A new law comes into force on 18 September 2006, which the government says could save up to 2,000 children per year from death or injury in road accidents.
All children under the age of 12 will have to use some form of child car seat, unless they are taller than 135cm (4ft 5in).
This means many British families will be obliged to buy new car seats or booster cushions for their children.
They will also have to find ways of persuading children who have already stopped using them to get back into the habit.
Which children are affected?
"I expect police to use common sense, not put out major dragnets... but to appear at the school gates from time to time to give people advice"
Most children reach 135cm around the age of nine.
How do you find out what kind of seat is appropriate for your child?
Weigh your child and ask a shop assistant, or use the following guide:
A booster seat is like a booster cushion, except it has a back, and may have protection for a child's head in the case of a side impact.
The government suggests trying the seat before you buy it, to make sure it can be fixed properly in your car.
Which children are not affected?
A child over the age of 12 or more than 135cm tall, may use an adult seat belt. However, the Department for Transport recommends that children should continue using booster cushions or booster seats until they are 150cm (4ft 11in) tall.
What are the main changes from the existing law, when it comes to carrying children in cars?
Here are four of them:
Are there any exceptions to these rules?
Yes. There are three cases where a child between three and 12 years old may travel in the back of a car using no more than an adult seat belt:
In addition:
What else does the new law change?
Here are three more changes:
Who will be held responsible for violations?
The driver is responsible for violations by passengers under the age of 14 (except in taxis with fixed partitions).
Police can impose a £30 fixed penalty, but the maximum fine is £500 if it goes to court.
Will lots of fines get handed out on 18 September?
Probably not. Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman says he expects police to "use common sense" and not to set up "major dragnets". Rather, he expects officers to appear at school gates from time to time to give parents advice.
He adds: "If they are not following that advice then they [the police] may have to take action."
Why are the rules changing?
The government says that surveys show three quarters of children are wearing adult seat belts before they are tall enough to do so safely. In other words, the belt could hurt their neck or their internal organs if the car stops suddenly. Or they could slide underneath it.
The Department for Transport also points out that the existing regulations date from 1993, when rear seat belts were less common, and that the law needed to be brought up to date.
Furthermore, the government needs to bring UK laws into compliance with European Union legislation (Directive 2003/20/EC) on the use of seatbelts. It is four months late, as it should have done this in May.
What if a child refuses to use a child seat or cushion?
Mr Ladyman recognises that in some cases "there will be hell to pay". He suggests parents blame him.
Are the rules the same in all European countries?
No. For example, in the UK children above the age of three are allowed to travel in the front of a car if they use the appropriate seat or cushion and there is no danger of being hurt by the airbag. (Drivers should check with the car handbook.) In some other countries children are not allowed to travel in the front seat until they are 10 or 12.
The European directive on seatbelts sets minimum standards, which countries must observe. Some of them choose to aim higher.
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