New booster seat rules coming into effect by 1 March 2017 will not affect existing booster seats and cushions, the Government has confirmed.
In a press release issued today (2 Feb), the Government adds that the new law doesn’t mean that existing seats and cushions are ‘unsafe or illegal’.
However, the release does say that the change to the technical standards means that going forward the range of products available on the market will be better suited for younger children.
In April 2016, it was widely reported in the media that laws surrounding booster seats were likely to change.
The new rules mean that manufacturers are no longer permitted to introduce new models of backless booster seats for children shorter than 125cm or weighing less than 22kg.
Existing UK law states that all children travelling in a car must use the correct car seat until they reach 12 years of age or 135cm in height. In some European countries the height limit is 150cm.
At present, despite a number of child car seat experts raising concerns over the issue, children weighing as little as 15kg – that’s around three years old – can travel in a backless booster seat.
The Government is also encouraging parents to make sure they know the rules for using child car seats.
For further advice and information about child car seats and the new regulations, contact one of Road Safety GB’s specialists in this area.
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