From 18th September 2006 the law concerning seatbelts and child car restraints is changing. From this date you MUST use the correct car seat for your child.
What is the new law?
Children under 3 years MUST use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in any vehicle, with the single exception of the rear of taxis if the right child restraint is not available.
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 aged 3 or over, up to a height of 135cm or 12 years old, whichever they reach first, travelling in a car or goods vehicle which has seatbelts fitted MUST use the correct child restraint. Three exceptions allow these children to travel in the rear & use and adult belt, as follows:-
- in a taxi if the right child restraint is not available
- for a short distance on an unexpected journey if the right child restraint is not available
- where 2 occupied child seats in the rear prevent the fitment of a third child seat
In buses & coaches (including minibuses), seated passengers aged 14 years and above will have to use seat belts where they are fitted. Regulations requiring children 3 years to 13 years to use seat belts or child restraints if they are available) in these vehicles will be brought forward as soon as practicable. The regulations will not include any obligation for anyone to provide child restraints in these vehicles.
Please see under 'Current Documents' for conditions of the Law from 18th September 2006 in cars, vans & goods vehicles.
Child Seats, Booster Seats & Booster Cushions are the safest way for children to travel in a vehicle. If a child is under 135cms tall, an adult belt alone does not provide the best protection and the government estimates the changes could prevent up to 2,000 child casualties a year.
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What are child Restraints?
It is the weight of the child that decides the restraint that must be used.
Baby Seats (Group 0 and Group 0+)
Rear-facing & for children up to 13kgs (approx age birth to 9-12 months)
Child Seats (Group I)
Forward Facing & for children 9kgs to 18kgs (approx 9 months to 4 years)
Booster Seat (Group II)
For children 15kgs to 25kg (approx 4 to 6 years)
Booster Cushions (Group III)
For children from 22kg & upwards (approx 6 years)
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What are the penalties for not using a child restraint?
- A £30 fixed penalty notice. If a case goes to court, the maximum fine is £500.
Before you buy
- Look for seats carrying label with an ‘E’ Mark
- Look for the right type of restraint for your child’s size and weight
- Make sure the restraint fits your car
- Never buy a second hand seat unless you know its history & have the instructions so that you can fit and use it correctly.
Further information
For further information about child car seats please visit the Think! website under 'External Links'
For further information regarding the new seatbelt and child car restraints law, please contact the road safety team on road.safety@highland.gov.uk
A copy of the new Law Leaflet is also available from the Road Safety Team
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