Child safety seats

In September 2006, the regulations relating to the use of child car seats were updated. They now stipulate that all children must use the appropriate child safety restraint when travelling in a vehicle as follows:

• Children under three years must use a child seat or booster appropriate for their weight in all vehicles (including vans and other goods vehicles)
• Children between three and twelve years, or children under 1.35 metres in height (4 feet 5 inches) must use the appropriate child restraint in all vehicles fitted with seat belts
• Children over 1.35 metres in height, or who are 12 or 13 must wear seat belts in the front and rear seat.

It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that children under 14 years are correctly restrained. The responsibility moves to the individual passenger when over 14 years of age.

Find out more about the main types of child car seats:

• Rearward facing infant carrier
• Forward facing child seat
• Booster seats and cushions

All child restraints must be approved to the United Nations ECE Regulation 44.03 or subsequent standard (e.g. 44.04). You must use the right one for each child. Using a suitable child restraint can significantly reduce injuries to children. Only very old restraints have the BS Kitemark. These cannot be used after May 2008.

Before buying a child restraint, you should ask your retailer for a demonstration so you can ensure that it fits properly into your car/cars.

Beware of old and second-hand restraints, which may be damaged, worn out, have no fitting instructions or do not meet with current standards.

Recently manufactured vehicles may have ISOFIx attachment points. An ISOFix child restraint is installed using these and not the adult seat belt. Always check whether a child restraint is suitable for the ISOFix points in you car as some will differ.