Is your child safe? New Car Seat Regulations Enforced February 2017

08 November 2017

In February 2017 changes were made to the regulations for manufacturers preventing them from introducing new backless booster seats for children shorter than 125cm or weighing less than 22kg

What if my child already uses a backless car seat? Is it safe?

The change doesn’t mean that backless car seats are unsafe or that you have to go out and buy a high backed car seat if your child is already currently using one. The shops are allowed to stock booster seats (if approved under the old law) provided they have been manufactured prior to the law change.

However, choosing a high backed car seat can offer more protection in a side impact crash, therefore we would urge parents to consider this point seriously.

Which? child car seat expert Lisa Galliers says ‘It’s better to use a backless booster seat than no child car seat at all, but if you currently use one we’d advise you to change it for a high-backed booster seat as soon as possible, especially if you’re travelling long distances.’

Here at Curtis Law we are all too aware of the serious consequences which can arise from a Road Traffic Accident and therefore it is important to ensure the protection of children whenever possible and to keep up to date with current regulations.

Should you require any assistance following an accident please contact Curtis Laws’ expert Road Traffic Accident Team on 01254 297130

Please see below for the current Guidelines for Car Seats

Current Guidelines for further information please visit https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules)

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

*https://www.which.co.uk/news/2014/04/which-warning-ditch-unsafe-backless-booster-seats-363271/