What is the law for booster seats?

In accordance with UK law, children must usually use a car seat or a booster seat until they are 12 years of age, or until they are 135 centimetres in height (approximately four feet, four inches tall). At this point, children are required to wear a seatbelt at all times when riding in the car.

Booster seats come in both backless and high-back designs, and you must select the appropriate option in line with your child's weight. Children between 15 and 36kg should ride in a high-back booster seat, however children above 22kg in weight may use a backless booster seat.

When can a child sit in the front seat with a booster seat?

Children above three years of age are legally allowed to sit in the front seat of a car, however, they must be in the correct child-safe seat in line with UK law.

Where possible, drivers should avoid placing children under 135 centimetres or age 12 in the front seat, even with the appropriate car seat or booster seat. If this is not possible, the passenger airbag is legally required to be deactivated to avoid unnecessary injury in the instance of a collision.

How tall does a child have to be to not use a booster seat?

Until a child reaches 135 centimetres, or they are 12 years of age or older, they are required by UK law to sit in a car seat or booster seat.

Your child may reach the required height prior to turning 12, or may be under this height by the time they reach the appropriate age to stop using a booster seat. In any case, once your child reaches either the height or age requirement, they may transition out of a booster seat and begin using an adult seatbelt.