Child Safety Seats

In February 2006 the government confirmed details of the new seatbelt and child restraint regulations aimed at improving road safety through more appropriate use of child restraints.

The new requirements, summarised below, came into force on 18th September 2006.

• All children under 3 years old must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in any car or goods vehicle (except in the rear of a taxi if a child seat is not available).
• Children aged 3 or more years old and up to 135cm (approx 4ft 5in) in height must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in cars or goods vehicles fitted with seat belts. (Few exceptions are permitted).
• Rear facing baby seats must not be used in seats with an active frontal air-bag.
• From May 2009, where seatbelts are provided, the number of people carried in the rear of vehicles may not exceed the number of seats available fitted with seat belts or child restraints.
• From May 2008 only child restraints complying with UN ECE Reg 44.03 or a later standard may be used.