Parents could face significantly high fines and points on their licence if they don't have their baby seat in the correct position while driving.
Everyone inside of a car is obliged to wear a seatbelt while those being placed in baby seats must also be appropriately secured. Highway code rules state that children under three must use a suitable child restraint in both the front and rear seats, although they can travel unrestrained in a taxi's rear seat if no restraint is available. For children between three and 12, the rules vary.
If they are under 1.35m (4ft 5in) tall, they must use a child restraint in the front seat and either a child restraint or adult belt in the rear seat if no restraint is available. However, the location of the baby seat is also important in avoiding any legal trouble.
Keep in mind that rear baby seats are never allowed to be directly facing an active airbag. While airbags can significantly reduce the chances of severe injuries in adults, in can do the exact opposite for children small enough to be in a rear baby seat.
Furthermore, official guidance stressed that a child car seat must never be placed in a side-facing seat as this could make also make it unsafe.
Exceptions to child seat rules
There are some notable exceptions to the strict child seat rules put in place. For example, in taxis or private hire vehicles where no restraint is available, or in cases of "unexpected necessity over a short distance". If two restraints are already in use, a third may not be fitted.
Additionally, Rule 100 of the Highway Code states that children under 1.35m tall must use a suitable baby seat, child seat, booster seat, or booster cushion, fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The Road Traffic Act 1988 outlines strict seatbelt regulations, asserting: "A person who drives or rides in a motor vehicle in contravention of regulations under this section is guilty of an offence; but, notwithstanding any enactment or rule of law, no person other than the person actually committing the contravention is guilty of an offence by reason of the contravention."
Drivers bear the responsibility for compliance with seatbelt usage rules, facing possible fines if they breach them. According to official guidelines, neglecting to secure a child under 14 in the proper car seat can incur fines up to £500.
Medical exemptions
Certain medical issues allow for legal exemption, including the following:
- a driver who is reversing, or supervising a learner driver who is reversing
- a passenger in a trade vehicle and you’re investigating a fault
- a licensed taxi driver who is looking for customers either by being hailed in the street or by waiting at a taxi rank (known as ‘plying for hire’)
- in a vehicle being used for police, fire and rescue services
- driving a goods vehicle on deliveries that is travelling no more than 50 metres between stops
- a licensed taxi driver or a driver of a private hire vehicle who is carrying passengers
Despite these exceptions, the general requirement applies: seatbelts are mandatory unless medically advised otherwise, with special considerations made for pregnant women and individuals with disabilities. Disabled drivers and passengers may require vehicle adaptations to accommodate their needs appropriately.
For a comprehensive understanding of the latest seatbelt requirements as per the Highway Code, a full breakdown is accessible online here.
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