No matter if you are going on a long or short journey, being prepared and staying safe is important.

In March, we're focusing on using seatbelts. Regardless if you're going on long journey, or popping to the corner shop, you must wear a seatbelt if there's one fitted.

 

Seatbelts - The law

You must wear a seat belt if one is fitted in the seat you’re using - there are only very few exceptions.

You’re also only allowed 1 person in each seat fitted with a seat belt.

You can be fined up to £500 if you don’t wear a seat belt when you’re supposed to.

 

Child car seats

The law requires all children travelling in the front or rear seat of any car, van or goods vehicle must use the correct child car seat - until they are either 135cm in height or 12 years old (which ever they reach first). After this they must use an adult seat belt. There are very few exceptions.

It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that children under the age of 14 years are restrained correctly, in accordance with the law.

 

Types of seat

It is very important to ensure that your child travels in an appropriate child restraint that:

  • Conforms to the United Nations standard, ECE Regulation 44.04 (or R 44.03) or to the new i-size regulation, R129. Look for the 'E' mark label on the seat.
  • Is suitable for your child's weight and size.
  • Is correctly fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions.

 

Find out more about the different types of seats:

Height-based seats
  • Height-based seats are known as ‘i-Size’ seats. They must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat when they’re over 15 months old.
  • You must check the seat to make sure it’s suitable for the height of your child.
  • Only EU-approved height-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital ‘E’ in a circle and ‘R129’.
Weight-based seats
  • The seat your child can use (and the way they must be restrained in it) depends on their weight.
  • Only EU-approved weight-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital ‘E’ in a circle and ‘ECE R44’.
Child's weight Group Seats
0kg - 10kg 0 Lie-flat or ‘lateral’ baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat using a harness
0kg - 13kg 0+

Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness
9kg - 18kg 1

Rear or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield
15kg - 25kg 2

Rear or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield
22kg - 36kg 3 Rear or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield
Booster cushions

New regulations regarding the sale and use of booster cushions took effect on 9 February 2017. The new rules now mean that manufacturers will no longer be allowed to introduce new models of backless booster seats for children shorter than 125cm and weighing less than 22kg.

This change does not affect existing models of seats or cushions.

Talk to our road safety team

Our road safety team can often be seen out and about, sharing tips and advice and giving out resources to help Warrington residents improve their road safety.

The dates of their next events will be:

TBC

Other resources