If you’ve ever been unsure about car seat laws, you’re definitely not alone. According to new research from Halfords, half of UK parents admit they’re unclear on the rules, and a surprising number say their child doesn’t always travel in a car seat at all. Even more concerning is that nearly one in five parents with babies under 15 months are unknowingly breaking the law by using a forward-facing seat, which is illegal under UK regulations for that age group.
By law, children must use a car seat until they turn 12 or reach 135cm in height, whichever comes first. Babies under 15 months must be placed in a rear-facing seat. But despite these clear legal requirements, awareness is seriously lacking. The research found that 75% of parents didn’t realise it’s illegal to put a baby in a forward-facing seat, and 80% didn’t know it’s also against the law for a child to travel without a car seat entirely.
The real-world statistics are even more worrying. Around 16% of parents said their baby usually travels in a forward-facing seat. Another 16% said their child’s car seat is fitted in the front seat, which isn’t illegal, but is strongly advised against for safety reasons. Shockingly, 3% of parents admitted their baby usually travels without a car seat at all, often held in someone’s arms.
So, why is this happening? Most parents want to keep their children safe but are overwhelmed by complicated and changing rules as their child gets older. The study found that one in four parents said they held their newborn in their arms on the way home from the hospital, despite this being a major safety risk. Over 40% of parents with children under 12 said their child doesn’t always use a car seat, even though it’s legally required.
When asked why, parents gave a range of reasons. Around 32% said they hadn’t replaced an old car seat after their child outgrew it. Others assumed it was okay to skip the seat on short trips or in taxis, with 22% citing practicality as a barrier. Meanwhile, 26% thought it was fine for their child to sit on their lap, and 25% didn’t realise a car seat was still needed at their child’s age.
Things get even more complicated when travelling abroad. A quarter of parents admitted they’re less likely to use a car seat while overseas. Many said it’s harder to find or rent one at their destination (38%) or too difficult to bring their own (33%). Others simply didn’t know the local laws (24%). Alarmingly, 22% confessed to holding their child in their arms during car transfers or taxi rides abroad, something they wouldn’t dream of doing at home. What many parents don’t realise is that most airlines allow you to check in a car seat for free, making it easier than expected to travel safely.
To help parents navigate this confusing space, Halfords is offering free in-store demonstrations to show how to properly fit a car seat. The goal isn’t to shame parents but to support them with practical help. “This isn’t about catching parents out – we know the vast majority want to do the right thing, but they’re overwhelmed by confusing laws and mixed messages," said Halfords CEO Henry Birch. “Our job at Halfords is to make car seat safety simple, not scary – so parents feel confident every step of the way, not just at the newborn stage."
Whether you're a first-time parent or already navigating booster seats, understanding the law and how to apply it is one of the most important things you can do to keep your child safe on the road.
