Share The shake-up is expected to be in a Department for Transport strategy out on Friday. It will also contain measures on encouraging more walking and cycling. The mandate to wear a seatbelt in the front came into force in 1983 and in the back in 1991. However, it is feared the rise of large urban 4x4s giving people a false sense of security may in part be driving a reduced compliance with the law. Currently a licence-holder can be given a £100 fine for the offence, with this increasing to £500 if taken to court (stock image) It is also thought that many passengers in the back of taxis refuse to belt up.