Child car restraints - Legal Requirements in the UK

The law says that all children up to 135cm tall (around 4'5"), or the age of 12, whichever comes first, must travel in the correct child restraint for their weight with very few exceptions. This law applies regardless of whether the child travels in the front or rear seats in cars, vans and other commercial vehicles.

Tourists coming to the UK from abroad must also use the correct child restraint for their children - there are no exceptions for them. Family and friends expecting visitors should make sure that their visitors understand the rules. They may need to help them to make arrangements so that children use the correct child restraint at all times. Car rental companies can supply child restraints for their customers if booked in advance.

Exceptions to the rules

In limited circumstances, children can travel without the correct child restraint.

1) In a licensed taxi or licensed private hire vehicle. If the correct child restraint is not available then, in the rear seat only, children under three years old may travel unrestrained. Children aged three years and over must use an adult seat belt.

2) In cases of unexpected necessity over a short distance. If the correct child restraint is not available then, in the rear seat only, a child of 3 years or older must use an adult seatbelt. This exemption does not apply to children under 3 years and does not cover regular school journeys or other trips that are arranged in advance.

3) Where two occupied child restraints in the rear seat prevent you fitting a third car seat. In this case, as long as the front seat of the car is occupied, a third child aged 3 years and over can use an adult seat belt (either a lap or lap plus diagonal) in the rear. If the front seat is available, then they must be seated there using the correct child restraint.

4) In older cars with no rear seat belts. In this situation, children three years and over may travel without a seat belt.

An example of a high quality car seat which delivers all of these requirements is manufactured by a company called Maxi Cosi. The Maxi Cosi Priori XP is a multiple prize-winning kid car seat designed to ensure the safety of your kid while still being high on comfort. The front facing seat is compliant with prevailing UK and EC car seat laws. Available in a big selection of attractive colours, the child seat comes with a range of useful features to enhance comfort and safety.

Article Source: http://www.parentingarticlelibrary.com

Over the years legislation have been tightened up in the UK to ensure that children are safe when travelling in vehicles. The Maxi Cosi Priori XP is an award winning car seat that meets all of these requirements.

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