What are `child restraints'
`Child restraints' is the collective term for:
 Baby seats, rear-facing, for children up to 13kgs (approx age birth to 9-12 months)
Child seats, forward facing, for children 9kgs to 18 kgs (9 months to 4 years)
Booster seats, for children 15kgs and up (from approx 4 years)
Booster cushions, for children from 22kgs (from approx 6 years)
We have 4 children but only a medium size car. Do they all need to use child seats and boosters?
If they are under 135cms then they will all need to use the right seat or booster for their size.
What if I can't fit 3 child seats in the back of my car?
If a car has 3 seat belts in the rear, and 2 occupied child seats or boosters prevent the fitting of a third, a third child 3 years or over may then use an adult belt. If there is room, it would be safer for the third child to travel in the front seat and use the correct child seat or booster.
So I can't carry children in just a seat belt until they are over 135cm?
No, the new law requires this for children's safety.
What if someone has to give a child a lift at short notice and does not have the right child seat?
If there is an `unexpected necessity' there is an exemption for a child of 3 years or more to wear an adult belt on a short journey when no appropriate child seat is available. The exemption is not intended to cover regular schools runs or other journeys.
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Can second-hand child seats and boosters be used?
Parents/carers should beware of second-hand child seats. They need to check whether they are to the up-to-date UN ECE 44.03 or later standard. Do they have the correct fitting instructions and have they been in a crash already?
My child is under 135cms in height but already weighs more than 36kg, should he use the adult belt?
No. The legislation is clear that height is the measure to decide whether to move up to the adult belt. Using a booster cushion and the adult belt even if a child is over 36kgs is far better than using the adult belt alone.
What are the penalties for not using a child restraint?
A fixed £30 fixed penalty notice. If a case goes to court the maximum fine is £500.
Never carry a baby or child in your lap and do not allow any of your passengers to do so. Babies and children must travel in a child restraint. An unrestrained child will be in serious danger if the vehicle stops suddenly or is in a crash.
Never use a seat belt for more than one person. Do not travel with a baby or child in your lap sharing the belt. You and the child are likely to be badly hurt if the car stops suddenly or is in a crash.
For further details click here for link to Department for Transport web page.
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