🚗🍼 Parents, are you sure you’re up to speed on child car seat rules? Here’s what you need to know!
Until your little one turns 12 or reaches 135cm tall, they must use a car seat by law. For babies under 15 months, a rear-facing seat is a must. But did you know it’s safer to keep them rear-facing for as long as possible?
Car seat expert Kirsty Carroll from Kiddies Kingdom gives us the lowdown. If you don’t follow the rules, you might face a fixed penalty – that’s £60 and three points on your licence. If you end up in court, fines could stretch to a hefty £500. 🚨
Some vehicles like taxis or minibuses have exceptions, but here’s a quick reminder of key laws:
1. **Approved Seats Only:** Make sure your car seat is EU-approved – look for an orange label with a capital ‘E’. Using non-approved seats not only risks hefty fines but also your child’s safety!
2. **Rear-Facing Warning:** Never place a rear-facing seat in the front passenger seat unless you’ve deactivated the airbag. Even then, the back seat is always safer for your child.
3. **Gadget Alert:** Using a handheld device while driving – phone or tablet – is a no-go. This includes helping your child with their device, even at traffic lights. Serious fines and points could follow!
4. **Child Lock Importance:** Don’t forget the child lock! If a door opens mid-drive, you could face severe penalties, possible licence loss, or even accidents.
These laws exist to keep you and your family safe on the road. Stay informed and travel safely! 🚦
Keep your knowledge up to date and ensure your family travels are as safe as possible. Share this info to spread the word among fellow parents! 🌟