This leaflet informs parents/carers that the new law regarding child seats will come into force on 18 September 2006. This means that children under 3 years must use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in any vehicle (including vans and other goods vehicles). There is only one exception: a child under three may travel unrestrained in the rear of a taxi if the right child restraint is not available. Rear-facing baby seats must not be used in a seat protected by a frontal air-bag unless the air-bag has been deactivated manually or automatically. In vehicles where seat belts are fitted, children 3 years to 135 cms in height (approx 4ft 5ins) must use the appropriate child restraint. Three exceptions allow these children to travel in the rear and use an adult belt: (1) in a taxi, if the right child restraint is not available; (2) for a short distance in an unexpected necessity, if the right child restraint is not available; and (3) where two occupied child seats in the rear prevent the fitment of a third child seat.
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