There are soon to be changes to EU law which will affect child car seats. These laws are not expected before March 2017, so there’s no need to panic, but you need to know what's coming if you are the parent or grandparent who takes children in your car. Here are the main changes.
Currently, children need to use a car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm (4' 5") tall, whichever comes first. This is not due to change.
Booster seats
The main changes affect children who use backless booster seats. The new rules mean that only children weighing over 22kg (3 stone 6lb) and over 125cm (4' 1") tall can use backless booster seats, as opposed to currently only needing to weigh 15kg (2 stone 5lb) to use a backless booster seat.
However, to make the transition easier, parents can continue to use their existing booster seats after the new laws come in, as long as they conform to the current rules. Look out for the label attached to the booster seat to check the approved weight. All new seats bought after the implementation date (expected to be March 2017) will have the new rules printed on the label and will therefore only be legal for children who weigh over 22kg and are taller than 125cm.
Safety experts have long recommended high-backed booster seats for children up to the age of 12, as they provide much more protection in front-impact and side-impact crashes. Although the new rules don't quite go this far, they are bringing legislation more in line with the need for improved protection for older children.
Which seat does my child need?
As a child grows and puts on weight, their seat requirements will change. Initially, babies need to have a rear facing or lie-flat seat. From 9kg onwards the seating options change.
For more information on types of child seat visit ChildCarSeats.org.uk where you can see all the different types available and the applicable weight categories. Note the change on weights on backless booster seats from Feb/March this year.
When does my child not need a child seat?
There are a few occasions when children do not need a child seat. There are:
- Taxis and minicabs – travel in the back. A seat belt is required to be worn by children over three years of age, but no seat belt for children under three years.
- Coaches
- Minibus - to travel in any seating row behind the driver a seat belt is required for children over three years.
- Unexpected journey – for children of three years and older, no child seat required on unexpected, necessary or short journeys. For children under three years, unexpected journeys are only permissible if in a minicab or taxi and they are sitting on the back seat with no seat belt.
- No space for third child seat in back seats – all children under three years must use a child seat. Third seat can be in the front of the car. Children over three years can sit in the back with an adult belt.
More information can be found on the Gov.UK website.
No seat belts?
Children under three years must be in a car seat. If there are no seatbelts fitted in a car then the child can’t travel. Children over three years may travel on the back seat with no seatbelt if none are fitted.
Remember – failure to wear a seatbelt if one is fitted could land you with a £500 fine. Anyone aged 14 or over will be responsible for paying the fine themselves!
