Children are much more vulnerable than adults in a car so taking time to make sure you use the right child seat restraint or booster correctly, could save your child's life.
The driver must make sure that any child under 14 years old uses a seat belt or the right child restraint. Any child restraint used must conform to EU safety standards that is either Regulation Children under three years of age must use a suitable child restraint. There is only one exception:. In vehicles where seat belts are fitted, children from three years to 12 years and up to cm in height about 4ft 5in must use the right child restraint.
Three exceptions allow these children to travel in the rear of the vehicle with the use of an adult seat belt:. There is also an exception for children with a a medical certificate saying that it is not advisable on medical grounds to wear a seat belt. Children aged 12 or 13 years or over cm regardless of age in height must wear a seat belt where one is fitted. There are two European standards for child restraint systems. These are Regulation 44 and Regulation or i-Size.
The label will show which standard the child car seat meets β Regulation 44 or Regulation i-Size. Regulation 44 child car seats are based on weight with an age recommendation.
These child car seats are marked with the i-Size symbol which is shown in the picture on the right. If you are not sure, check with the manufacturer. Regulation will replace Regulation 44 seats. Until then, seats manufactured to either standard are safe and legal when used properly. When buying a child restraint, if possible, try it in your car before you buy.
