The Law regarding Seatbelts in the U.K.

The information below is provided as an outline of the laws regarding use of restraints in vehicles. If you require more detailed information regarding these laws, contact your local trading standards officer. 

	If a seatbelt is fitted it should be worn at all times.
	When travelling in the front seat of a vehicle, children under 3 years must be in an appropriate child restraint.
	If a child restraint is fitted in the front of the car, and not in the rear,it must be used by children under 3 years of age
	An unrestrained child should never be carried in the front seat of the car
	If a child restraint or seat belt is fitted in the front of the car, and not in the rear,it must be used by children aged 3 to 11 and lees than 1.5 meters in height
	All children under 14 must wear a seat belt, or else the driver is liable to prosecution.
	Every individual is responsible for wearing his or her seat belt and can be prosecuted for breaking the law.

Safety Tips

This information provides an answer to many of the 'old wives tales' regarding car safety and can be used as a general guideline for traveling with children in the car. Remember to always check with the manufacturer of your safety seat you require if you have any  unanswered questions or are unsure of how to fit the seat.questions

	Wearing a restraint is always safer than not wearing a restraint
	Be sure to choose the correct restraint for the size and weight of the child
	If restraints are fitted, it is the law to use them, so always make full use of available restraints.
	The back seat is safer than the front seat.
	Regularly check the harness straps and make sure that they are fastened securely, as slackness can considerably increase the force exerted on a child during an accident.
	When the restraint is not in use, cover it up as any metal parts can get hot and may scald the child.
	It is best to keep child restraints fastened in the car, even when not in use, as they may be thrown about during an accident with potentially fatal results.
	Never use an unsecured child seat.
	Always fasten the harness, and never remove and use it separately.
	Securely restrain all passengers and heavy loads, as in the event of an accident, an adult passenger or a package may be thrown about and easily injure a restrained child
	Never carry your child with a seatbelt across the two of you, as you could easily crush the child in the event of an accident.
	Never leave children unattended in the car, and do not allow them to tamper with the restraint in any way.
	Replace a seat belt or harness if the webbing is frayed or cut, the reel mechanism does not lock on sudden braking or the buckles do not fix or release easily.
	Use childproof locks in the car and never leave the windows open by more than half the width.
	After an accident, any seat belt or child harness should be replaced, because the belt's energy absorbing qualities, retractor or buckles may be damaged. Also be sure to check the seat itself and the mounting points on the seatbelt very carefully, to see if there is any damage.
	ALWAYS REMEMBER - IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS AT ALL REFER TO THE MANUFACTURER. YOUR CHILDS SAFETY SHOULD BE FOREMOST.