SEATBELTS

27th June 2017

The law for cars, taxis, vans and other goods vehicles is summarised in this table:

Person	Front seat	Back seat	Who is responsible?

Child up to three years of age	Correct child restraint must be used	The correct child restraint must be used. If one is not available in a licensed taxi / private hire vehicle, the child may travel unrestrained.	Driver
Child from third birthday up to 135cms in height (approx 4’5″) or 12th birthday, whichever is reached first	Correct child restraint must be used	Where seat belts are fitted, the correct child restraint must be used. The child must use an adult belt in the back seat if the correct child restraint is not available either: – in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle – for a short distance in an unexpected necessity – if two occupied child restraints prevent fitting of a third. A child three years and over may travel unrestrained in the back seat of a vehicle if seat belts are not fitted in the rear.	Driver

The Department for Transport’s suite of road safety resources for teachers, pupils and parents.