Drivers in Powys could be prosecuted if a child under fourteen does not wear a seatbelt or child restraint as required, Powys County Council is warning.
The council's Road Safety Unit wants drivers to make sure their young passengers are always wearing a seatbelt or child restraint.
A child can use an adult belt when they reach 135cm or their 12th birthday, whichever comes first.
Children up to 135cms tall must use the correct child restraint for their weight and height when travelling in the front or back seat of any car, van or goods vehicle. A baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion are classed as child restraints.
Sarah Morris, the council's Senior Road Safety Officer, said: "Child restraints are divided into categories according to the weight of the children for which they are suitable.
"These correspond broadly to different age groups but it is the weight of the child that is most important when deciding what type of restraint to use. It is illegal to use a rear facing child seat in the front of the car with an active airbag."
Cllr Geraint Hopkins, Board Member for Road Safety, said: "Every year around 100,000 children in the UK are involved in collisions and the fitting of their car seat can have a serious impact on whether or not they are injured. Baby and child car seats may only help to protect a child if they are used correctly.
"Unless it is the correct model for your vehicle and child's weight and size and is fitted correctly, it will not offer the full protection that your child's life requires. Officers from the Road Safety Unit are available to give you advice on choosing the correct car seat for your child and are also available to help you fit the seat correctly."
For more information contact the Road Safety Unit on 0845 602 7035 or 01597 827 465 or email road.safety@powys.gov.uk
Alternatively visit www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk or www.rospa.com