Fact Sheet

The Current UK Law

·      The current UK law requires that all children must use the correct child seat until they are 12 years old or 135 cm in height (which ever comes first). 

·      Only EU-approved child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital ‘E’ in a circle.

·      Car seats are classified by a child’s weight (see chart below*). 
 

2017 change in car seat group classifications

On the 01st of March 2017, the Government are planning to re-classify the group classification from Group 2 to Group 3 for all newly developed booster seats. 

What does this mean?
This means that after this change in law any NEW booster seats being launched to the market place and seeking approval to be sold in the UK will be classified as a Group 3 not a Group 2 car seat. Group 2 car seats are suitable for children weighing from 15kg (this is the vast majority of children aged 4 years old and up). Group 3 car seats are suitable for children weighing 22kg (this is the vast majority of children aged 6 years old and up) or measuring over 125cm, which ever comes first. 

Existing booster seats will not be affected by new rules
However, if you already own a booster seat before this change in law which bears an R44/04 Group 2 label, then you will not need to replace it, it will still be 100% legal for these booster cushions to be used for children from 15kg and the parents will not be breaking the law by using them, even once the new regulations come in. Existing booster seats will continue to be sold with a Group 2 classification. The Group 3 classification will ONLY be applied to NEW booster seats that have been developed after the change in law has been passed, NOT existing booster seats. 

For more information about car seat laws and regulations you can visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-child-car-seat-rules-no-change-for-existing-booster-seats

When can a child travel without a car seat?

There are a few exceptions when a child aged 3+ can travel without a child car seat in some circumstances such as:

·      Taxis and minicabs (private hire vehicles), If the driver doesn’t provide the correct car seat, children can travel without one - but only if they travel on a rear seat:

·      Minibuses and coaches Minibus or coach drivers and companies don’t have to provide child car seats. Children can travel without a car seat or seat belt, if they’re not available.

·      Unexpected journeys, If the correct child seat isn’t available, a child aged 3 or older can use an adult seat belt if the journey is all of the following: unexpected, necessary, over a short distance.

·      No room for a third child seat if there are two occupied child car seats in the rear but not enough room to fit a third one, a child over 3 years can sit in the rear using the car's seat belt instead of a child car seat.

·      Vehicles without seat belts a child aged 3 or older can travel in a back seat without a car seat and without a seat belt if the vehicle doesn’t have one.
 

mifold can eradicate all these exemptions and empower parents and caregivers to prioritise in-car child safety. mifold is a Group 2/3 seat and can be used by children from the weight of 15kg which is approximately the age of 4 years old.

*Current Car Seat Group Classifications