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New Laws Surrounding Child Car Restraints |
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 Although, not related solely to Bolnhurst and Keysoe, Bedfordshire Police have asked us to publise a change to the laws surrounding child car restraints, which are being tightened up in September 2006 in a bid to save up to 2,000 child casualties every year.
Until now, Department for Transport (DfT) regulations generally advised parents to use child seats and boosters "if they are available". However, the rules have been tightened because most new cars now have rear seat belts, which can be used to secure child restraints and seats.
Drivers remain responsible for children under 14 years belting up in their vehicle. Motorists who break the law face a £30 fixed penalty notice. If the case goes to court, they could get a £500 fine. The revised law will be enforced by police officers on the street.
The new regulations state that children under 3 years must always use the correct child restraint in the front and rear of cars, vans and other goods vehicles where belts are fitted. Children from their 3rd birthday up to 135cm in height (or their 12th birthday, whichever they reach first) must now also use the correct restraint in these vehicles where belts are fitted. In vehicles without seatbelts, such as classic cars, children can use the back seat but they cannot sit in the front passenger seat where they must always be restrained in any car.
It will also be illegal for rear-facing baby seats to be in the front passenger seat if the passenger seat has an active frontal airbag because, if the safety device were to inflate, serious harm could be caused.
Q: What Sort Of Child Restraints Should Motorists Use And When?
A: There are four basis types of child restraint. These are:
- rear-facing baby seats for children weighing up to 13kg (approximately from birth to nine months)
- forward-facing child seats for children weighing 9kg to 18kg (approximately nine months from four years)
- booster seats for children weighing 15kg to 25kg and upwards (from approximately nine months to four years)
- booster cushions for children from 22kg to 36kg (approximately six years and over)
Q: Are There Any Times When Children Don't Have To Be Restrained?
A: Children under three years may travel unrestrained in the rear of a licensed taxi/private hire vehicle if a child restraint is not available. For children three years to 135cm in height, there are three exceptions when they must travel in the rear of a vehicle and must use an adult seat belt if a child restraint is not available:
- in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle
- for a short distance for reason of unexpected necessity
- where two occupied child restraints prevent the fitment of a third
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