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Child Car Seat Regulations

From 18th September 2006 new legislation came into place regarding the use of child car seats. It has been reported that many parents are either unaware or unclear about these changes. We have outlined the changes and also answered some of your questions, so that you are aware and prepared.

What are the new regulations from 18th September?
The changes in brief are that children up to the age of 3 must always use an appropriate car seat (restraint) whether sitting in the front of a car or in the rear. The one and only exception is when travelling in a licensed taxi, when they can sit in the rear only without a car seat (restraint).
Children over the age of 3 and up to the age of 12 (or until they are 135cm tall, whichever is sooner) must always use an appropriate car seat (restraint) when sitting in the front and in the rear if seat belts are fitted to the rear of the car. If seat belts aren’t fitted they can sit in the rear only.

Below are the regulations in more detail and we have also answered some questions that we have been asked here.

Children up to 3 years:
-sitting in the front seat must have a correct and appropriate child restraint.
-sitting in the rear seat must use a correct and appropriate child restraint. The exception is if travelling by taxi where a restraint is not available, then the child may sit in the rear unrestrained.

They must use a child restraint appropriate for their age in all vehicles with the single exception being the rear of a taxi.

If seat belts are not fitted to any other vehicle they may not travel in them.

Children from 3rd birthday and up to 135cm (approximately 4ft 5in) or their 12th birthday whichever they reach sooner:

• sitting in the front seat they must use an appropriate restraint.
• sitting in the rear seat where sear belts are installed, they must use the correct child restraint.

The adult seat belt must be used if a child restraint is not available in:

• a taxi / private hire vehicle
• for a short distance for reasons of unexpected necessity
• 2 occupied child restraints are already in use and there is no space for a third. A child aged 3 and over may travel in the rear seat unrestrained if seat belts are not available.

A child under 135cm and under 12 years of age ca not travel in the front of a vehicle if that vehicle does not have front seat belts fitted.

For example: If your child is below the age of 12, say aged 8, but they are over 135cm (approx 4ft 5in) then they may use the adult seat belt as they are over the height for a child restraint.

However if your child is 12 years old but only 130cm tall then they too can use an adult seat belt as they are over the age threshold.

For children over 135cm (approx 4ft 5in) aged 12 or 13
A seat belt must be worn if available whether sitting in the front or rear seat of a vehicle.

For passengers over the age of 14
A seat belt must be worn if available whether sitting in the front or rear seat of a vehicle.

What is an appropriate child restraint?
A child restraint refers to baby seats, child seats, booster seats and booster cushions.
Different manufacturer’s use different names for restraints and sometimes combine weight ranges in one product so that it can be used for a longer period of time. It is the weight of the child that determines the restraint that must be used.

Seat belt adjusters are for comfort only and are not a safety device.

Who is responsible for ensuring that children are properly restrained in the car?
The driver is legally responsible for children under the age of 14.
Those over the age of 14 are responsible for themselves.

If you’re still struggling we have listed some frequently asked questions or alternatively you can contact us for more advice.

You can find more information on how to choose and fit a car seat at the Department of Transport and the Royal Society for the Protection of Accidents (ROSPA).

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