Genealogy Chat

any one know how old a child has to be to sit in front of a car legally? thanks june ..

http://cms.met.police.uk/met/boroughs/bromley/07frequently_asked_questions/index Q What is the law regarding children sitting in the front seats of cars? A The law states that no matter where a child sits in a car, they must wear a seat belt if one is fitted. There is no age restriction for children sitting in the front seat of a car. Drivers should be aware of the dangers of rear facing baby seats and air bags and should de-activate the passenger seat air bag if fitting a rear facing baby seat to the front seat.

Joy thank you so much for your reply very kind.. June xx..

You're welcome.

I think according to the new law change a child must be 12 or 4ft 8in to sit in the front without a child or booster seat.

have a look at the Mothercare site it gives all the rules and regulations Barbara

hi june i am a trained car seat fitter and can tell you that the safest place for any child is middle seat in the rear that is if you can safely fit a car seat there after that the next safest is behind the passenger and then behind the driver and then finally in the front as long as there is no air bags. the airbags in the front of a car are set for the weight and height of an average adult and if the child is under 135cm or 4ft 5 inches then the air bags can do serious damage to them. if the child is in the rear on a booster seat then it must have a full 3 point harness and not just a lap belt. if you put a child in the front with no air bags then they must be in a suitable car seat for their age. and the seat pushed as far away from the dashboard as possible. remember no rear facing car seats with airbags - this is the law not a recommendation some booster cushions are reccommended from 33lbs/ 15kg but if they have no back on i wouldnt recommended them till the age of 6 or 7 keep a back on your booster for as long as possible to help with side protection and lumber support. and remeber if you are moving your child car seat from the rear to the front check that it fits in the front not all car seats do hope this helps love linda x

Thank you all for you kind replies re the car seat as i am concerned re my g/childs saftey. Esp thanks to Linda very reassuring help .... June xx.

This is useful to read fully. http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/childcarseats/childcarseats.htm#03 Child Restraints - New Law New regulations governing the use of child car seats came into force on 18 September 2006. We have run advertising from July to September in press, radio and online to advise parent and carers about the new regulations governing the use of child car seats. Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister 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. 'We estimate that these changes could prevent over 2000 child deaths or injuries each year.' Law leaflet (Adobe Acrobat - 563kb) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Child Car Seat Use in Cars, Vans and Goods Vehicles - Your Questions Answered Update: 30 October 2006

once again Joy thanks a lot for this info June xx.

Good Tip!

HI ONE THING TO REMEMBER MY GRANDAUGHTER IS ONLY THREE, BUT HEIGHT/WEIGHT IS TOO MUCH FOR HER CAR SEAT, WE WENT TO MAMMAS AN PAPPAS THEY DO A SEAT FOR STAGE 3 UPWARDS BEAUSE IF AN ACCIDENT SHE WOULD NOT BE SAFE,HER WEIGHT WOULD PULL CARSEAT AWAY FROM THE REAR SEAT SO CHECK THE WEIGHT OF CHILD

Dragonfly thank you for your help June xx..