lumbar support, adjust it so it fits comfortably in the arch of your back.

The head restraint should be level with the top of your head and as close to the back of your head as possible for whiplash prevention.

Your seat belt should sit flush over your lap and the diagonal strap should be over your shoulder, not your neck.

What is the law on car seats in the UK?

Children must be in a car seat until the age of 12, or until they are 135cm (4 foot 4 inches) tall.

Car seats are legally required to be rear facing until your child is 15 months old, after this they can be forward facing.

Only EU approved height or weight based car seats can be used in the UK.

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You must deactivate any front airbags before fitting a rear facing car seat in.

Make sure your child is strapped into the seat and it is secure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.