Why did the rules change?

These changes update regulations dating back to 1993, when many more cars on the road than now, did not have rear seat belts. The old rules are generally to use child seats and boosters 'if they are available'. The vast majority of cars now have rear seat belts, therefore parents can benefit by always using child seats and boosters.

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What are the penalties for non-compliance?

A £30 fixed penalty notice. If a case goes to court, the maximum fine is £500 (Penalty points are not applicable). In 2004, there were some 200,000 fixed penalties issued by the police.

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How do I know which child car seat best suits my needs?

Our range of child car seat products take into account the limited seating space available in most Porsche models. We are specific on what to fit in your car depending on the age range required. As a guide, the best child seat is one that is right for the weight and size for your child, and has the correct fitment for the car.

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I have a newish Porsche, what are ISOFix fittings?

ISOFix anchorage points are installed in all newer Porsches such as the Cayenne, Cayman, 911 / 997 Carrera and late model Boxster & 996 Carrera's. The main advantage is that they allow a child restraint to be secured safely to the main structure of the car, helping to minimise the risk of poor or incorrect seat installation. These permanent fixtures in each seat position mean that ISOFix compatible child restraints with ISOFix fittings are able to be fitted and released very easily without needing to use adult seat belts.

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What if I have an older model Porsche, say pre 2002?

The Porscheshop have been supplying seat belts & child seats to Porsche customers for over 14 years. This is well before ISOfix was made available by the manufacturers. Therefore, most of our product range is designed to also fit pre-ISOfix cars. Before choosing a child seat you will need to ensure you already have seat belts in place as all of our products require the use of seat belts. If you require, or need to replace your existing seat belts, then we have these available in stock via the link at the bottom of this page.

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I need to get a child seat/booster seat or cushion now. How do I choose the right one and how much will it cost?

• Age 9-12 months (0-13kgs) - A rearward-facing seat which can be used in the front or rear of the car (Front mounting with air bag de-activated).
• Age 9 months to 4 years (9-18kgs) - A forward-facing seat which can be used in the front or rear of the car (Front mounting with air bag de-activated).
• Age 4 to 12 years (15-25kgs or upwards to 36 kgs) - A forward-facing seat or booster which can be used in the front or rear of the car. The booster seat lifts the child and positions the adult lap and diagonal seat belt correctly (Front mounting with air bag de-activated).

A link to the child seat and booster seat costs is available at the bottom of this page.

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Can second-hand child seats and boosters be used?

Beware of second-hand child seats! Check that is it up-to-date (UN ECE 44.03 or later standard)? Does it have the correct fittings and instructions? Has it been in a crash already? These are the questions you need to check first!

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Can I use a forward facing child seat or booster in a seat fitted with a passenger air-bag?

If your Car is newer than 1993 the chances are it will be fitted with passenger air bags. If this is the case and you wish to transport a child in the front seat then you must use seats that are compatible with our "Air Bag Deactivation Device" (Please call for details).

In these cases we strongly recommend that you telephone us for advice before making a purchase - for instance with a Porsche Boxster there is only the front seat available.

A point also worth noting is that children, and adults for that matter, should not sit too close to an active frontal air-bag. We would suggest that the car seat be as far back as possible from an air-bag during transportation.

If your car is pre 1993 it is unlikely to have passenger air bag devices so the use of a forward facing child seat or booster seat in the front seat of your car will only be restricted by the mandatory safety laws of your country. However it is advised that you check for devices first before doing so!

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Why can't I use a rear-facing baby seat in a seat protected by an active frontal air-bag?

Air-bags are powerful safety devices. A rear-facing baby seat could be hit by a frontal or side air-bag if it deployed - and could be thrown up and towards the rear of the vehicle. This means that the baby seat and child could be completely unrestrained during a crash!!

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What if there are no seat belts in the rear of my Porsche?

Children under 3 yrs old must use the correct baby seat or child seat so they would need to be traveling in the front, in the correct child restraint. Children aged 3 yrs and up to 135cms in height must use child seats or boosters in the rear where seat belts are fitted.

The law is not going to make people fit seat belts in the rear of their vehicles where they do not already have them, however we strongly recommend that you do so as all of our products are designed to be used with safety belts and it is never safe for children to travel unrestrained.

All UK spec Porsches dating from April 1987 should have rear seat belts fitted as standard. All Porsche's dating back to before 1970 will have pre threaded seat belt anchorage points behind the interior trim (if they don't already have seat belts).

All of Porscheshop's rear seat belt kits come with the required hardware to fit the Porsche anchoring points so fitting is made easy, and these are also listed on the same website page as our child seat range.

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