Drivers found in breach of new regulations on the compulsory wearing of safety belts for children could face fines of up to €2,000.
The new regulations follow on from an EU Directive which recognises the right of children to be properly protected when travelling in motor vehicles. The directive was transposed into Irish law in May.
To highlight the new regulations the Road Safety Authority (RSA) today launched a public awareness campaign, "No Child Car Seat, No Excuse".
According to the RSA 59 children under the age of 16 were killed in road collisions between 1996 and 2003, where safety restraints were not in use.
Under the new regulations all children (generally up to the age of 12) must be placed in an appropriate child restraint when travelling by car.
Children under 3 years of age may not travel in a car (other than a taxi) unless restrained in an appropriate child restraint.
Children over 3 years of age, who are under 150cm in height and weighing less than 36 kilograms, must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in cars fitted with safety belts.
Rear-facing child restraints cannot be used in seats with an active frontal air-bag.
"Children are particularly vulnerable to serious injury in collisions unless restrained in properly installed child restraint systems that are suitable for their age and size," the Minister for Transport Martin Cullen said at the launch.
"I urge all parents and guardians to ensure that their children are using the proper child restraint for their age and size", he added.