What to remember when using child restraints
Choose a child restraint appropriate to your child’s height and weight.
Use the child restraint for every journey, no matter how short.
Choose a seat that:
• bears an E mark (meaning that it meets United Nations Standard ECE Regulation 129),
suits the child’s weight and height, and
is suitable for the type of car it’s being used in.
There are so many advantages to buying a child car seat brand new, including knowing its history and being confident that there is no damage or missing parts.
Fit the child seat correctly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and seek advice from an expert if you’re unsure.
It is safer to fit the seat in the back seat of your car.
It is recommended that you buy a child car seat from a retailer who has signed up to the RSA Code of Practice. The Code of Practice was introduced to ensure that best practice is achieved when parents or guardians are buying a child restraint system. More information on the Code of Practice and retailers who have signed up can be found at www.rsa.ie/road-safety/road-users/passengers/ children/child-seats.
Make sure the child car seat suits your child and can be fitted safely in your car.
It is also recommended that you have the fitting of your child car seat checked regularly. The RSA provides a free child car seat checking service, so please visit www.checkitfits.ie for more information about when the service will be in your area.
If you have any concerns regarding the safety of your child while driving, please contact the RSA Check It Fits service by logging on to www.rsa.ie/checkitfits or by phoning 096 25000.
Restraints for passengers under 17
By law, the driver of a passenger car or goods vehicle must ensure passengers under 17 years of age wear a safety belt or an appropriate child restraint. You may receive up to 5 penalty points if your passengers in this age group are not belted or restrained. If you would like more information, you can get a booklet website for more details, www.rsa.ie.