Child Restraints - New Law
New regulations governing the use of child car seats will come into force on 18 September 2006.
Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister said:
"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."
The New Regulations
Click here to download leaflet.
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From 18 September 2006 in cars, vans and goods vehicles |
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Front Seat |
Rear Seat |
Who is responsible? |
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Driver |
Seat belt MUST be worn if available. |
Driver |
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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 |
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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 A child 3 and over may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicle if seat belts are not available. |
Driver |
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Child over 1.35 metres (approx 4ft 5ins in height) or 12 or 13 years |
Seat belt MUST be worn if available. |
Seat belt MUST be worn if available. |
Driver |
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Adult passengers (ie 14 years and over) |
Seat belt MUST be worn if available. |
Seat belt MUST be worn if available. |
Passenger |
In addition, the revised regulations also say that rear-facing baby seats MUST NOT be used in a seat protected by a frontal air-bag unless the air-bag has been deactivated manually or automatically.
* Children under 3 years MUST use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in all cars, vans and other goods vehicles, with the single exception for the rear of taxis. They cannot travel otherwise. This means for example that they may not travel in cars, vans or goods vehicles which do not have seat belts installed.
** Examples. A 7 year old who is 140 cms tall is over the height for a child restraint and may use an adult seat belt. A 12 year old who is 130 cms tall is over the age threshold and therefore may use an adult belt.
*** If no seat belts are fitted in the front, then children under 135 cms in height (who are also under 12 years of age) cannot travel in the front.
For further reading and questions please visit:
http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/childcarseats/childcarseats.htm#01