Booster cushions
Backless booster seat law
From 9 February 2017, manufacturers could introduce new backless booster models only for children at least 125 cm tall and at least 22 kg. Existing approved group 2 cushions were not withdrawn by that change.
These rules apply in Great Britain.
Rules and figures checked on 10 September 2026.
The change was about new models
The Department for Transport confirmed that the technical rule took effect on 9 February 2017. It stopped manufacturers introducing a new cushion model for a child shorter than 125 cm or lighter than 22 kg.
The change did not ban existing approved group 2 models. An older cushion can still be used when its approval label says it is suitable for the child and it is fitted according to its instructions.
The general child seat boundary still applies
A child below 135 cm and under 12 still needs an appropriate child restraint unless a statutory exception applies. The 125 cm product threshold did not replace the 135 cm or 12 year legal boundary.
Common questions
- Did the 2017 rule ban old booster cushions?
- No. The Department for Transport said existing approved group 2 seats and cushions were unaffected and could still be used within their labelled limits.
- What limits apply to a new backless booster model?
- A manufacturer cannot introduce one for children shorter than 125 cm or weighing less than 22 kg. Both thresholds apply.
- When can a child use an adult seat belt?
- A child can use an adult seat belt from their 12th birthday or once they reach 135 cm tall, whichever happens first. The belt must be worn where one is fitted.
Related pages
- Child car seat law and seat checkerIn Great Britain, a child normally needs an approved child car seat until their 12th birthday or until they reach 135 cm, whichever happens first. The seat must match the child's height or weight and be fitted as its manufacturer directs.
- i-Size and R129 child car seatsGOV.UK identifies legal height based restraints by a capital E in a circle and R129 on the approval label. These seats are commonly called i-Size seats. They must remain rear facing until the child is over 15 months old.
- Rear facing child car seat lawA height based R129 seat must face the rear until the child is over 15 months old. A rear facing baby seat must never be placed in front of an active frontal airbag.
- Booster seat law by height and weightUnder ECE R44, group 2 covers 15 kg to 25 kg and group 3 covers 22 kg to 36 kg. Approved R129 boosters instead use the height range and any maximum weight printed on their label.
Sources
Each legal threshold and exception above comes from the linked government guidance.