Child restraints in cars

5 months ago 10th May 11:57

Children up to the age of 12, or up to 1.35m (4ft 5in) in height, have to use safety seats in cars. This means children under 12 need to use child seats.

Children in this age group must travel with appropriate child restraints (see below) whether they're carried in the front or back seat of a car, van or goods vehicle. Children under three can't travel in vehicles without seat belts installed.

There's one exception - in a taxi or hire car your child may travel unrestrained in the rear if an appropriate restraint isn't available.

Ages 3-12 and up to 1.35m (4ft 5in) in height In the front seat, an appropriate child restraint is compulsory. If there aren't any seat belts fitted, your child cannot travel in a front seat, with or without restraint.

0-3 In the rear, you must use an appropriate child restraint where seat belts are fitted. There are three exceptions, when adult belts must be used if the correct child restraint isn't available:

In a taxi or hire car
For a short journey due to unexpected necessity, Where two occupied child restraints prevent a third being fitted, in which case an adult belt should be used if available

Your child may travel unrestrained in the rear if seat belts aren't fitted.

More about Child restraints in cars on page 2