SAFE and sound? It’s worth keeping abreast of the latest changes to the law regarding child seats. is your guide.

Somehow, amid the acres of coverage afforded to the X-Factor and Love Island, some serious news seems to have slipped under the public radar.

If you routinely drive around with kids in the car, you’ll need to know that, as of September 18, 2006, having them belted in with normal adult seat belts could well be illegal.

The police will have powers to stop and issue a fixed penalty notice and, if the case comes to court, fine you up to £500 for such an offence.

This law isn’t as straightforward as that applied to adults and it’s worth taking the time to figure out if you’re in the clear or not. After all, it’s your kids’ safety you’re putting at risk.

The legislation can be broken down into three key areas.

FOR CHILDREN UP TO THREE:

Children must use the correct child restraint in front and rear seats.

In a taxi, if a child restraint isn’t available, the child may travel unrestrained in the rear. This is the only exemption.

Otherwise it’s the driver’s responsibility to ensure the child is correctly restrained.

'Child restraint' is the legalese term for baby seats, child seats, booster seats and booster cushions.

Modern child restraints are designed for specific weight ranges of child. They have to be marked with a label (showing an E and 44.03 or .03) and the group number, or weight range of child for which it is designed.

Propping junior on a rolled-up dog blanket won’t cut it.

FOR CHILDREN OVER THREE AND UP TO 1.35M IN HEIGHT, OR AGE 12:

Children must use the correct child restraints but there’s a little more wiggle room in the legislation.

The exemptions are if the child is in a taxi; or travelling a short distance for reason of unexpected necessity; or if there are two occupied child restraints in the rear which prevent the fitment of a third.

In addition, a child aged three or over may travel unrestrained in the back of a car if seat belts are not available although this would seem to verge on the irresponsible.

FOR CHILDREN OVER 1.35M IN HEIGHT, OR WHO ARE 12 OR 13 YEARS OLD:

Adult seat belts must be worn if available. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the child is properly restrained.

Other changes to the law regarding carrying children have also come into force.

It’s now illegal to use a rearward facing child restraint in a vehicle seat which is protected by a front air bag.

Many child seats are designed to span a range of ages and sizes safely.

Ignore the rules and you’re not just risking an appearance before the local magistrate. Your selfishness or laziness could cost your family a whole lot more.