Children up to the age of 12, or up to 1.35m (4ft 5in) in height, have to use safety seats in cars. This means children under 12 need to use child seats.
Ages 0-3 in this age group must travel with appropriate child restraints (see below) whether they're carried in the front or back seat of a car, van or goods vehicle. Children under three can't travel in vehicles without seat belts installed.
There's one exception - in a taxi or hire car your child may travel unrestrained in the rear if an appropriate restraint isn't available.
Ages 3-12 and up to 1.35m (4ft 5in) in height In the front seat, an appropriate child restraint is compulsory. If there aren't any seat belts fitted, your child cannot travel in a front seat, with or without restraint.
In the rear, you must use an appropriate child restraint where seat belts are fitted. There are three exceptions, when adult belts must be used if the correct child restraint isn't available:
In a taxi or hire car For a short journey due to unexpected necessity
Where two occupied child restraints prevent a third being fitted, in which case an adult belt should be used if available
Your child may travel unrestrained in the rear if seat belts aren't fitted.
Ages 12 and 13, or taller than 1.35m (4ft 5in) An adult seat belt must be warn, in a front or back seat, when available. It's your responsibility as the driver to ensure a child is correctly secured.
Ages 14 and over in this age group are considered adult passengers and so they're responsible for their own safety. They must wear an adult seat belt, in a front or back seat, where available.
'Child restraints' is an umbrella term covering baby seats, child seats, booster seats and booster cushions
'Child restraints' is an umbrella term covering baby seats, child seats, booster seats and booster cushions.
Each restraint is designed for a specific weight range. When choosing one, look for a label showing 'E' and '44.03' or '.03', and the group number - or weight range - of the child for which it's designed.
The groups are approximately defined below, although some manufacturers adopt alternative descriptive names for their products, which can occasionally cover overlapping weight ranges, and which do offer wider choice.
What 's important is that the restraint is appropriate for your child's weight. The age groups are provided as guidelines only.
Note you should never use baby seats (groups 0 and 0+) in a seat fitted with an active front airbag, and you should only use restraints in seats with airbags in other groups if your car manufacturer confirms it's safe - check your vehicle handbook.
There's a wide range of products and prices, and most major retailers will have assistants trained in child restraints and the laws governing their use.
Although most models of restraint will fit into most models of car, it's advisable to try before you buy, and to ensure your choice works well for your child.
Restraints can be a major expense for parents, but beware of buying second-hand products that may not conform to the regulation 44.03 standard.
If your child's going to travel in someone else's vehicle, always check it has suitable child restraints and seat belts.