AskThe Experts

Q

. I understand there has been a change in the law regarding booster seats, do

A

I need to get a new booster seat for my child?

. Children must normally use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 cm tall. You can choose a child car seat based on your child’s height or weight.

Height based seats are known as “i-size” seats. They must be rear facing until your child is over 15 months old. Your child can use a forward facing child seat when they are over 15 months old.

The type of seat that can be used when based on your child’s weight depends upon that.

For instance, for children 15 kg to 36 kg you can use either a high back booster or a booster cushion using a seat belt, harness, or safety shield. From February 9, 2017 new rules have come into force which means that manufacturers are not allowed to introduce new models of backless booster seats for children shorter than 125 cm or weighing less than 22 kg.

This change however does not affect existing models of seats or cushions although parents are still encouraged to make sure they know the rules when -using child seats.

Failure to comply with the regulations in respect of the child would render the driver liable to prosecution.

If you would like further advice, please contact Martin Newton at Hegarty Solicitors on 01733 295 628 or email martin.newton@ hegarty.co.uk.