| Rules up to 17 September 2006 | |||
| Front seat | Rear seat | Who is responsible? | |
| Driver | Seat belt must be worn if fitted. | Driver | |
| Child under 3 years of age | Correct child restraint must be used. | Correct child restraint must be used if available. | Driver |
| Child 3-11 years and under 150cms in height | Correct child restraint must be used if available. If not an adult seat belt must be worn. | Correct child restraint must be used if available. If not an adult seat belt must be worn if available. | Driver |
| Child 12 or 13, or 1.5 metres (approx 5ft) or more in height | Seat belt must be worn if fitted. | Seat belt must be worn if fitted. | Driver |
| Adult passengers (ie 14 years and over) |
Seat belt must be worn if fitted. | Seat belt must be worn if fitted. | Passenger |
| From 18 September 2006 in cars, vans and goods vehicles | |||
| Front seat | Rear seat | Who is responsible? | |
| Driver | Seat belt MUST be worn if available. | Driver | |
| Child up to 3 years* | Correct child restraint MUST be used*. | Correct child restraint MUST be used*. If one is not available in a taxi, may travel unrestrained. | Driver |
| Child from 3rd birthday up to 135cms in height (approx 4'5") (or 12th birthday whichever they reach first)** | Correct child restraint MUST be used***. | Where seat belts fitted, correct child restraint MUST be used. Must use adult belt if the correct child restraint is not available: - in a licensed taxi/private hire vehicle; or - for a short distance for reason of unexpected necessity; or - two occupied child restraints prevent fitment of a third. A child 3 and over may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicle if seat belts are not available. |
Driver |
| Child over 1.35 metres (approx 4ft 5ins in height) or 12 or 13 years | Seat belt MUST be worn if available. | Seat belt MUST be worn if available. | Driver |
| Adult passengers (ie 14 years and over) | Seat belt MUST be worn if available. | Seat belt MUST be worn if available. | Passenger |
* Children under 3 years MUST use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in all cars, vans and other goods vehicles, with the single exception for the rear of taxis. They cannot travel otherwise. This means for example that they may not travel in cars, vans or goods vehicles which do not have seat belts installed.
** Examples. A 7 year old who is 140 cms tall is over the height for a child restraint and may use an adult seat belt. A 12 year old who is 130 cms tall is over the age threshold and therefore may use an adult belt.
*** If no seat belts are fitted in the front, then children under 135 cms in height (who are also under 12 years of age) cannot travel in the front.
(information taken from UK Department of Transport web site)