On 18 September this year, new laws about the use of child car seats were passed.
The changes may affect you. Below is a summary of the child seat and seatbelt laws for the UK . For more in-depth information, check the 'links section'.
The Law is set to change in May 2009 to prevent the carriage of more passengers than there are seat belts. The exact details of this law are to be announced by the Department for Transport in due course. Until then, if there are not enough seat belts or child seats in the car for all of your passengers, then some may travel legally in the rear of the vehicle without wearing a belt. Legal Penalties for failing to wear a seatbelt;
> Failing to wear a seatbelt as a driver or a passenger - £500.
> Failing to ensure a child is wearing a seatbelt - £500.
Child seats
You can buy a child seat from a range of places. Wherever you buy, it is important that you try the seat in your car first to check that it fits securely. Most reputable shops will allow you to do this and will give you advice about how to fit the seat. Some even fit it for you. It is important once you have fitted the seat to strap the child in according to the instructions given.
As a guide, seats are designed for children weighing up to 13Kg's, between 9 and 18 kg's and 15 to 36 kg's. Only use the seat that is appropriate for your child. A rear-facing seat should never be used near a frontal airbag and a forward facing seat should be set back as far away as possible from the airbag.
The new law states that Children under 3 years old MUST have an appropriate restraint and that Children aged 3 and above, until they reach either their 12th birthday OR 135cm in height MUST have an appropriate restraint.