New child car seat regulations

New regulations governing the use of child car seats come into force on 18th September 2006.

The change is designed for your own and others' safety, and requires you to use a seatbelt if one is fitted and for children up to 135cms in height to use a child restraint.

•  Children up to 135cms in height must use the appropriate child restraint when travelling in any car, van or goods vehicle - there are very few exceptions.

•  You must wear a seat belt in cars and goods vehicles where one is fitted. There are very few exceptions to this.

•  The driver is liable to prosecution if a child under 14 years does not wear a seat belt or child restraint.

•  You must not carry an unrestrained child in the front seat of any vehicle.

•  A child may use an adult belt when they reach 135cm or the age of 12.

•  In buses and coaches with seat belts fitted, passengers aged 3 years and above must use them. Child restraints must be used if they are available in the vehicle. Passengers on vehicles used for public fare-paying passengers on 30mph roads are exempt.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a maximum fine of £500 if the case goes to court.

The rules are designed with your child's safety in mind. Child seats put children in the right position for the seat belt to protect effectively in the event of an accident. Child seats can be reserved at time of booking with BYPASS Garage Ltd

For more information

http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk

http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/childcarseats/pdf/sbcr-july2006.pdf

Further regulations will come into force in May 2008 which states that all child restraints must comply with the UN ECE 44.03 standard.