Seat Belts

[tearinghair]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this...

The back seat of my car has two seatbelts, but there is room for three small people in the back. I think the law says that for cars which do not have seat belts fitted there is exemption; what is the situation if there is no third belt? I need to drive with three children (13, 12, and 9) in the back, just a few miles. I'm not happy about it, but I can't find my way through the various regulations online. Unfortunately there is no simple way round the particular transport situation.
Would be grateful for some advice.

[EDDIE51]

If it has just 2 rear seat belts then it is 4 seater car ( 2 in front,2 in back)
It is not legal to carry 3 in the back even 3 children. You could have 2 in the back and one ( the 13 year old preferably ) in the front passenger seat.
Other wise you need to do 2 runs.

[Buenchico]

The 9yo child must use the correct child car seat (which, in practice, means a booster seat or cushion, conforming to the regulations, in conjunction with an adult seatbelt). One of the other children must use the second seatbelt. The third child can (legally) remain unrestrained but it would still be highly inadvisable.
http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/the-law/cars-taxis-private-hire-vehicles-vans-and-goods-vehicles/

If it's only a few miles (and therefore, presumably, a fairly quick journey) it would make more sense to take the adult (whom I assume will be occupying the front passenger seat) and the 9yo (using a proper booster cushion) in one journey and to take the 12yo & 13yo in a separate journey. (The order that you do those journeys being determined by which end of the journey is the best place to leave the 12yo & 13yo alone for a short while).

[EDDIE51]

^^ Chris that link says it is OK for a taxi or private hire car , not a private car. I knew there was an exception for taxis , it is still illegal for a private car.
tearinghair the exemption for cars that do not have seat belts fitted only applies to vintage cars that were made before the seat belt law came into force ( pre 1963 I think)

[Buenchico]

Quote (for Eddie):
"Children over 1.35 metres tall, or who are 12 or 13 years old . . .
In the Rear Seat:
The adult seat belt MUST be worn if available"

[EDDIE51]

^ I still think that a car with just 2 rear seat belts is designed for just 2 rear seat passengers, I would not risk it. I can see the insurance refusing to pay out and voiding the policy if you had a accident with 3 passengers in a seat intended for 2.

[Buenchico]

Either way, Eddie, two trips would still be far better!

[EDDIE51]

Or a taxi !

[Buenchico]

Good thinking, Batman!
;-)

[tearinghair]

Thanks, everyone. The two journey idea isn't really practicable. I was going to be helping out a friend, so it's not my decision about a taxi, but I think I'm going to have to say no.

[Old_Geezer]

Just put the one you're not so keen on, in the middle.

[cassa333]

LoL Old-Geezer

[aelmpvw]

or the boot ...