Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

In Car Safety

September 2006 saw the introduction of legislation that requires that a correct child seat is used.

The law states that:

• Children under three 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 three 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).