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Children's car seats

New rules relating to the use of child car seats in cars, vans and goods vehicles could save the lives of up to 2,000 children per year, according to the British Government. Under the new regulations, drivers will be breaking the law if they allow children under a specified height to travel with only an adult seat belt for protection.

Rules and penalties

Changes to the law, which took effect from 18th September 2006, mean all children under 135cm tall will have to use a properly fitted car seat until they reach their twelfth birthday.

It is drivers who are legally responsible for ensuring children under 14 use the appropriate restraints, while children aged 14 or over are responsible for themselves.

The standard penalty for non-compliance is a £30 fixed penalty notice, though if a case goes to court the maximum fine is £500. More importantly, however, failing to comply with the new rules puts children at risk.

Importance of child seats

Even in a minor collision, an unrestrained child would be thrown about inside the vehicle or even thrown from the car. Seat belts are only designed to distribute the forces of a crash over the strongest parts of the adult body – strapping a child into one could do as much harm as good.

- Children under 12 years old who are also under 135cm tall must use the appropriate car-seat for their weight.

- Children reaching 135cm tall before they are twelve can also stop using a car seat, but must wear an adult seat belt.

- All child car seats must be UN ECE 44.03 or 44.04 approved

- Non-compliance with rules could cost drivers up to £500.

Choosing the correct seat

While all children under 135cm tall must use one, it is the
weight of the child that decides which specific seat is necessary.

	Children from birth, up to 13kg in weight, require a ‘Group 0’ or 'Group 0+' seat – a rear-facing baby seat.
	Group I seats are forward facing child seats, suiting those between 9kg and 18kg, approximately between the ages of 9 months to 4 years.
	Group II booster seats are designed for children between 4 and 6 years old, weighing between 15kg and 25kg.
	Group III booster cushions serve children above the age of 6 who weigh between 22kg and 36kg.

Manufacturers often use different names for their products, but the weight range of those for whom it is produced should be clearly displayed on the packaging. All restraints should be approved to the UN ECE Regulation 44.03 or 44.04 standard, and be marked as such.

Exceptions to the rule?

Only three exceptions to the new rules exist, which allow children to travel in the rear of a car using an adult belt without a car seat:

	In a licensed taxi if the right child restraint is not available.
	For unexpected necessity over a short distance if the right restraint is not available.
	Where two occupied child seats in the rear prevent the fitment of a third.

Did You Know?

NFU Mutual considers children's car seats to be an accessory of your vehicle. Therefore if you have a car policy with us, we insure the seats against damage or theft while they are in your car or private garage.