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NEW LEGISLATION ON CHILDREN TRAVELLING IN CARS

What the law says

As a driver, you are legally responsible for passengers in your car under the age of 14.

From 18 September 2006 in cars, vans and goods vehicles the following will apply:

Driver Seat belt must be worn

Children under 3 years

Front Seat correct child restraint must be used.

Rear Seat correct child restraint must be used*.  If one is not available in a taxi, may travel unrestrained.

Responsibility Driver

*Children under 3 years MUST use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in all cars, vans and other goods vehicles, with the single exception for the rear of taxis.  They cannot travel in vehicles that do not have seat belts installed.

Children aged 3-11 years and under 1.35 metres in height

Front Seat correct child restraint must be used or they cannot travel in the front of the vehicle.

Rear Seat where seat belts are fitted, correct child restraint must be used.  Must use an adult belt if - in a taxi the correct child restraint is not available

OR on a short or occasional trip if the correct child restraint is not available

OR 2 occupied child restraints prevent fitment of a third.

Responsibility - Driver

Child aged 12-13 years or 1.35 metres or more in height

Front Seat seat belt must be worn if fitted.

Rear Seat - adult seat belt must be if fitted.

Responsibility Driver

Adult passengers (i.e. 14 years and over)

Front Seat seat belt must be worn if fitted.

Rear Seat seat belt must be worn if fitted.

Responsibility - Passenger

In addition, rear-facing baby seats MUST NOT be used in a seat protected by a frontal air-bag unless the air-bag has been deactivated manually or automatically.