Industry News from Yes Insurance

New laws regarding child safety in vehicles are not properly understood by many drivers, according to campaigners.

The laws will be enforced from September 18th, meaning children up to 12 or 13 years old will have to wear a child restraint. The age is dependent on height, with youngsters below 1.35 metres tall having to put on a restraint.

The laws also state that if a car has an active passenger-side airbag, it will be illegal to have a backward-facing child restraint on the front seat.

The confusion over the new rules is causing concern for many who fear they will be penalised for breaking the law, which could affect their car insurance premiums.

"I would hope as the introductory date gets closer there will be more television adverts to publicise the changes," says Sue Nicholson, campaigns director for the RAC.

"Also I would like to think the police take an advisory approach to take into account the need for people to get used to the changes."

There will be some exceptions to the rules, for instance when travelling in a taxi which may not have the appropriate equipment.

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