It’s the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle to ensure that all children under the age of 14 follow the seat belt laws. For your own safety and the safety of others, belt up.

Below is a summary of the seat belt laws:

Driver:

• Front seat belts must be worn if fitted.
• Who is Responsible? The Driver.

Child under 3 years of age:

• Both front and rear seats - a correct child restraint must be used. If one is not available in a taxi, the child can travel unrestrained.
• Who is Responsible? The Driver.

Child aged 3 to 11 and under 1.35 metres (approx 4ft 5in) in height:

• Front seat - a correct child restraint must be used.
• Rear seat - a correct child restraint must be used where there are seatbelts fitted.
• They must use a seatbelt where there is no correct restraint in a taxi, for a short distance in an unexpected necessity, or where there are already two occupied restraints that prevent fitting another.
• Who is Responsible? The Driver.

Child aged 12 or 13 or younger child 1.35 metres (approx 4ft 5in) or more in height:

• Front seat - adult seat belt must be worn if available.
• Rear seat - adult seat belt must be worn if available.
• Who is Responsible? The Driver.

Rear-facing child seats must not be used on seats where an active frontal airbag is fitted.

Related Links:

• Protect a Child campaign
• Seatbelt Information and simulator
• Think Road Safety - Seatbelts