Expert reveals where to place child car seats to avoid fines

These ensure kids are securely fastened when travelling in a motor and have been credited with saving thousands of lives.

However, where to place these in a car is something not everybody knows about, leaving many open to hefty fines.

Luckily, Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing has shared some advice.

Child seats are typically placed in the middle and rear of the car (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Who needs to use a booster seat while travelling by car?

Children are required, by law, to use a booster seat in the car until the age of 12 or when they are 135 centimetres tall - whichever comes first.

Expert reveals the best car seat placement to avoid heft fines

Most cars are fitted with International Standard Organization Fix (ISOFIX), a system designed in 1999 to allow parents to easily secure a child seat.

In the UK, all new vehicles manufactured after February 2013 are required to have this system in place.

With ISOFIX, the best position for a child car seat is in the middle and rear of the vehicle. This is generally considered safer as it's the furthest from any potential impact.

Advising parents on what to do if the middle seat is not an option, Graham Conway said: "Don't just assume it's a universal rule to put your child in the middle seat as not all vehicles are suitable for centre installation, or you may have multiple car seats to install, so always check your vehicle owner's manual for compatibility. 

"If the middle seat is not an option due to a lack of seat belts or space, the next best location is the rear side seats. 

"Ensure the car seat is installed properly using the ISOFIX system or the vehicle's seat belt. Visual indicators should show you the seat fits correctly. 

Sometimes car seats cannot be placed in the middle rear of the vehicle (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Recommended Reading: 

What is the law around child car seats in the UK for those under 12?

Mr Conway adds: "For infants and young children, rear-facing seats provide the best protection and should be used for as long as possible, based on the car seat manufacturer's weight and height limits – normally around 15 months old. 

"Ensure the car seat is installed at the correct angle to prevent the child's head from flopping forward. 

"Children who outgrow the rear-facing seat can transition to a forward-facing seat with a harness installed in the rear seats, while older children using booster seats should always sit in the rear seats. 

"The vehicle's seat belt should fit properly across the child's shoulder and chest, and the lap belt should lie flat across the upper thighs, not the stomach." 

Failing to place a child seat in the correct place can land parents fines of up to £500.