In the Front Seat
The child MUST use the correct child restraint.

In the Rear Seat
The child MUST use the correct restraint, where seat belts are fitted.

There are three exemptions, where a child in this category does not have to use a child restraint. In each case the child MUST use the adult belt instead. They are -

1) in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle;

2) if the child is travelling on a short distance for reason of unexpected necessity;

3) if there are two occupied child restraints in the rear which prevent the fitment of a third.

In addition, a child 3 and over may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicle if seat belts are not available.

It is the driver's legal responsibility to ensure that the child is correctly restrained.

For the vast majority of our members that this law affects, the “correct child restraint” will be a Booster Cushion.

Group 3: for children weighing 22 - 36 kgs (48 - 79 lbs) roughly from 6 - 11 years.

They can be used in the front or rear of the car, but it is safer to put them in the rear, especially if there is a passenger airbag in the front.

Booster seats and booster cushions do not have an integral harness to hold the child in place. The adult seat belt goes around the child and the seat. So it is important that the seat belt is correctly adjusted. The basic points to note are:

• · the belt should be worn as tight as possible
• · the lap belt should go over the pelvic region, not the stomach
• · the diagonal strap should rest over the shoulder, not the neck

Please regard the above information as a brief overview and refer to the RoSPA website for full and detailed information. www.childcarseats.org.uk

Webmaster: Andy Best  slim@4th-wb-scouts.org.uk