There are specific rules and regulations covering child car seats for children aged 0 – 14. They are designed to ensure children are safely and securely restrained when travelling in a car. Sound confusing? It can be but we have broken down the rules, regulations and types of child restraints for you below.
What does the law say?
• All child passengers must use the appropriate child restraint until they are 12 years old or reach 135cm in height
• Children over the age of 12 or above 135cm in height must use an adult seat belt - with some exceptions (these are covered later)
• It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that all children under the age of 14 years are restrained in accordance with the law.
• Children 14 years and older are legally responsible for ensuring that they wear a seat belt
• Correct child restraints must conform to UN standards, be appropriate for the child’s weight and height, and fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions
Types of child restraints
There are three different categories for child restraints:
• Rear-facing baby seats – generally applies to babies up to 15 months old
• Forward-facing child seats – for toddlers up to three years old
• Booster seats and booster cushions – for children up to 12 years old
For more information about the types of child restraints, visit ChildCarSeats dot org dot uk
Restraints for children up to three years old
Whether the child travels in the front or rear of the car, the child must sit in the correct child restraint. If you have an airbag in the front passenger seat, you must not use a rear-facing child seat in this position. It is illegal and extremely dangerous.
If you are travelling in a licensed taxi or licensed hire car that does not have the correct child restraint, the child can travel unrestrained but in the rear passenger seat only. This applies to children under three years old only. For safety reasons and your own peace of mind, you should always avoid travelling with an unrestrained child in the car. When you book your car or taxi, ask the company/driver to provide a child restraint.
Restraints for children three years old and older (up to 12 years old or 135cm in height)
If the child is travelling in the front seat, they must be strapped into the correct restraint.
If they are in the rear of the car, they must travel in the correct restraint positioned where the seat belts are fitted.
There are a few exceptions to these rules. Where a child restraint is not available, the child must wear an adult seat belt but only in the following circumstances:
• Travelling in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle
• In an emergency and only if you are travelling a short distance
• If there are two occupied child restraints in the rear and there is no room to fit a third
Another exception is if there are no seat belts in the car. In this case, a child three years old or older can travel unrestrained in the rear passenger seat only.
Restraints for children 12 years old or over 135cm in height
Children in this category must wear an adult seat belt when travelling in the front or rear seats. Up to the age of 14, the driver is responsible for ensuring that all child passengers are wearing their seat belts. All child passengers 14 years old and older are responsible for their own seat belt safety.
If you are travelling with children in a van, coach or minibus, similar child restraint rules apply.
Breaking the law
If you fail to comply with child restraint laws you could be fined up to £500. It could also affect claims against your car insurance cover and leave you open to a civil lawsuit. However, in the event of an accident the price you pay could be a lot higher if children are not correctly restrained.
It is also wise to ensure that you have adequate car insurance cover. Most car insurance companies offer quick and easy car insurance quotes online.
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