What are the legal requirements for using booster seats for kids?

geek84

Hi Folks

I use a booster seat everytime my 9 year old son is in our car. Does anybody know up to what age I need to use these seats? Does it depend on the child's age, height, or weight?

Also, at what age can a child sit in the passenger seat? Do I have to use a booster sit in that case?

Thanks in advance for your response.

pitkin2020

Its height relevant IIRC

Try looking here

http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/law/fromseptember06faq.htm

Outpost

geek84 wrote: »

Also, at what age can a child sit in the passenger seat? Do I have to use a booster sit in that case?

No, just the child.

Paradigm

pitkin2020 wrote: »

Its height relevant IIRC

Try looking here

http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/law/fromseptember06faq.htm

So someone 4 feet tall & 11 years 6 months old needs a booster seat by law but the danger magically vanishes for someone 4 feet tall & 12 yo who suddenly doesn't need one?

Amazing!

135cm = 4feet 5inches.

oldagetraveller

Paradigm wrote: »

So someone 4 feet tall & 11 years 6 months old needs a booster seat by law but the danger magically vanishes for someone 4 feet tall & 12 yo who suddenly doesn't need one?

Amazing!

135cm = 4feet 5inches.

A line has to be drawn somewhere and yes it does seem a bit silly!
Similarly, someone aged 64 years and 364 days is less vulnerable to 'flu than someone aged 65 years and 1 day.:p

MX5huggy

geek84 wrote: »

Also, at what age can a child sit in the passenger seat? Do I have to use a booster sit in that case?

Thanks in advance for your response.

They have to sit in the passenger seat until 17 years then they can drive.

The serious answer is that they can sit in the front from any age but the same rules regarding boosters apply.

Paradigm

oldagetraveller wrote: »

A line has to be drawn somewhere and yes it does seem a bit silly!

Yes a line has to drawn but surely if it's considered dangerous to be in the front seat without a booster if under 135cm then that's the line, irrespective of age?

Do seatbelts work differently as you get older?

Having said that, the thought of a small 60yo needing a booster seat makes me chuckle a tad

creeping_jesus

I have a quick question, when I'm travelling alone, can I put my 2 yr old in his car seat in the front passenger seat, rather than in the back? It is a front facing one, as I know the rear facing ones in the front are illegal. I don't have an airbag infront of the passenger, just me.

MX5huggy

creeping_jesus wrote: »

I have a quick question, when I'm travelling alone, can I put my 2 yr old in his car seat in the front passenger seat, rather than in the back? It is a front facing one, as I know the rear facing ones in the front are illegal. I don't have an airbag infront of the passenger, just me.

Yes you can and the rear facing ones in the front are not illegal either.

wealdroam

creeping_jesus wrote: »

I have a quick question, when I'm travelling alone, can I put my 2 yr old in his car seat in the front passenger seat, rather than in the back?

No you can't, not when you are travelling alone.

However, when travelling with your two year old it's ok.

Moomum

Think the problem in the front with a small child in a car seat is the airbag