Police in Derbyshire are urging drivers to make sure they are aware of the legal child car seat requirements.

The plea from Derbyshire Constabulary came during a week of action, where the force is making seatbelt checks in various locations across the county.

Roads policing officer Sergeant Priddle said: “Road traffic collisions can have devastating consequences, and are often the hardest calls we have as officers each day.

“Wearing a seatbelt, or having the correct child seat installed, can be the difference between life and death.

“Please take the time to ensure that everyone in your vehicle is safe should the worst happen – even on short trips.”

What are the rules regarding child car seats?

Children must normally use a car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first. After this, they must wear a seat belt.

There are different types of seats – height-based and weight-based.

Drivers must make sure that children are in the correct car seat for their height or weight, or wearing a seat belt if they are over 12 years old or 135cm tall.

Drivers can be fined up to £500 if a child under 14 is not in the correct car seat or wearing a seatbelt.

What are height-based seats?

The government says: “Height-based seats are known as ‘i-Size’ seats. They must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old.

“Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat then they’re over 15 months old.

“You must check the seat to make sure it’s suitable for the height of your child.”

What are weight-based seats?

Weight-based seats vary depending on how much a child weighs and are listed by group.

The different groups and weights is as follows:

Group 0 – 0kg to 10kg – Life flat or ‘lateral’ baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness

Group 0+ – 0kg to 13kg – Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness

Group 1 – 9kg to 18kg – Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield

Group 2 – 15kg to 25kg – Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield

Group 3 – 22kg to 36kg – Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield

All of the rules regarding child car seats – including any exceptions – were correct at the time of publishing and can by found here.

Picture credit – PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay