September 2006 saw the introduction of legislation that requires that a correct child seat is used.
The law states that:
- Children under 3 years MUST use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in any vehicle (including vans and other goods vehicles).
- Rear facing baby seats MUST NOT be used in a seat protected by a front airbag unless the airbag has been deactivated manually or automatically
- In vehicles where seat belts are fitted, children 3 years to 135cms in height (approx 4ft 5ins) MUST use the appropriate child restraint
Three exceptions allow children to travel in the rear of a vehicle and use an adult seatbelt:
- In a taxi if the right child restraint is not available
- For a short distance in an unexpected necessity, if the right child restraint is not available
- Where two occupied seats in the rear prevent the fitment of a third child seat
*An update to the legislation was introduced in May 2008*
All child restraints must comply with UN CE 44.03 standard (or subsequent versions).
