Child Car Seats

What is the law on child car seats?

In the UK, it is a legal requirement for all children under 135cm tall or 12 years old (whichever comes first) to use an appropriate child car seat when travelling in a car or other vehicle. The seat must be suitable for the child's weight, height and age, and must be EU-approved with a label confirming this.

There are different types of child car seats available, including rear-facing seats for babies, forward-facing seats for toddlers, and booster seats for older children. It is important to choose the right seat for your child to ensure maximum safety.

Parents and carers who do not comply with the law regarding child car seats can face fines of up to £500. It is also important to note that using a seatbelt alone is not suitable for children under 135cm tall, as it does not provide adequate protection.

At the RAC Shop, we offer a wide range of child car seats that are fully compliant with UK law and provide the highest level of safety for your child. If you're unsure which seat is right for your child, our team of experts is on hand to offer advice and guidance.

How to dispose of child car seats

When it's time to say goodbye to your child's old car seat, it's important to dispose of it properly to ensure it doesn't end up in landfill and cause unnecessary harm to the environment. Here are some tips on how to dispose of your child's car seat:

1. Check with your local authority: Many local authorities offer recycling schemes for old car seats. Check with your local council to see if they have any specific instructions for disposing of child car seats.

2. Contact the manufacturer: Some car seat manufacturers offer recycling programmes for their products. Get in touch with the manufacturer to see if they can take your old car seat off your hands.

3. Donate or sell: If your child's car seat is still in good condition and hasn't been involved in an accident, you may be able to donate it to a local charity or sell it to someone in need. Make sure to check the seat's expiration date and ensure it hasn't been damaged before donating or selling it.

4. Disassemble: If you can't find a way to recycle or donate the car seat, disassemble it to separate the plastic and metal parts. This will make it easier to recycle or dispose of the different materials separately.

It's important to note that you should never leave an old car seat on the side of the road or put it in your regular household waste. By taking the time to dispose of your child's car seat responsibly, you can help reduce waste and protect the environment.