Appropriate child restraints
All children need to wear a seat belt or appropriate child restraints when in a vehicle. Appropriate seat belts or restraints greatly reduce the risk of injury in an accident.
Drivers are responsible for making sure that children in their vehicle are travelling safely, as set out in the law.
| Under 3 | Appropriate child restraint must be used | Appropriate child restraint must be used if available | Driver |
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| Aged 3 to 11 and under 1.35 metres (approximately 4ft 6in) tall | Appropriate child restraint must be used. | Appropriate child restraint must be used if available. If not, an adult seatbelt must be worn | Driver |
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| Aged 12 / 13 or younger and over 1.35 metres (approximately 4ft 6in) tall | Adult seatbelt must be worn | Adult seatbelt must be worn | Driver |
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Appropriate child restraints include:
- rear facing baby seats
- forward-facing child seats
- booster seats
- booster cushions
- Isofix seats
- i-size seats
- lie-flat seats
They must be suitable for the child’s weight and must carry a BS Kitemark or a UN 'E' mark, plus a manufacturer’s label showing the weight for which it has been designed.
Exemptions from the law
There are exemptions for children holding a medical exemption certificate or a disabled child wearing a disabled person’s belt. Additionally when suitable restraints are not available and when travelling in specific vehicles.
Child seats and airbags
Check with your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations on the use of child seats when airbags are fitted.
Additional guidance
Airbags and child seats UK ROSPA website
gov.je