Millions of British parents are facing fines of up to £500 unless they comply with new car seat laws for children. From 18 September 2006, children under 12 or under the height of 4’5″ will have to be in car seats or on booster seats with backrests or booster cushions when travelling in England or Wales.
- The car driver is legally responsible for the safe restraint of all
passengers under the age of 14 years (after that age, passengers are
responsible for themselves). - For children under three years, an ‘appropriate child restraint’
- in other words a baby or child car seat – must be used on the front
seat and on the back seat, if available. An adult seat belt on its own
is not sufficient. - From September 2006 new legislation means that children 3 years to
1.35m in height (or the age of 12 years) must use the correct child
restraint in the front and back seats i.e.
a Group 3 car seat. This will mean your child will need to be in
a car seat for longer, so choosing seats that grow with them will be
important. - For a child aged 12 or 13 or a younger child who is more than 1.35m
(approx. 4ft 5in) in height, an adult seat-belt must be used in the
front or rear seat, if available.
| A summary of the new car seat laws From 18 September 2006 |
|||
| Front seat | Rear seat | Who is responsible? | |
| Driver | Seat belt MUST be worn if available. | Driver | |
| Child up to 3 years* | Correct child restraint MUST be used*. | Correct child restraint MUST be used*. If one is not available in a taxi, may travel unrestrained. |
Driver |
| Child from 3rd birthday up to 135cms in height (approx 4’5″) (or 12th birthday whichever they reach first)** |
Correct child restraint MUST be used***. | Where seat belts fitted, correct child restraint MUST be used. Must use adult belt if the correct child restraint is not available:- in a licensed taxi/private hire vehicle; or - for a short distance for reason of unexpected necessity; or - two occupied child restraints prevent fitment of a third. |
|
A child 3 and over may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicle if seat belts are not available.
Driver
Seat belt MUST be worn if available.
Child over 1.35 metres (approx 4ft 5ins in height) or 12 or 13 years
Seat belt MUST be worn if available.
Adult passengers (ie 14 years and over)
Seat belt MUST be worn if available
Where to next?
- Find out which car seats rate highly with our panel of parents in our product test
- Get the lowdown on travelling with a baby
- Talk to other parents about travelling with tots in our Travel discussion forum
- Win car seats and other baby essential by entering our competitions
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