Do you know what the UK child seat laws are?
UK child seat laws have been in place for some time now but in simple terms, the law states that children need to use a child seat until they are over the age of 12 or over 135cm tall (whichever comes first), after that they must wear a seat belt.
However, did you know that the law was amended in March 2017 to update the rules taking into account new concerns for child seat safety? It is important that you are aware of the most up-to-date child seat legislation to select the correct seat for your child. If you fall foul of the law you risk a £500 fine but more importantly you are risking your child’s safety.
Recent Safeguarding Practice Reviews conducted in Dorset where children have died as a result of a road traffic accident have highlighted the lack of awareness of the child seat law and the correct child seat requirements, depending on the child’s size and weight
What did the law change?
Until March 2017, children weighing as little as 15kg could use a backless booster seat, but the law was changed because of concerns over safety.
Now, all new backless booster seats CAN ONLY only be used for children weighing more than 22kg or are taller than 125cm. Currently, only seats approved by the EU are legal to use in the UK, but this could change after the UK leaves the EU and new rules come into play.
What were the concerns about backless booster seats?
Experts argued that backless booster seats are not secure enough and offer very little protection for children in the result of a collision.
What kind of car seats can I choose from?
You can choose a child seat based on either your child’s weight or height, whichever you think is right for you.
-
Height-based seats
These are known as ‘i-Size’ seats. They must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. After 15 months the child’s neck will be stronger making it safe for them to face forward on car journeys.
You must check the seat to make sure it’s suitable for the height of your child.
Currently, these need to be EU-approved and will display a capital ‘E’ and the code ‘R129’.
- Weight-based child seats
Different seats are available based on the weight of your child. These different seats are created to restrain your child in the safest way for their weight. Currently, these need to be EU-approved and will display a capital ‘E’ and the code ‘ECE R44’.
You may be able to choose from more than one type of seat in the group for your child’s weight.
| Child’s weight | Group | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 0kg to 10kg | 0 | Lie-flat or ‘lateral’ baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat using a harness |
| 0kg to 13kg | 0+ | Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness |
| 9kg to 18kg | 1 | Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield |
| 15kg to 25kg | 2 | Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield |
| 22kg to 36kg | 3 | Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield |
Manufacturers can now only make booster cushions approved as group 3. This won’t affect any existing booster cushions in group 2 and you’ll still be able to use them.
Are their any circumstances when my child can travel without a child seat?
Outside of the standard rules, there are a few exceptions of when your child can travel without a child seat although ideally :
- Your child can travel in a minibus or coach without a child seat but must use rear seats of a minibus if an adult seat belt is not fitted. Children over three must wear a seat belt if the driver cannot provide the correct child seat, they are not fitted or deemed unsuitable.
- They can also travel in a minicab or taxi without using a child seat, but, must wear a seat belt, if over the age of three and if the driver doesn’t provide the correct child seat. They must travel in the rear during travel. If your child is under the age of three, they should travel without a seat belt.
- Children three or older can also use a seat belt for unexpected short journeys.
These rules also apply for children with disabilities and other medical condition but you will need an exemption certificate issued by a doctor.
What do I need to know about fitting a child seat?
Of course, all of this becomes irrelevant if a child seat is not fitted properly. Make sure that your chosen car seat is compatible with your vehicle and if you are fitting a rear-facing child seat in the front seat you must deactivate the airbags. You must never fit a child seat on any side-facing seats.
Unless the seat is specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt or fitted using ISOFIX anchor points you must only fit a seat if your car’s seat has a diagonal strap.
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Click on the picture to watch video guides on how to fit a baby car seat or child car seat
It is best to purchase from well-known and respected high street stores rather than unknown retailers online. This will increase your chances of buying a quality and legal child seat. The same applies for secondhand child seats. You might think you are getting a bargain but does the seat meet current EU approval, do you know what the seat has been used for and has there been previous damage to the seat.
The above is a simple run-down of everything you need to know to keep on top of child seat safety. However, we would recommended that you check the law again each time you need to make a new child seat purchase and look at new safety guidelines to ensure your child has the safest journey possible.
Additional resources:
NHS – Choosing a Baby Car Seat [2]
Child Car Seats – The Rules [3]
Fitting a child car seat – ROSPA [4]