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Buying your car seat

What the law says

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Millions of British parents are facing fines of up to Ł500 unless they comply with new car seat laws for children. From 18 September 2006, children under 12 or under the height of 4'5" will have to be in car seats or on booster seats with backrests or booster cushions when travelling in England or Wales.

The car driver is legally responsible for the safe restraint of all passengers under the age of 14 years (after that age, passengers are responsible for themselves).
For children under three years, an ‘appropriate child restraint’ - in other words a baby or child car seat - must be used on the front seat and on the back seat, if available. An adult seat belt on its own is not sufficient.
From September 2006 new legislation means that children 3 years to 1.35m in height (or the age of 12 years) must use the correct child restraint in the front and back seats i.e. a Group 3 car seat. This will mean your child will need to be in a car seat for longer, so choosing seats that grow with them will be important.
For a child aged 12 or 13 or a younger child who is more than 1.35m (approx. 4ft 5in) in height, an adult seat-belt must be used in the front or rear seat, if available.

A summary of the new car seat laws From 18 September 2006
	Front seat	Rear seat	Who is responsible?
Driver	Seat belt MUST be worn if available.		Driver
Child up to 3 years*	Correct child restraint MUST be used*.	Correct child restraint MUST be used*. If one is not available in a taxi, may travel unrestrained.	Driver
Child from 3rd birthday up to 135cms in height (approx 4'5") (or 12th birthday whichever they reach first)**	Correct child restraint MUST be used***.	Where seat belts fitted, correct child restraint MUST be used. Must use adult belt if the correct child restraint is not available: - in a licensed taxi/private hire vehicle; or - for a short distance for reason of unexpected necessity; or - two occupied child restraints prevent fitment of a third. A child 3 and over may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicle if seat belts are not available.	Driver
Child over 1.35 metres (approx 4ft 5ins in height) or 12 or 13 years	Seat belt MUST be worn if available.	Seat belt MUST be worn if available.	Driver
Adult passengers (ie 14 years and over)	Seat belt MUST be worn if available.	Seat belt MUST be worn if available.	Passenger

Where to next?

Find out which car seats rate highly with our panel of parents in our product test
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