Are you struggling to get to grips with the latest laws surrounding booster seats? You’re certainly not alone, as thousands of parents are still confused by the changes made to UK child car seat laws in 2017.
Here’s everything you need to know about child car seat regulations, backless booster cushions, seat belts, and the penalties for failing to comply — helping to keep your child safe while avoiding unnecessary fines.
What Are the Current Car Seat Laws?
The law regarding booster seats changed on 1 March 2017. UK law states that all children travelling in the front or rear seat of any car, van, or goods vehicle must use the correct child car seat until they are either:
- 135cm tall, or
- 12 years old
Whichever comes first.
After this point, children must wear an adult seat belt.
Height-Based Car Seats
You can choose a child car seat based on either your child’s height or weight.
Height-based seats, also known as ‘i-Size’ seats, must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. Before purchasing or using a height-based seat, always check that it is suitable for your child’s height.
Weight-Based Car Seats
Weight-based seats depend on your child’s weight and determine how they should be restrained within the seat.
For children weighing more than 36kg (approximately 5 stone 10 pounds) but who are still under 150cm tall, it’s generally best to choose a seat based on height rather than weight.
Under the 2017 regulations, manufacturers are no longer allowed to introduce new models of backless booster seats for children who are:
- shorter than 135cm, or
- weighing less than 22kg (around 3 stone)
This change was introduced because backless booster seats provide less protection during a collision compared to high-backed booster seats.
However, these changes do not affect existing backless booster seats already in use. They only apply to newly manufactured products.
Remember, only EU-approved child car seats can legally be used in the UK.
Are There Any Exceptions?
There are a small number of exceptions to child car seat laws.
For example:
- In licensed taxis and minicabs, children under three years old may travel without a car seat or seat belt, but only in the rear seat.
- Children aged three years or older may travel in the rear seat without a child car seat if they wear an adult seat belt.
Another exception applies when there is no room for a third child car seat in the back of the vehicle because two child seats are already fitted.
In this situation:
- A child under three years old must use the correct child seat in the front seat.
- A child over three years old may sit in the back using an adult seat belt.
Penalties for Ignoring the Law
Failing to use the correct child car seat could result in serious consequences — both legally and in terms of safety.
If you are stopped by the police and your child is not properly restrained, you could receive an on-the-spot fine. If the case goes to court, fines can reach up to £500.
Although backless booster seats are now considered less safe than high-backed booster seats, you will not be fined for using an older existing model. The law only applies to newly manufactured seats sold after the regulation changes.
If you’re buying a new child car seat, always check for the orange approval label to ensure it meets current safety standards.
You may also find these guides useful:
Final Thoughts
Child car seat laws are designed to keep young passengers as safe as possible while travelling. Making sure your child is using the correct seat for their height and weight is one of the simplest ways to protect them on the road.
At Jamjar, we make valuing your car quick, easy, and hassle-free. By comparing offers from a trusted network of UK car buyers, you can get a competitive price without the stress of negotiating or haggling.
If you’re not quite at the stage yet of wanting to retrieve a valuation, check out our valuation guidance hub first for more info.
There are no hidden fees, no obligation to sell, and the entire process is completed 100% online. Whether your car is nearly new or well-used, Jamjar helps you value your car quickly and fairly — saving you both time and effort.