VEHICLE SEAT BELT REGULATIONS
AND CAR SEAT REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN
With effect from September 2006 new Rules were introduced amending the existing Rules relating to car seat belts and child restraints in vehicles. The new rules are:
AND CAR SEAT REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN
With effect from September 2006 new Rules were introduced amending the existing Rules relating to car seat belts and child restraints in vehicles. The new rules are:
The only exemptions for use of the appropriate seat restraint are:-
- Emergency vehicles i.e. ambulance/Police car
- Taxis – for short journeys
- Child friends being collected and not enough seat restraints available – short journeys only – adult seat belt to be used in rear of vehicle.
For those families who have a requirement for three child seats – the Rules are stating that the eldest child may use the adult seat belt in the rear of the vehicle but is best advice that this third child use the appropriate car seat restraint and seat belt accordingly on the front seat.
The biggest problem may well be where a child has not been using a booster seat for a while but will now have to return to using a child car seat – particularly the booster seat for the 6 year olds upwards – their “street cred” may well cause you havoc for a while but manufacturers are trying to bring in more colours and ranges to try and assist in this.
There is to be a fixed penalty of £30 imposed where these Rules are not adhered to. If the case goes to Court this could rise to £500 (penalty points are not applicable).
You can view further information relating to the new rules on:
The biggest problem may well be where a child has not been using a booster seat for a while but will now have to return to using a child car seat – particularly the booster seat for the 6 year olds upwards – their “street cred” may well cause you havoc for a while but manufacturers are trying to bring in more colours and ranges to try and assist in this.
There is to be a fixed penalty of £30 imposed where these Rules are not adhered to. If the case goes to Court this could rise to £500 (penalty points are not applicable).
You can view further information relating to the new rules on:
Every single car has a different seat belt length, lock fitting, seat shape and fabric type. NEVER buy a car seat second-hand or where you have not had it properly fitted into your car.
Isofix fittings are now more popular in modern cars with all post February 06 cars having this already installed in the vehicle. Isofix is the system whereby the car seat will be attached to the bodywork of the rear seat thus enabling better safety in the future. For further information on Isofix do not hesitate to contact us.
Your child’s safety is of paramount importance. The Nursery Warehouse Baby Shop in Eastbourne has qualified staff members available to assist in your car seat fitting. A large range of car seats are available in all categories with a view/fit to buy service available.
Driver
Adult Seat belt must be worn if fitted
Adult Front Passenger
Child over 1.35m (4ft5in)
Child over 1.35m (4ft5in)
Adult Seat belt must be worn if fitted
Adult Seat belt must be worn if fitted (preferably in the rear)
Adult Seat belt must be worn if fitted (preferably in the rear)
Child 3 to 11 years
(under 1.35m)
Car Seat Category
2 & 3 (15kgs - 1.35m height)
(4ft5in)
(under 1.35m)
Car Seat Category
2 & 3 (15kgs - 1.35m height)
(4ft5in)
Correct child seat should be used, preferably in the rear of the vehicle
3-6 years must have back support on child seat with adult belt use
6-11 years (min 1.35m height) must have booster seat with adult belt use
3-6 years must have back support on child seat with adult belt use
6-11 years (min 1.35m height) must have booster seat with adult belt use
Child 0 to 3 years
Car Seat Category
Group O+ (birth - 13kgs
birth to approx.9mths/1yr–rear
facing with no frontal airbag)
Group 1 (9kgs-18kgs
approx. 9mths-4yrs –
forward facing)
Car Seat Category
Group O+ (birth - 13kgs
birth to approx.9mths/1yr–rear
facing with no frontal airbag)
Group 1 (9kgs-18kgs
approx. 9mths-4yrs –
forward facing)
Correct child seat should be used, preferably in the rear of the vehicle; all airbags in front of vehicle must be disconnected if using car seat in front.
Your child should remain in the Group O+ rear facing car seat until his/her weight reaches 13kgs or the head is above the back of the seat unit. If the latter happens before the weight is reached Britax manufacture a Group 0+/1 car seat that is permanently in your vehicle for use up to 18kgs which could be used rearward facing until the weight is reached and then forward facing up to 18kgs.