A £2,500 fine for a little-known child seat rule that many drivers break

Before leaving for the trip, parents make sure that their children are secured in the car tightly enough, that the seat is securely fastened and that they feel comfortable. Almost all safety seats are placed in the Isofix opening, which are typically on the left and right of the back seat.

But vehicle finance company Select Car Leasing has warned drivers to ensure younger passengers use the correct seats to avoid expensive fines.

With the summer holidays in full swing, many families are preparing to travel long distances in their cars to see loved ones or go on holiday trips.

However, Graham Conway said drivers should check where they can put child seats in their vehicles, with one location providing a safe place for youngsters.

He advised: “Just don’t assume that putting your child in the middle seat is a general rule, as not all vehicles are suitable for middle mounting, or you may have multiple car seats to install, so always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for compatibility. .

“If the middle seat is not an option due to a seat belt or lack of space, the next best place is the rear side seats.”

If possible, Select Car Leasing pointed out that the middle position in the back seat is the safest place for children, as they are less likely to be hurt in a crash.

However, the company advised drivers not to place young passengers there if the vehicle does not have ISOFIX points, which are used to attach a child seat to the vehicle.

If a driver fails to secure a child seat in use, they can be charged with failing to secure a young passenger, which could result in a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on their licence.

Graham also recommended that motorists should consider the type of seat carefully. It is better for young passengers to use a rear-facing car seat if it meets the weight and height restrictions set by the vehicle manufacturer.

He continued: “For infants and toddlers, rear-facing seats offer the best protection and should be used for as long as possible based on the car seat manufacturer’s weight and height restrictions – usually around 15 months of age.

“Make sure the car seat is installed at the right angle to prevent the child’s head from tilting forward.”

Finally, Graham stressed that older children should use a conventional forward-facing seat, but drivers still need to make sure the seat belt is in the correct position.

He added: “Children who grow out of a rear-facing seat can move to a forward-facing seat with a harness for the rear seats, while older children who wear a seat belt should always sit in the back seat.

“The vehicle’s seat belt should fit properly over the child’s shoulder and chest, and the lap belt should be flat over the thighs, not over the stomach.”