Kids in cars

meadowhog · Post by **meadowhog** » Fri Jun 01, 2012 10:38 pm

This has probably been covered before but I found this in a Government site

If your vehicle has no seat belts

You can't carry any children under three years old in vehicles without seatbelts, like classic cars. If you're travelling with children over three years old, they must only sit in the back seats.
AND
Do the rules apply in cars not fitted with seatbelts?
Children under 3 must use the appropriate child restraint in all cases - there is no exemption for
them in vehicles with no seatbelts in the rear, such as classic cars. However, children 3 years to
135 cms height may be carried in the rear of vehicles without restraints but they can only go in the
front if they use the correct child seat or booster.

If I have two kids both over 3, does that mean I can put one in the +2 seat without restraint? My guess is yes as it states but has anyone any experience of this?

gtsmrt · Post by **gtsmrt** » Fri Jun 01, 2012 11:22 pm

Meadowhog,

Is this a serious question? While the regulations have changed since the sixties, and even if there are exceptions with certain cars there is no way children 3+ should ever be unrestrained. Common sense has to prevail and we as parents need to ensure our children's safety... No ifs or buts!!

meadowhog · Post by **meadowhog** » Fri Jun 01, 2012 11:48 pm

Im not after your opinion. Has anyone had experience with this, I have my reasons.

gtsmrt · Post by **gtsmrt** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 4:37 am

meadowhog wrote:Im not after your opinion. Has anyone had experience with this, I have my reasons.

If you read the document it is perfectly clear or is that my opinion. It also states, it is the Driver's responsibility to ensure the child is sufficiently restrained.

meadowhog · Post by **meadowhog** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 6:33 pm

Jesus Robin, do you think everyones stupid that doesn't see it your way!

martin172 · Post by **martin172** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 6:46 pm

I have no experience to offer but the rules do seem a bit odd.

What is it you have in mind?

meadowhog · Post by **meadowhog** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:40 pm

Well, just about convinced the better half to buy a Classic. Moneys OK but practicality is a little sticky. She knows Im going to buy one, so this is more of a sweetener. My choice is between a Tiger and a SI/II. The original Alpine I just think is a prettier car but quite often has no seat belts at all.

Getting a car seat in over the rear trans tunnel can be done but thats only for really young kids. It maybe impossible but for shortish journeys is there a way of safely getting two small kids and two adults in the car. Belts etc would need fitting.

I havent got a problem with very short journeys dropping or picking the kids up without a restraint but do the boys in blue see that as illegal? The law seems to be clear but it does seem a bit strange to me too.

martin172 · Post by **martin172** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:10 pm

First of all you need to find out if the car is classed as a 2 or 4 seater. The Police and your insurance company won't be happy if it is only 2.

A trip to the local DVLA office may be helpful with this question and the laws regarding belts.

Tomaselli · Post by **Tomaselli** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:51 pm

Longstanding members put their kids in the back....

gtsmrt · Post by **gtsmrt** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 11:30 pm

meadowhog wrote:Jesus Robin, do you think everyones stupid that doesn't see it your way!

I don't think everyone is stupid... your children, do as you wish in a car built for two!! Like I said it's the drivers responsibility. I really don't care what you do.

Robin.

gtsmrt · Post by **gtsmrt** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 11:35 pm

Tomaselli wrote:Longstanding members put their kids in the back....

Hi Tony,

I've even heard of a baby in a capsule being put on the rear shelf!!