Law exception - Short journeys

"It is OK for your child to not use a car seat on short journeys" - FACT or MYTH?

MYTH!

This is perhaps one of the most commonly misunderstood exceptions to the law, and the one most often misused.

What does The Law say?

The law states that a child over the age of 3 may travel without a child restraint, on short journeys of unexpected necessity.  The child must use the adult seat belt.

What is unexpected necessity?

• An essential trip that you had no prior notice of.

• When the child may be at risk, if they do not travel.

• Emergency, unplanned trips to A&E/Doctors/Out of Hours Surgeries where no car seat is available.

What sort of journeys are not acceptable uses of this exception?

• Catching a lift with a friend/relative to save walking.

• A pre-planned appointment.

• Trips that could be reasonably pre-planned (like a school run, or looking after friends/relatives children).

• Long distances.

• Children under 3 years of age.

Has this law exception for short journeys ever confused you?

Read our blog on the other car seat law exceptions.