By law, every parent must ensure that any child under 14 wears a seatbelt when being a passenger in their car. Those older than 14 are responsible for wearing a seatbelt themselves. Any passenger over 14 and not wearing a seatbelt in a moving vehicle could receive up to a £500 fine
The Law and Car Seats
The law is very clear on what type of seat a child should sit in when travelling in a car. In short, a child must use a specific type of car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first. Any car seat used for children up to 15 months must be rear-facing.
There are two types of car seats on the market – those that are weight-based and those that are height based. The type of seat you choose will be down to you and what you feel is more suited to your child, but you must choose one in the correct height or weight category.
Table information from https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules
| Child’s weight | Group | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 0kg to 10kg | 0 | Lie-flat or ‘lateral’ baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat using a harness |
| 0kg to 13kg | 0+ | Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness |
| 9kg to 18kg | 1 | Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield |
| 15kg to 25kg | 2 | Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield |
| 22kg to 36kg | 3 | Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield |
ISOFIX Car Seats
ISOFIX is the safest way to secure a car seat into your car and is internationally standardised. Where ISOFIX isn’t used in a car, a diagonal seat belt must be used, unless the seat has been specifically designed to be used with a lap belt.
Seat Belt Exemptions
There are certain times when a seatbelt isn’t required by law and these include the following:
A licensed taxi driver that is waiting for passengers
Driving a delivery vehicle that has no more than 50 metres between stops
Passengers in trade vehicles that are inspecting a fault
In vehicles being used for police, fire and rescue services
A driver who is reversing, or supervising a learner driver who is reversing
Broadbents Solicitors
If you require legal advice pertaining to driving offences or fines, please contact our team today. Call Alfreton 01773 832 511, Derby 01332 369 090, Heanor 01773 769 891, Sutton-in-Ashfield 01623 441 123 or send your enquiry through to our online contact form and we’ll be in touch shortly.
