SAFETY FIRST
Can I be fined for not putting my child in a car seat
CAR seats are vital to keeping children safe while they are travelling in a vehicle.
If you aren't using a car seat to keep a child protected, you could see yourself slapped with a fine.
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Can I be fined for not putting my child in a car seat?
Drivers can be fined if they aren't putting a travelling child in a car seat.
It is punishable with a fine of £500.
There are a few exceptions for when a child doesn't have to be in a car seat.
If the driver of a taxi or a minicab doesn't have the correct car seat for a child, they can travel without one but only if they are sit in a rear seat.
They would have to wear a seat belt if they are over the age of three.
Children can also travel in coaches without a car seat or seat belt if there isn't one available.
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What age can my child travel without a car seat?
Children have to stay in a car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall, which ever comes first.
Once the child has reached one of those stipulations, they must make sure they're wearing a seat belt when they travel in a car.
If the child weighs more than 22kg and is taller than 125cm, they can use a backless booster seat.
Children up to 15 months old must be in a rear-facing car seat.
It can then be changed to a forward-facing car seat once they are over 15 months.
Should car seats only go in the back?
It is illegal to put a rear-facing car seat in the front passenger seat if there is a airbag fitted.
This is mentioned under rule 101 in The Highway Code.
It says: "A rear-facing baby seat MUST NOT be fitted into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag, as in a crash it can cause serious injury or death to the child."
The airbag can be de-activated but then there is no additional protection if an adult passenger was to then sit in the front.
Forward-facing car seats can go in the front but it is recommended that children sit in the back for extra safety.
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