Advice Centre

Understanding The Law

Using a child seat helps to keep your child safe and protected in the car. If you do not have a child seat or booster seat for your child then they are at greater risk of injury should you have an accident.

Drivers now face a fixed £30 penalty or fine of up to £500 if they fail to comply with regulations on child seats in cars.

Before you buy a child car seat, make sure you take a look at the law:

Age/Height Category	Front Seat	Rear Seat	Who Is Responsible?
Child up to 3 years of age	Correct child restraint must be used.	Correct child restraint must be used.If a restraint is not available in a licensed taxi/private hire vehicle, the child may travel unrestrained.	Driver
Child from 3rd birthday to 135cms in height (approx 4ft 5in) or 12th birthday whichever they reach first)	Correct child restraint must be used.	Where seats belts are fitted, the correct child restraint must be used. The child must use an adult belt if the correct child restraint is not available as follows: In a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle. For a short distance in an unexpected necessity. Two occupied child restraints prevent fitting a third. A child 3 years and over may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicle if seat belts are not fitted in the rear.	Driver
Child over 135cms (approx 4ft 5in) in height or 12 or 13 years old	Seat belt must be worn if available.	Seat belt must be worn if available.	Driver
Passengers aged 14 years old and over	Seat belt must be worn if available.	Seat belt must be worn if available.	Passenger

View our range of child car seats.

Choose The Right Child Car Seat

Halfords has campaigned for improvements in child seat safety over the past five years to try and raise awareness and educate people.

Using adult seats for children under 135cm will put them at a higher risk of injury in comparison to a purpose built child seat.

With the average child now travelling 5,000 miles per year in a car it is vital they are safe in the vehicle.

It is important that you choose the right seat to meet your child's needs and requirements.

Read more in the Child Seat Buyer's Guide.

View our range of child car seats.

Fitting Advice - Important

Once you buy your child car seat you need to make sure you fit it correctly.

Before you buy a child car seat, make sure you take a careful look at our Child Seat Buyer's Guide.

Or pop into your local Halfords store and our experts will fit your Halfords child seat free of charge or help you to fit it yourself, so you can drive away with complete peace of mind.

Find your nearest store.

View our range of child car seats.