Passengers over three years and under 135cm

  • If you carry any child passengers in a vehicle where seat belts are fitted, children aged three years up to 135cm tall must use the appropriate child restraint (baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion) for their weight, whether travelling in the front or rear seat of any car, van or goods vehicle.
  • A child must use an adult seat belt when they reach 135cm or their 12th birthday, whichever comes first.
  • The only exceptions where children aged 3 years up to 135cm tall, or age 12, don’t have to wear a correct child restraint are:
    • In a licensed taxi or licensed hire car, if a child restraint is not available.
    • For a short distance in an unexpected necessity, if the right child restraint is not available.
    • Where two occupied child seats in the rear prevent the fitment of a third child seat.
    • In all of these cases an adult seat belt must be worn.
  • In a vehicle without rear seat belts, such as a classic car, children aged three years and over can travel unrestrained in the back of the vehicle. Those under three can’t be carried at all because they must always use a child restraint.