Parents risk £500 fines for not fitting car seats properly

Parents are being warned they could face hefty fines if they neglect the rules around children's car seats.

Autumn is a crucial time for parents to double check key safety items such as car seats before the increase in hazardous driving conditions. It’s also when parents start to query if their car seats still fit their children after summer growth spurts.

The insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk are urging parents to check car seats are the right ones for their child’s size, they are fitted correctly and are up to code before making any journeys.

According to the government website, drivers must make sure any children in the vehicle are in the correct seat for their height and weight. Failing to properly secure a child under the age of 14 could result in a fine of £500.

Surveys have shown that not all parents are aware of the rules when it comes to their children's car seats, with 75% of parents admitting they were not aware it’s illegal for an infant to travel forward-facing.

By law, children should be in a car seat until they are 12 years old or reach 135cm tall, whichever comes first.

Parents can choose a suitable car seat according to either their child's height or weight, however, height-based seats must be rear-facing until the child is over 15 months.

To check if the seat meets the approved standards, parents should check that the label shows an ‘E’ in a circle.

If sitting in the front, airbags should be deactivated when using a rear-facing seat. The seat must then be fixed into place using either a diagonal seatbelt strap or ISOFIX anchor points.

Ian Wilson, Managing Director and car insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk said: “Coming into autumn is the perfect time for drivers to double check their safety options for the kids and have a good clear out. After a summer of road trips and sandy adventures, car seats will likely need a good hoover and a refit to ensure all is in good working order.

“Many children also have their biggest growth spurt over the summer holidays, leaving parents in two minds about their car seat and if it’s still suitable or in need of a change.

“It’s extremely important that parents make sure they have the right car seat for their child. An unsuitable seat, or one that is not secured properly, can be extremely dangerous and won’t provide the child with the right protection while they’re in the car.

“Parents can also face a hefty fine if their child is in the wrong kind of seat.

“It’s crucial to read the instructions carefully for fitting too. A suitable seat that's fitted incorrectly can be ineffective when needed most. If parents need assistance, a lot of major retailers can help show them how to fit it.”

How to choose the right car seat for your child:

Check your child's height and weight

Car seats are designed for different sizes of children, so choose a seat that is suitable for your child's current height and weight. Avoid choosing a seat based on their age.

Look for the correct safety approval

The government website states that approved car seats in the UK should show an E in a circle followed by R129 or ECE R44. This means the seat meets the relevant safety standards so be sure to double check, especially if shopping online.

Buy from a reputable retailer

To ensure your seat meets the correct requirements for the UK, always buy it from a reputable retailer. They can also help advise you on which car seats are suitable and how they should be fitted.

Make sure the seat fits in your car

A seat that you find suitable may not necessarily fit in your car. You can ask the retailer if you can try it in your car before buying or if purchasing online, check for a compatibility tool. Just make sure you can return the seat and get a full refund just in case. Seats often come with a compatibility list, particularly for ISOFIX seats, showing which car make and model they are suited to, so it's worth double checking to avoid any additional hassle.

Read the fitting instructions properly

A poorly fitted seat will not provide the protection it’s supposed to, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.

Avoid purchasing second-hand seats

Although they are often a cheaper option, second-hand seats could have been involved in an accident or could be missing crucial parts without you knowing. Instead, opt for a new seat that’s within your budget.

Maintain it regularly

Be sure to routinely clean and re-check the fit of the seat to make sure it hasn’t come loose – checking that the clasps are not hindered by toys or crumbs, affecting its performance.

Tiger.co.uk provides drivers with the tools they need to find savings on all sorts of essentials such as breakdown cover and car insurance.