Seatbelt Laws (as from 18th September 2006)

Keeping children safe in the car.

  • Any child under 1.35 metres tall (4ft 5in) – MUST be strapped into one of the specially designed child restraints.
  • The driver is responsible for making sure children under 14 are safely restrained.
  • You MUST NOT carry an unrestrained child in the front of the car.
  • Children under 3 years, traveling in the front, MUST wear an appropriate child restraint. You MUST NOT use the adult seatbelt.
  • Children aged three and over MUST use an adult belt in the back if a child seat or booster is not available.
  • In older makes of cars with no rear seatbelts, children MUST be strapped up in the front seat.
  • If you get involved in a crash not wearing a seatbelt, you could be disqualified from an insurance award.
Car Occupant Child up to 3 years Child from 3rd birthday up to EITHER 1.35 metres in height or 12 years old Child over 1.35 metres, or 12 to 13 years Child aged 14 and over and adult passengers
Front Seat Correct child restraint MUST be used. Correct child restraint MUST be used. Seatbelt MUST be worn if available. Seatbelt MUST be worn if available.
Rear Seat Correct child restraint MUST be used.

If one is not available in a taxi, then the child may travel unrestrained in the rear.

Where seatbelts fitted, correct child restraint MUST be used.

MUST use adult belt if the correct child restraint is not available:

a) in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle

b) for a short distance for reason of unexpected necessity

c) two occupied child restraints prevent fitment of a third.

If seatbelts are not fitted or available a child 3 and over may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicle.

 Seatbelt MUST be worn if available. Seatbelt MUST be worn if available.
Who is responsible? Driver Driver Driver Passenger