New regulations governing the use of child car seats came into force on 18 September 2006.
We have run advertising from July to September in press, radio and online to advise parent and carers about the new regulations governing the use of child car seats.
Most people make sure that children use some kind of restraint when travelling on the road, but it is vitally important to use the right one; and not to use an adult belt before the child is big enough.
Small children need the protection that baby seats and child seats are designed to provide. Seat belts are designed for adults. Children who have grown out of child seats still need to use booster seats and booster cushions.
We estimate that these changes could prevent over 2000 child deaths or injuries each year.
Law leaflet (Adobe Acrobat - 563kb)
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Update: 30 October 2006
New rules came into force on 18 September 2006 requiring children who are passengers in vehicles to use a child restraint.
This table is a summary of these new rules for cars, vans and goods vehicles.
| Front seat | Rear seat | Who is responsible? |
|---|
| Child up to 3 years old |
Correct child restraint MUST be used
[see Q. 3]. |
Correct child restraint MUST be used [see Q. 8A].
If a restraint is not available in a licensed taxi/private hire vehicle, the child 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
[see Q. 3]. |
Where seat belts are fitted, the correct child restraint MUST be used. The child must use adult belt if the correct child restraint is not available as follows:
- in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle; or
- for a short distance in an unexpected necessity; or
- two occupied child restraints prevent fitment of a third.
A child 3 years and over may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicle if seat belts are not fitted in the rear. |
Driver |
| Child over 1.35 metres (approx 4' 5") in height or 12 or 13 years old |
Seat belt MUST be worn if available. |
Seat belt MUST be worn if available. |
Driver |
| Passengers aged 14 years old and over |
Seat belt MUST be worn if available. |
Seat belt MUST be worn if available. |
Passenger |
In almost all cases, every child up to 135cms (4' 5") or the age of 12 (whichever is reached first) must use a child restraint and drivers may not carry children as passengers just in seat belts.
Rear-facing baby seats MUST NOT be used in a seat protected by a front air-bag unless the air-bag has been deactivated manually or automatically [see Q. 14].
1. I am confused about how the height and age rules work together.
2. Are there any exemptions?
3. Can children travel in the front seat? What about 2-seaters and convertibles?
4. What do you mean by "child restraints" and what difference does the weight of my child make? Can I use seat belt adjusters instead? What about child restraints from North America/Australia/elsewhere?
5. My child is under 135 cms in height but already weighs more than 36kg? Should he use the adult belt?
6. What about a disabled child?
7. What about children (and adults) travelling in a minibus/bus/coach?
8. My vehicle is unusual...
9. How do I carry children if there are too many people in the vehicle for everybody to have a seat belt?
10. Who is responsible for children using child restraints, and what are the penalties?
11. Why do children need child restraints?
12. Why have the rules changed?
13. Surely adult seat belts are OK for older children?
14. Why can I not use a rear-facing baby seat in a seat protected by an active frontal air-bag?
15. Can I use a forward facing child seat or booster in a seat fitted with an active air-bag?
16. I'll need to get a child seat/booster seat or cushion now. How do I choose the right one and how much will that cost?
17. When I buy a new child car seat, how will I know if it will fit my car properly?
18. How do I know if my child car seat is correctly fitted?
19. Can second-hand child seats and boosters be used?
20. What is being done to make the fitting of child seats easier?
21. What is ISOFix?
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