Monday 18th September will see a change in the law regarding car seats for children. An brief outline of the new law is given below for guidance only but further details can be found by looking at the following websites.

The Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (www.childcarseats.org.uk) <http://www.childcarseats.org.uk>
Think! Road Safety - Child Car Seats section
(www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/childcarseats/childcarseats.htm) <http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/childcarseats/childcarseats.htm>

Children under 3 years old MUST use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in any vehicle (including vans and other goods vehicles). The only exception is in the rear of a taxi 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 3 years and above and up to 135cms in height MUST use the appropriate child restraint in a vehicle where seat belts are fitted. Three exceptions are


in a taxi if the right child restraint is not available. (In this case under 3s must travel unrestrained in the rear seat and over 3s must use an adult belt in the rear seat. Never travel with a baby or child in your lap sharing a seat belt.)
for a short distance in an unexpected necessity if the right child restraint is not available. (This does not include regular school runs or other journeys.)
where 2 occupied child seats in the rear prevent the fitment of a third child seat. (In this case it may be better, if possible, for the third child if 3 years or older to travel in the front seat using the correct child restraint.

Children 12 or 13 plus or over 135cms in height must wear a seat belt if fitted.