The laws on child car seats are undergoing a change later this year and drivers are being warned to take notice ahead of it read more
New rules for child car seats
The laws on child car seats are undergoing a change later this year and drivers are being warned to take notice ahead of it.
Stricter rules will limit the use of backless booster seats to older children. Backless booster seats will only be approved for children taller than 125cm and weighing more than 22kg.
As they stand, the rules on child car seats state that children weighing as little as 15kg can travel in backless booster seats. However, experts are suggesting that these seats are not suitable for young children.
They see that the seats don't offer enough protection for small children, as the adult seat belt isn't secured across their body in the safest way. The backless booster seat also doesn't offer protection in a side-impact crash.
It's expected that the new child car seats regulations will come into action in December 2016. The new laws will only apply to new products on the market, meaning any booster seats now will not be breaking the rules but are still not being recommended for efficient protection.
It is mandatory for all children under the age of 12 or under 135cm tall to use a child car seat or booster seat.
There are currently two options when choosing a child seat and they are based on either weight or height. The two standards available are the newer i-Size standard and the ECE R 44/04 standard.
Height-based i-Sizes come in different height limits, meaning parents have to pick the correct size for their child. When using the i-Size standards, children under 15 months should be placed in a rear-facing position.
ECE R 440/04 seats are based on the weight of the child. If the child weighs over 9kg or is 15 months old then the type of seat depends on their weight.
Children can only travel in cars if the child car seat has been fixed via a seatbelt with a diagonal strap. However, there is an exception if the child car seat has been specifically designed to work with a lap seatbelt, or if both the car and child car seat come fitted with ISOFIX anchor points which let child car seats clip in without the need for a seatbelt to secure them.
Children over the age of 3 can travel without a car seat if the journey is short, unexpected and necessary.
