Car Insurance
New seat belt rules
Tue, 28 Feb 2006
The government has released details of new proposed rules for child safety belts.
It is hoped by meeting European standards 200 child death and injuries could be prevented each year.
Road safety minister Stephen Ladyman said: "Most people make sure that children use some kind of restraint when travelling on the road, but it is vitally important to use the right one; and not to use an adult belt before the child is big enough.
"Small children need the protection that baby seats and child seats are designed to provide. Seat belts are designed for adults.
"Children who have grown out of child seats still need to use booster seats and booster cushions."
The new rules, which need to be passed by both houses of parliament, mean that all children under 3-years-old must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in any car.
Children over the age of three and up to 135 cm in height will have to use child restraints too.
The law will also state that rear-facing baby seats must not be used in seats with active frontal air-bags.
Penalties for breaking the rules will remain at a fixed £30 penalty notice or a maximum fine of £500 if a case goes to court.
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