Why has the UK law changed?

Research shows adult belts are best for people over 150cms in height. The Government surveys show that 75% of children are using adult seatbelts without the necessary booster seat. This means they are not tall enough for the belt to cross their body at the appropriate and safe place. The lap part of the belt needs to be as low as possible in order to avoid internal injuries in the event of an accident. Also straps across the neck can present obvious danger. Therefore children need to be raised or boosted from the normal seat height.

The European Union put in place new seat belt legislation (Directive 2003/20/EC) some time ago that the UK should have been brought its laws in line with. We are over 4 months late in implementing our changes to comply with this legislation, we should have completed this by May 2006.

Will there be any further changes to the law?

After May 2008 all baby and child car safety seats must at least meet UN ECE regulation 44.03, but preferably the more recent standard 44.04. From May ’08 onwards all seats must be marked with the E symbol and the numbers 44.03, 03 or 04.

Tags: The Law