subject: The law regarding child car seats [print this page] The law regarding child car seats The law regarding child car seats
When driving a child the driver must ensure that they are secured properly abiding by the regulations. As a child ages the requirements fluctuate, as a result it is important that you are aware of the law for each circumstance.
Babies
A young infant in the front should be sat facing the same direction as the driver to reduce the risk of injury if the airbag was to inflate.
Children up to three
These children should be appropriately restrained in all seats of a car, back or front. There is only one exception and that is in a licensed taxi or licensed hire car where the necessary child seats are unavailable. In this situation a child can travel in the back without restraint. However, you should try to ensure that the fundamental child seating is available as this was introduced for practical reasons not safety.
Children under 1.35 metres high or between three and twelve years old
To ensure a child is safe it is critical that a seatbelt is in the right position across a child's torso. A law was introduced in 2006 which requires youngsters between three and twelve or under 1.35 metres tall to be seated in a booster seat that is specifically designed so that children are fastened in their seatbelt.
Children this height or age may wear an adult seatbelt in irregular circumstances which take into account licensed taxis or hire cars when the suitable seat is not available, in an emergency if the journey is short and if two booster seats are already occupied in the back and there is not space for a third.
A child three years or older is permitted to travel unrestrained if there aren't seatbelts in the back of a car.
Children over 1.35 metres tall or twelve years+
If an adult belt is present a child in this category must use it regardless of whether they are in the rear or front passenger seat.
On community transport such as coaches or buses and in a minibus a youth aged fourteen and above must wear an adult belt if it is available.
Additional information
Non UK residents must also adhere to the same regulations and carry the appropriate child restraint. If you are leasing a car then the company should be able to provide the necessary car seats if they are informed in advance.
Your child's safety should be of the extreme importance, it is your obligation to ensure your child is restrained properly. When travelling in someone else's vehicle you should make sure that the car is accordingly fitted with the applicable child seat.
