New regulations governing the way children are carried in cars came into force on September 18th 2006. The law will require all children to be carried in child restraints appropriate for their size, with very few exceptions (see below). Any child aged between 3 and 11 years, but less than 135cm in height, must be secured in an appropriate restraint – these being baby and toddler car seats, booster seats and cushions. Children over 135cms in height may use an adult belt. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure appropriate restraints are used.

Exemptions to the law are:

- In licensed taxis or hire cars if an appropriate child restraint is not available
- For a child aged 3 and over who, because of an ‘unexpected necessity’, is travelling over a short distance in a car or light goods vehicle where there is no appropriate child restraint (this exemption does not cover school runs and regular short journeys)
- For a child aged 3 or over travelling in the rear of a vehicle with two other children on child restraints where there is no room for an additional child restraint
- For a disabled child who needs to use a disabled seat belt where none is available


Click here for more information on the new law.

Urchin sells a wide range of children's car seats and boosters suitable for children of all ages. Our Maxi-Cosi range of car seats consistently come top in independent tests and many of them now have IsoFix compatibility, offering unmatched peace of mind and safety.

Our Customer Services team have all undergone rigorous training on Maxi-Cosi car seats and IsoFix, and are ready to answer any questions you may have. Contact our Customer Service team to find out more.