Choosing the right car seat
The safest way for babies, children and young people to travel in vehicles is in a child car seat that is suitable for their weight, height/length and age, and that is correctly fitted into a vehicle.
What does the law say?
Young children must always travel in a car seat, in fact the law says that all children must travel in a properly fitted car seat until the age of 12 or until they are 135cm (about 4' 5") tall.
After this they must use an adult seat belt.
| Who's involved? | Sitting in the front seat | Sitting in the rear seat | Whose responsibility? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | Seat belt must be worn if fitted | Driver | |
| Child under 3 years of age | Correct child restraint must be used | Correct child restraint must be used. If one is not available in a taxi, may travel unrestrained | Driver |
| Child from 3rd birthday up to 135cm in height (4' 5") or 12th birthday, whichever they reach first | Correct child restraint must be used | Correct child restraint must be used where seat belt is fitted. Must use adult seat belt if correct child restraint is not available:
| Driver |
| Child aged 12 or 13, over 135cm in height | Seat belt must be worn if fitted | Seat belt must be worn if fitted | Driver |
| Passenger aged 14 years old and over | Seat belt must be worn if fitted | Seat belt must be worn if fitted | Passenger |
Choosing the right car seat
Even though manufacturers suggest the age ranges that their car seats are suitable for, it is actually the weight of the child that is important.
When your child reaches the top end of the weight limit for the seat, it's time to buy a new one, regardless of age. Always buy new and make sure that the seat complies with safety standard ECE R44/04 or Regulation 129 (i-size).
| R44.03 & R44.04 | i-Size | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Group | Weight | Approx age | Length classification |
| 0 | Babies up to 10kg (22lbs) | Up to 6 months | 40 - 85cm |
| 0+ | Babies up to 13kg (29lbs) | Up to 1 year | |
| 1 | 9kg (20lbs) to 18kg (40lbs) | 9 months to 4 years | 80 - 105cm |
| 2 | 15kg (33lbs) to 25kg (55lbs) | From 4 years | 105 - 135/150cm* |
| 3 | 22kgs (48lbs) to 36kgs (79lbs) | From 6 years |
Contact the Road Safety Team for more information, advice and a FREE child car seat check.
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