The New Seat Belt Laws for Kids
Laws for Child Seat Belts from 18th September 2006

Stricter rules for children’s booster seats came into force on 1st March 2017, limiting the use of backless booster seats to older children.

The change is being introduced in the UK and across Europe to improve safety, as backless booster seats offer less protection in a crash.

The new regulation means manufacturers will no longer be allowed to bring out backless booster seats for children under 135cm tall, or who weigh less than 22kg.

A childrens car seat must be used until your child is 12 years old, or 135cm tall - whichever comes first.

It is the driver's legal responsibility to ensure that the child is correctly restrained.
£100 fixed penalty fine from a policeman.
Fine of up to £500 if case goes to court and parent is a persistent offender.

The Law for Children up to 3 years old
If using a height-based seat - known as i-Size - it must be kept rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. The seat must be checked to make sure it’s suitable for the height of your child. You can only use an EU-approved height-based child car seat in the UK - these have a label with a capital ‘E’ and the code ‘R129’.

Rear-facing baby seats must not be used in seats with an active front airbag.

The Law for Children aged 3 - 4
Must travel in an appropriate child seat, booster seat
Weight-based seats come in different sizes suitable for different weights. Only EU-approved weight-based seats can be used in the UK - these have a label with a capital ‘E’ and the code ‘ECE R44’. A car seat must be fitted using ISOFIX anchor points or secured with a diagonal seat belt strap, unless is it specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt.

The Law for Children aged 4 - 6
Must travel in an appropriate seat. Weight-based seats come in different sizes suitable for different weights. Only EU-approved weight-based seats can be used in the UK - these have a label with a capital ‘E’ and the code ‘ECE R44’.
A car seat must be fitted using ISOFIX anchor points or secured with a diagonal seat belt strap, unless is it specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt.

The Law for Children aged 6 - 11 and under 4ft 5ins(135cm)
Must travel in an appropriate booster seat.
Parents who have an existing model will NOT be breaking the law by continuing to use them, according to www.gov.uk
Weight-based seats come in different sizes suitable for different weights. Only EU-approved weight-based seats can be used in the UK - these have a label with a capital ‘E’ and the code ‘ECE R44’. A car seat must be fitted using ISOFIX anchor points or secured with a diagonal seat belt strap, unless is it specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt.

The Law for Children over 12s or over 4ft 5ins(135cm)
can travel in the front or rear of the car using an adult seat belt.

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From 1st October 2015 The law is changing to protect children and young people from Secondhand smoke in Cars. Ban on Smoking in Cars